Aerosmith

My Next Overcoming the Odds Article is not on a Person but rather a Band.  Most of everybody who is aware of Pop Culture has heard the Name Aerosmith.  Along with Kiss and Led Zeppelin, they are one of my top three Favorite bands.  Although they started to get a little too commercial in the late 90s, their influence on me is still prevalent today.  Their Musical Style, which is blues-based Hard Rock has incorporated various styles over the years including Heavy Metal, Pop, Alternative, Soul and Rhythm and Blues.  In addition, they continue influencing succeeding generations.  However, Aerosmith's ride has not always been a smooth one.  The Bands History which spans over 40 years has many elements of Drug Abuse, Alcohol, Band Member Breakups, Fights, Financial Ruin, Divorce and much more.  In the 1970s, Aerosmith became a Household Name among the Rock Scene.  "Sweet Emotion" and "Dream On" were being played on Radios Coast to Coast.  However, behind the scenes, the Drug Abuse and Fighting began to take over.  Eventually, Guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford woud leave the band to pursue Solo Projects.  After their departure, Aerosmith not only experienced declining Popularity but various personal problems.  Steven Tyler's Drug Abuse began to take over his life and he eventually Passed out on Stage.  Of course, Everyone in the band including the Former Members at the time Joe Perry and Brad Whitford were abusing.  In addition, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's Marriages would come to an end.  However, people in the Music Business wanted to put the band back together for future Success.  They did when Aerosmith Reunited and then performed a Rock/Rap Version of "Walk This Way" with Run DMC introducing the Band to a New Generation and Different Audiences.  Back in the spotlight, the members of Aerosmith focused on Cleaning up the Drugs and Alcohol and most would for a short period of time.  Nevertheless, they produced Successful Albums in the late 1980s and 1993's "Get A Grip" made them Superstars and proved they could Survive the Test of Time.  On into the late 90s, they had Superhit with "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing".  Not my favorite song but proved they could last.  Aerosmith's success continued with Tourings and Recordings into the 21st  Century.  However, there were still problems.  Tensions among the Band Members that were prevalent 30 years earlier were still there.  Joe Perry and Steven Tyler had different views about the Direction of the Band and had Sparring Words in the Media towards each other.  One accusation even implied Steven Tyler was leaving the band.  In addition, addictions would reappear among members.  Drummer Joey Kramer entered rehabilitation again in the 90s.  Steven Tyler went to rehab again in 2009 for abuse of prescription meds.  Nevertheless, the Members did not Break up and persevered and produced another album in 2012 and are still Touring Today.

Aerosmith is about Overcoming the Odds of Life Whether Addictions, Personal Turmoil or the Threat of Staying Relevant in Changing Times.  While I dont like some of their commercial moves of the past 10 years (ex. Jamming with NSYNC and Britney Spears at Super Bowl), I still honor them as one of my Favorites and one of the Forerunners of Hard Rock.  I enjoyed seeing them in 2012 with Cheap Trick.  I wouldnt mind seeing them one more time before they retire.  Still hate I missed their Double tour with Kiss in 2003 Oh Well!!

 Walk This Way!!!