Entertainment · Music · 1 hr ago
Aerosmith Returns to the Stage With Dave Grohl on Drums
Aerosmith returned to live performance on Thursday at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, its first show in nearly three years.
The band had stopped touring after singer Steven Tyler injured his voice in 2023, then retired from touring as his recovery continued.
Dave Grohl played drums for the first five songs of Aerosmith's six-song set, and original drummer Joey Kramer joined for the final song, “Walk This Way.”
Johnny Depp also played guitar on “The Train Kept A-Rollin’.”
The concert brought together Aerosmith and guest performers, including Guns N’ Roses, Heart, the Black Crowes, Sammy Hagar and Billy Idol, who played Aerosmith songs before the headlining set.
The return matters because Tyler’s injury had led the band to cancel its planned farewell tour and announce its retirement from touring.
A second California, Dream On show is scheduled for Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl.
Aerosmith returned to the stage on Thursday at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for their first concert in three years.
Dave Grohl played drums for the first five songs of the band’s six-song set, and original drummer Joey Kramer joined for the final song.
Johnny Depp joined the band on guitar for “The Train Kept A-Rollin’.”
The concert, billed as “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” also featured performances of Aerosmith songs by Guns N’ Roses, the Black Crowes and other guests.
A second “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends” show was scheduled for November 1 at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Who
- Aerosmith performed with Dave Grohl on drums, Joey Kramer and John Douglas on drums for the final song, and Johnny Depp on guitar for one song.
- What
- The band returned to the stage for a six-song set, its first concert in three years.
- When
- Thursday night, October 29, 2026.
- Where
- The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.
- Why
- The event celebrated Aerosmith’s music; the sources do not state a more specific reason for the reunion.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury, and Aerosmith stopped their planned farewell tour after a few shows.
Aerosmith canceled plans to make up the tour, citing Tyler’s slow recovery, and announced their retirement from touring.
Aerosmith played their first concert in three years at the Hollywood Bowl.
Another “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends” show was scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Venue
- Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
- Aerosmith set
- Six songs
- Dave Grohl
- Played drums on the first five songs
- Final song
- Walk This Way,” with Joey Kramer and John Douglas on drums
- Johnny Depp
- Joined on guitar for “The Train Kept A-Rollin’
- Next show
- November 1, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl
6 sources
Aerosmith Joined by Dave Grohl and Johnny Depp at Hollywood Bowl for First Show in Three Years, as GNR and Black Crowes Open With Tribute Sets: Concert Review
Watch Aerosmith Play With Dave Grohl + Johnny Depp in L.A.
Aerosmith, with Dave Grohl on Drums, Play First Show in Three Years: Photos, Video + Setlist
Aerosmith Reunite Alongside Dave Grohl & Johnny Depp, Get Covered By Guns N’ Roses
What people are saying
I get a phone call. He goes 'Steven. The Bowl. I've got to get in,' I said, 'David, do you want to play the drums for Aerosmith?' And he goes, 'No, I want to roadie.'
Before we say goodnight, I just want to say what a ride it’s been with my brothers — Joe, Tom, Brad and Joey,. Fifty-five fucking years, and we’re the same fucking band that started fifty-five and a half years ago.