The Ultimate Mystery Of The Rise And Fall Of Aerosmiths Steve Tyler Come With Me Friday As A Turning Point Revealed
The turbulent trajectory of Aerosmith, particularly the rollercoaster ride experienced by its iconic frontman Steven Tyler, has captivated audiences for decades. From meteoric rise to internal strife and periods of near-collapse, the band's story is a testament to the intoxicating power of rock and roll and its inherent fragility. This article delves into the complex dynamics of Aerosmith, exploring how the song "Come Together" and the subsequent Friday morning recording session became a pivotal moment, revealing the cracks in the band's foundation and foreshadowing the challenges that would ultimately define their journey.
The Toxic Twins and Early Success
Aerosmith, formed in 1970 in Sunapee, New Hampshire, quickly distinguished itself with its blues-infused hard rock sound, heavily influenced by the Rolling Stones. The dynamic between Steven Tyler, the charismatic and flamboyant lead singer, and Joe Perry, the guitar virtuoso with a penchant for bluesy riffs, became the defining characteristic of the band. They were dubbed the "Toxic Twins" for their shared appetite for drugs and alcohol, a lifestyle that fueled their creativity but also sowed the seeds of future conflict.
Their early albums, including "Aerosmith" (1973), "Get Your Wings" (1974), and "Toys in the Attic" (1975), established them as a major force in the rock scene. "Toys in the Attic," in particular, was a breakthrough album, spawning hits like "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," cementing their status as rock icons. "Dream On," initially released in 1973, gained renewed popularity after the success of "Toys in the Attic," becoming an anthem for aspiring musicians.
However, the relentless touring and substance abuse began to take their toll. The band's internal dynamics became increasingly strained, with tensions simmering beneath the surface. The "Toxic Twins" were often at the center of the conflict, their volatile relationship impacting the entire group.
"Come Together": A Cover Song and a Turning Point
In 1978, Aerosmith embarked on recording a cover of The Beatles' "Come Together" for the soundtrack of the film "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club." While seemingly a simple project, the recording session, specifically the Friday morning session, proved to be a critical juncture in the band's history.
According to accounts from band members and those involved in the recording, the Friday morning session was fraught with tension. The band was struggling with internal conflicts, exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse. The atmosphere in the studio was reportedly hostile, with arguments and disagreements erupting frequently.
"We were all messed up, to be honest," Joe Perry later recalled in his autobiography, "Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith." "The drugs were definitely taking a toll, and we were fighting constantly. 'Come Together' was just another battleground."
The choice of "Come Together" itself can be interpreted as symbolic. The song, originally a call for unity and togetherness, was being recorded by a band on the verge of disintegration. The irony was not lost on those present during the recording.
The Friday morning session highlighted the growing divide between Tyler and Perry, the two creative forces at the heart of Aerosmith. Their differing musical visions and personal struggles were becoming increasingly apparent, foreshadowing the eventual split that would rock the band.
The Decline and Fall: Substance Abuse and Internal Strife
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a period of decline for Aerosmith. The band's excessive lifestyle took a heavy toll, impacting their performances, songwriting, and overall cohesion. Albums like "Night in the Ruts" (1979) failed to recapture the magic of their earlier work.
The "Toxic Twins" were spiraling out of control. Their drug and alcohol abuse became increasingly public, leading to erratic behavior and missed performances. The band's reputation suffered, and their fan base began to dwindle.
In 1979, Joe Perry officially left Aerosmith to pursue a solo career. The departure of one of the band's key songwriters and guitarists was a major blow. Brad Whitford, another guitarist, also left the band shortly after, further weakening Aerosmith's musical foundation.
Tyler attempted to keep Aerosmith afloat, recruiting new members and continuing to tour. However, the band's performances lacked the energy and spark of their earlier years. The absence of Perry and Whitford was keenly felt by fans and critics alike.
The early 1980s were a dark period for Aerosmith. The band was struggling to stay relevant, and their future looked uncertain. The "Toxic Twins," once the driving force behind their success, were now seen as the architects of their downfall.
The Reunion and the Second Act
Despite the challenges and setbacks, Aerosmith refused to give up. In 1984, the original members, including Tyler and Perry, reunited. The reunion was a gamble, but it proved to be a turning point in the band's history.
The reunited Aerosmith embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program, battling their addictions and working to rebuild their fractured relationships. The process was not easy, but the band was determined to overcome their demons and reclaim their place in the rock world.
Their comeback album, "Permanent Vacation" (1987), marked a significant shift in their sound, incorporating elements of pop and contemporary rock. The album was a commercial success, spawning hits like "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" and "Angel," reintroducing Aerosmith to a new generation of fans.
"Pump" (1989) and "Get a Grip" (1993) further solidified their comeback, cementing their status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Aerosmith had successfully reinvented themselves, proving that they were more than just a nostalgia act.
The Legacy and Enduring Appeal
Aerosmith's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of rock and roll. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the band has persevered, continuing to tour and record music for over five decades.
The band's music has resonated with generations of fans, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the sound of rock and roll. Their iconic songs, including "Dream On," "Sweet Emotion," "Walk This Way," and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," have become staples of classic rock radio, ensuring their place in music history.
The "Come Together" recording session, while seemingly a minor event in their discography, serves as a stark reminder of the internal struggles that plagued Aerosmith during their turbulent years. It highlights the fragility of even the most successful bands and the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining a healthy working relationship.
Aerosmith's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of personal responsibility. It is also a story of redemption, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. The story of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith is a testament to the power of music and the enduring appeal of rock and roll. The Friday morning "Come Together" session was a turning point, a moment where the cracks in the foundation became undeniably visible, paving the way for both their near destruction and eventual triumphant return.
