Aerosmith Rocks Star-Studded Comeback Show at Hollywood Bowl

Aerosmith took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 29, 2026 for its first complete concert since the band stepped away from touring in 2024. The show, billed as “California Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” also marked drummer Joey Kramer’s first appearance with the group since February 2020.

• The event was the first of two Hollywood Bowl concerts, with the second set for November 1, 2026.
• Aerosmith’s last full show before this one took place in Elmont, New York on September 9, 2023, during the “Peace Out… Farewell Tour.”
• Kramer, 76, last played with the band on February 15, 2020 at the “Deuces Are Wild” residency at Park MGM in Las Vegas.
• Comedian Bill Burr hosted the night, backed by a house band that included Don Was, Nuno Bettencourt, Kenny Aronoff, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt and Mike Inez.

Joey Kramer’s Return to the Kit

Kramer took his place behind the drums for the night’s closer, “Walk This Way,” sharing the duty with his longtime drum tech John Douglas, who has stepped in for him on past tours. His appearance closed out a more than six-year gap since he had last performed with his Aerosmith bandmates.

Before launching into that final song, Steven Tyler addressed the crowd and credited the band’s endurance. “Before we say goodnight, I just want to say what a ride it’s been with my brothers, Joe, Tom, Brad and Joey,” he said. “Fifty-five fucking years, and we’re the same fucking band that started fifty-five and a half years ago.”

Dave Grohl Steps In Behind the Drums

For the first five songs of Aerosmith’s six-song set, Dave Grohl handled drumming duties alongside Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton. Tyler told the audience that Grohl pushed his way onto the bill himself, recounting a phone call in which Grohl insisted on taking part.

According to Tyler, when he asked whether Grohl wanted to play drums for Aerosmith, Grohl answered, “No, I want to roadie.” Guitarist Johnny Depp also joined the band onstage for “The Train Kept A-Rollin’.”

Aerosmith’s Hollywood Bowl Setlist

1. Toys in the Attic (with Dave Grohl on drums)
2. Back in the Saddle (with Dave Grohl on drums)
3. Sweet Emotion (with Dave Grohl on drums)
4. Dream On (with Dave Grohl on drums)
5. The Train Kept A-Rollin’ (with Dave Grohl on drums, Johnny Depp on guitar)
6. Walk This Way (with Joey Kramer and John Douglas on drums)

Guns N’ Roses Covers Aerosmith Live for the First Time

Among the night’s guest acts, Guns N’ Roses performed a five-song set that included three Aerosmith songs the band had never covered live before: “Nobody’s Fault,” “Last Child” and “Seasons of Wither.” The set then shifted into two of the band’s own songs, “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City.”

Axl Rose spoke to the crowd after the Aerosmith covers, saying, “We’re honored to be here. That was really special. To all of us and to each of us in their own way.”

Other performers throughout the evening included Sully Erna of Godsmack, Warren Haynes, Billy Idol with Steve Stevens, Sammy Hagar, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Eric Church and The Black Crowes, each covering songs from the Aerosmith catalog before Aerosmith itself closed the show.

Second Hollywood Bowl Show Coming November 1

Aerosmith and its lineup of guest performers are scheduled to return to the Hollywood Bowl for a second “California Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends” show on November 1, 2026.

More Info

• Watch: AEROSMITH Reunites With Drummer JOEY KRAMER For First Of Two Hollywood Bowl Concerts | Blabbermouth
• Guns N’ Roses Ignites the Hollywood Bowl at Aerosmith Event: Vide | Ultimate Classic Rock
• Guns N’ Roses Cover 3 Aerosmith Songs for First Time – Setlist | Loudwire
• Aerosmith & Friends at the Hollywood Bowl – the full setlist from a historic night in Tinseltown | Louder / Classic Rock
• Aerosmith return at the Hollywood Bowl for first time since 2023: Heres their setlist in full | Far Out Magazine