Aerosmith has announced two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, its first live shows since the band's 2024 retirement from touring. The performances, billed as "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends," are scheduled for October 29 and November 1, 2026, according to the event details confirmed by Rolling Stone Germany and the music outlet uDiscover Music.
What was announced
Each night will pair Aerosmith with a rotating roster of guest musicians rather than a standard headline set. Don Was is serving as music director for the shows, per uDiscover Music. Confirmed guests across both nights include The Black Crowes, Run-DMC, Heart, Billy Idol, Eric Church, Slash, Duff McKagan, Sammy Hagar, Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, Nuno Bettencourt, Pat Monahan, Sully Erna, Chad Smith, Steve Stevens, Marcus King, Adam Wakeman, Audley Freed and Kenny Aronoff. Both uDiscover Music and Loudwire reported that the lineup will vary from night to night, with full rosters and possible surprise appearances confirmed closer to showtime.
Ticket sales follow a staged rollout: a Citi cardmember presale ran October 8–9, 2026, and general public sales opened October 10 at 10 a.m. PT through the band's official site, according to uDiscover Music and Loudwire. VIP packages were also offered, including lounge access and a limited-edition jacket.
Why Aerosmith stopped touring
The band's absence traces back to its "Peace Out: The Farewell Tour." According to Loudwire, Aerosmith played its last show on September 9, 2023, before frontman Steven Tyler suffered a vocal cord injury that forced the remaining 2023 dates to be postponed.
The band initially tried to reschedule, announcing new tour dates in spring 2024. But later in 2024, Aerosmith said a full recovery from Tyler's vocal injury was not possible and cancelled the rest of the farewell tour, effectively retiring from touring, according to Rolling Stone Germany's account of the band's statement. Bassist Tom Hamilton said at the time, as quoted by Loudwire: "The future is still out there and I imagine we'll figure out a way to be part of it."
What the band did during the break
- Guitarist Joe Perry continued performing with his side project, the Joe Perry Project, per Rolling Stone Germany.
- Bassist Tom Hamilton toured and recorded with the band Close Enemies, per Rolling Stone Germany.
- In November 2025, Aerosmith collaborated with musician Yungblud on an EP titled "One More Time," per Rolling Stone Germany.
- Steven Tyler made other live appearances in 2025, including collaborative performances, according to Loudwire.
What is still unknown
None of the sources reviewed describe the Hollywood Bowl shows as the start of a full tour. Loudwire frames the two concerts as the band's first performances since its 2024 retirement announcement and notes they could open the door to further activity, without confirming any additional dates. It is not yet publicly stated whether Tyler's voice has fully recovered or whether Aerosmith plans further live shows beyond these two nights.
Questions
- When are Aerosmith's comeback concerts?
- The two shows, called "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends," are scheduled for October 29 and November 1, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
- Why did Aerosmith stop touring in the first place?
- Frontman Steven Tyler suffered a vocal cord injury in September 2023 during the band's farewell tour. Attempts to reschedule failed, and later in 2024 the band announced that a full recovery was not possible and cancelled the remaining dates.
- Is this a full tour or just two shows?
- Based on the announcements reviewed, it is two concerts only, each featuring a rotating lineup of guest artists; no additional tour dates have been confirmed.
- Who is performing with Aerosmith at the Hollywood Bowl?
- Announced guests include The Black Crowes, Run-DMC, Heart, Billy Idol, Eric Church, Slash, Duff McKagan, Sammy Hagar, Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell and others, with the exact lineup varying by night.
- When do tickets go on sale?
- A Citi cardmember presale took place October 8–9, 2026, with general public sales opening October 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. PT.
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