Queen’s Brian May says Aerosmith retirement announcement “brought a tear” to his eye 

5 August, 2024

Brian May of Queen and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith

Queen’s Brian May has responded to the news that Aerosmith would be retiring, explaining that the announcement “brought a tear” to his eye.

Taking to their social media channels on Friday (August 2), the American rock band confirmed that they had cancelled their ‘Peace Out’ farewell tour and retired from touring due to a vocal injury suffered by frontman Steven Tyler.

The tour kicked off last year, but the band only played three shows and rescheduled the rest of the dates after Tyler injured his larynx. They went on to confirm that they had “made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision” to bring the outfit to an end.

“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible,” the update read.

“Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history. It has been the honour of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives.”

Now, Queen guitarist and rock icon Brian May has shared his response to the news, and revealed to fans that he was left emotional after seeing the band’s statement.

Taking to Instagram just hours after Aerosmith shared the news, May posted a photo of the initial statement, and shared his own response in the caption.

“This has brought a tear to my eye. Aerosmith have been a huge part of my life, as they have been for millions of other rock fans. Steve Tyler stands as one the greatest vocalists and frontmen of all time – and it’s heartbreaking that his extraordinary voice has been so damaged. We all send our love and prayers for your recovery, Steve. It’s also typical of the pure class of the band that they have made and broadcast this bold decision in such style.”

He continued: “The career of Aerosmith is truly something to celebrate forever. All things must pass – but the inspiring work of Aerosmith will live on – along with the memories of truly one of the most awesome bands to ever hit a stage.”

Last May, Tyler surprised fans attending a Black Crowes concert, marking his first live performance since damaging his vocal cords last year. The rescheduled ‘Peace Out’ dates were set to begin on September 20 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Those who have tickets to the axed shows can find refunds available at the point of purchase.

Aerosmith’s last studio album arrived over a decade ago, when the band shared ‘Music From Another Dimension!’ in 2012. Steven Tyler’s last studio album arrived in 2016, in the form of a debut solo LP called ‘We’re All Somebody from Somewhere’.

As for other Brian May news, the legendary guitarist recently opened up about Freddie Mercury‘s last days, and reflected on how he “never ever saw” the frontman cry.

“He was very undramatic about it,” May shared, recalling working on their last songs together as the singer’s health worsened. “I never ever saw him cry or go you know self-pity. He never did that, he was like ‘Let’ just do it, lets keep doing stuff. Freddy was always inspiring. If he was here now, we’d be doing what we always do I’m sure.”

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