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List of Aerosmith members

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Aerosmith performing live in 2003 (top) and 2017 (bottom).

Aerosmith is an American hard rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in October 1970, the group originally included vocalist Steven Tyler, lead guitarist Joe Perry, rhythm guitarist Ray Tabano, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer, although Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford early the following year.[1] The band's lineup has remained constant for much of its tenure, save for a five-year period between 1979 and 1984. First, Perry left the band after a show on July 28, 1979, when a confrontation between his then-wife Elyssa and Hamilton's wife Terry led to an argument between the guitarist and Tyler, resulting in the former's departure.[2] After contributing to Night in the Ruts as a session guitarist, Jimmy Crespo was invited to replace Perry in Aerosmith in October 1979.[3] Whitford also left Aerosmith in 1981 to work on a solo project with former Ted Nugent singer Derek St. Holmes.[4] He was replaced by Rick Dufay, before both Perry and Whitford returned to the band in the spring of 1984.[5]

In addition to the band's regular five-piece lineup, Aerosmith has added several touring musicians since its inception. David Woodford performed saxophone on the band's 1973 self-titled album, and was added to its touring lineup for the subsequent promotional tour.[6] Similarly, keyboardist Scott Cushnie performed on 1975's Toys in the Attic and remained for the album's touring cycle.[7][8] Mark Radice briefly took on the role of touring keyboardist in early 1978,[9] followed by frequent collaborator Richard Supa in 1980, Bobby Mayo between 1982 and 1983,[10][11] and Clayton Bruce Ost in 1987.[12] Thom Gimbel joined as Aerosmith's first long-term keyboardist in 1989, remaining with the band until 1995.[13] He was replaced by Russ Irwin beginning with the Nine Lives Tour in 1997,[14] who toured with the band until he was replaced by Buck Johnson in 2014.[15] The 2012–2013 Global Warming Tour featured saxophonist Mindi Abair,[16] percussionist Jesse Sky Kramer (Joey's son) and backing vocalist Melanie Taylor.[17]

Official members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Steve-Tyler.jpg
Steven Tyler 1970–present
  • lead vocals
  • keyboards
  • harmonica
  • percussion
all Aerosmith releases
Aerosmithbajo.jpg
Tom Hamilton
  • bass
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
Joey Kramer 2013-10-01 001.jpg
Joey Kramer
  • drums
  • percussion
Joe Perry of Aerosmith 5 April 2013.jpg
Joe Perry
  • 1970–1979
  • 1984–present
  • lead and rhythm guitar
  • backing and lead vocals
all Aerosmith releases except Rock in a Hard Place (1982)
Tomhaerosmith.jpg
Brad Whitford
  • 1971–1981
  • 1984–present
rhythm and lead guitar all Aerosmith releases – one track session contribution on Rock in a Hard Place (1982)

Former members

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Ray Tabano 1970–1971 rhythm and lead guitar none
Jimmy Crespo 1979–1984
  • lead and rhythm guitar
  • backing and additional vocals
  • Session contribution to Night in the Ruts (1979) – one track only
  • Rock in a Hard Place (1982)
Rick Dufay 1981–1984 rhythm and lead guitar

Other contributors

[edit]

Session musicians

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Steve Hunter Guitar Player.JPG
Steve Hunter 1973–1974 lead guitar Get Your Wings (1974)[18]
Dick Wagner 1973–1974 (died 2014)
Michael Brecker Munich 2001.JPG
Michael Brecker 1973–1974 (died 2007) tenor saxophone
Randy Brecker Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2018 (222845).jpg
Randy Brecker 1973–1974 trumpet
Jon Pearson trombone
Stan Bronstein
  • 1973–1974
  • 1977
saxophones
[18][19]
Jay Messina 1975 bass marimba Toys in the Attic (1975)[20]
Mike Mainieri.jpg
Mike Mainieri conductor
Uncredited horn section
Paul Prestopino 1976, 1977
Rocks (1976), Draw the Line (1977)

[21][19]

Jack Douglas Unique Studio D dual 64 channel Neve 8068 with Flying Faders.jpg
Jack Douglas
  • 1976
  • 1977
  • 2011–2012
  • backing vocals
  • mandolin
  • percussion
  • keyboards
  • synthesizer
  • organ
  • piano
[21][19][22][23]
Karen Lawrence 1977 backing vocals Draw the Line (1977)[19]
Mary Weiss 1979 Night in the Ruts (1979)[24]
George Young alto saxophone
Louis del Gatto baritone saxophone
Lou Marini.JPG
Lou Marini tenor saxophone
Barry Rogers 1979 (died 1991) trombone
Neil Thompson 1979 guitar
Paul Harris 1981–1982 piano Rock in a Hard Place (1982)[22]
John Turi saxophone
Reinhard Straub violin
John Lievano acoustic guitar
Drew Arnott 1987 mellotron Permanent Vacation (1987)[25]
Ian Putz baritone saxophone
Henry Christian trumpet
Scott Fairbairn cello
Mike Fraser plunger mute
Morgan Rael steel drums
Jim Vallance organ
Christine Arnott backing vocals
Bob Rogers
  • 1987
  • 1992
trombone
  • Permanent Vacation (1987)
  • Get a Grip (1993)
[25][26]
Tom Keenlyside
  • 1987
  • 1989
  • 1992
  • clarinet
  • saxophones
  • horn arrangements
  • Permanent Vacation (1987)
  • Pump (1989)
  • Get a Grip (1993)
[25][27][26]
Bruce Fairbairn
  • 1987
  • 1989
  • 1992
(died 1999)
  • trumpet
  • cello
  • backing vocals
Bob Dowd 1989 backing vocals Pump (1989)[27]
Catherine Epps voice
Founders_of_the_Rainforest_World_Music_Festival.JPG
Randy Raine-Reusch
Henry Christian
  • brass instruments
  • saxophones
Ian Putz
  • 1989
  • 1992
  • Pump (1989)
  • Get a Grip (1993)
[27][26]
John Webster
  • 1989
  • 1992
  • 1996
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
[27][26][28]
Desmond Child at Lincoln Center's "American Songbook" (cropped).jpg
Desmond Child
  • 1992
  • 2011–2012
  • keyboards
  • piano
  • Get a Grip (1993)
  • Music from Another Dimension! (2012)

[26][23]

Paul Baron 1992 trumpet Get a Grip (1993)[26]
Don Henley 2000.jpg
Don Henley backing vocals
Lenny Kravitz (Brasilia, 2005).jpeg
Lenny Kravitz
Sandy Kanaeholo log drums
Melvin Liufau
Wesey Mamea
Liainaiala Tagaloa
Mapuhi T. Tekurio
Aladd Alationa Teofilo
David_Campbell_Conducting.jpg
David Campbell
  • 1992
  • 1996
  • 2000
  • arrangements
  • conductor
[26][28][29]
Ramesh Mishra 1996 sarangi Nine Lives (1997)[28]
Suzie Katayama
  • strings
  • conductor
PSanto.jpg
Paul Santo
  • 2000
  • 2003
  • 2011–2012
  • keyboards
  • Kurzweil
  • Hammond organ
  • piano
  • electric piano
  • organ
  • Just Push Play (2001)
  • Honkin' on Bobo (2004)
  • Music from Another Dimension! (2012)
[29][30][23]
Tower of Power 2000 horns Just Push Play (2001)[29]
Dan Higgins
  • clarinet
  • saxophone
Chelsea Tyler backing vocals
Paul Caruso 2000 (died 2006) loop programming
LivTylerLOTR03.jpg
Liv Tyler 2000 whispering
Tony Perry scratching
Jim Cox piano
JohnnieJohnson1996.jpg
Johnnie Johnson 2003 (died 2005) Honkin' on Bobo (2004)[30]
Tracy Bonham.jpg
Tracy Bonham 2003 vocals
The Memphis Horns brass
Julian_Lennon.png
Julian Lennon 2011–2012 backing vocals Music from Another Dimension! (2012)[23]
Sharlotte Gibson
Laura Jones
Mia Tyler
Johnny Depp Deauville 2019.jpg
Johnny Depp
Bruce Witkin
Warren Huart
Marti Frederiksen.jpeg
Marti Frederiksen
  • backing vocals
  • keyboards and guitar synthesizer
Tom Scott cropped.jpg
Tom Scott tenor saxophone
Jessy J2009.png
Jessy J
John Mitchell baritone saxophone
Bill Reichenbach Jr. trombone
Gary Grant trumpet
Larry Hall
191125_Carrie_Underwood_at_the_2019_American_Music_Awards.png
Carrie Underwood vocals
Rudolph Tanzi.jpg
Dr. Rudy Tanzi Hammond organ
Jesse Kotansky violin
Daphne Chen
Eric Gorfain
Lauren Chipman viola
Richard_Dodd,_Abbey_Road_Studios.jpg
Richard Dodd cello
Zac Rae
  • piano
  • synthesizer
  • electric piano
Daniel J. Coe synthesizer
Dan Potruch percussion

Touring musicians

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
David Woodford 1972–1973 saxophone
[31][32]
Ray Colcord 1973–1974 (died 2016) keyboards Get Your Wings (1974) – three tracks only[18]
Scott Cushnie
  • 1975
  • 1977
  • keyboards
  • piano
[20][19]
Mark_Radice_2020_LIVE_GIG.jpg
Mark Radice 1978
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
[32]
Richard Supa 1980
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
  • additional guitars (sessions only)
  • Night in the Ruts (1979) – two tracks only
  • Get a Grip (1993) – one track only
[24][26]
Bobby Mayo 1982–1983 (died 2004)
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
none
Clayton Bruce Ost 1987–1988 keyboards
Thom Gimbel 2009.jpg
Thom Gimbel 1989–1995
  • keyboards
  • saxophone
  • percussion
  • backing vocals
A Little South of Sanity (1998)[33]
Russ Irwin.png
Russ Irwin 1997–2014
  • keyboards
  • piano
  • percussion
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
[33][34][23]
Jesse Sky Kramer
  • 2005 (substitute)
  • 2012–2013
  • 2014 (substitute)
  • percussion
  • additional drums (session only)
  • drums (substitute only)
  • Music from Another Dimension! (2012) – one track only
  • Kramer has also substituted for his father at shows in 2005 and 2014 due to surgery recovery and illness.[35][36]
[23]
Mindi Abair - Jazz Alley - Seattle - 2011.jpg
Mindi Abair 2012 saxophone none
Melanie Taylor backing vocals Music from Another Dimension! (2012) – two tracks only[23]
Buck_Johnson_Headshot.jpg
Buck Johnson 2014–2024
  • keyboards
  • piano
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 (2015)[37]

Live substitutes

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Notes
David Minehan 1994 guitar Minehan substituted for Whitford, who was grieving a family member's death, on a Japanese tour in 1994.[38]
David Hull
  • 2006
  • 2009
  • 2013
bass Hull substituted for Hamilton at shows in 2006, 2009 and 2013 due to illness and cancer treatment.[39][40][41]
Soundwave_Slash_(5508227595).jpg
Bobby Schneck 2009 guitar Schneck substituted for Whitford, who was recovering from surgery, at shows in June and July 2009.[42]
John Douglas
  • 2019–2020
  • 2022–2024
drums Douglas substituted for Kramer during the band's Las Vegas residency in 2019, while Kramer was injured.[43]

Timeline

[edit]

Lineups

[edit]
Period Members Studio releases
October 1970 – April 1971 none
April 1971 – June 1979
  • Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, percussion
  • Joe Perry – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Tom Hamilton – bass
  • Joey Kramer – drums, percussion
  • Brad Whitford – rhythm and lead guitar
July 1979 – July 1981
  • Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, percussion, keyboards
  • Tom Hamilton – bass
  • Joey Kramer – drums, percussion
  • Brad Whitford – rhythm and lead guitar
  • Jimmy Crespo – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
none
July 1981 – May 1984
  • Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, percussion, keyboards
  • Tom Hamilton – bass
  • Joey Kramer – drums, percussion
  • Jimmy Crespo – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Rick Dufay – rhythm and lead guitar
May 1984 – present
  • Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, percussion, keyboards
  • Tom Hamilton – bass
  • Joey Kramer – drums, percussion
  • Brad Whitford – rhythm and lead guitar
  • Joe Perry – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bienstock, Richard (September 1, 2011), Aerosmith: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Boston Bad Boys, Minneapolis, Minnesota: Voyageur Press, ISBN 978-0760341063, retrieved November 17, 2017

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Aerosmith: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  2. ^ Giles, Jeff (July 28, 2015). "The Day Joe Perry Quit Aerosmith". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  3. ^ Bienstock 2011, p. 96
  4. ^ Prato, Greg. "Brad Whitford: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  5. ^ Christopher, Michael (December 1, 2016). "How Aerosmith Survived the '80s". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  6. ^ Fricke, David (April 27, 2011). "Talk This Way: Rolling Stone's 1994 Interview With Aerosmith's Steven Tyler". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  7. ^ Rockingham, Graham (January 31, 2014). "Professor Piano moves to the Hammer". The Hamilton Spectator. Metroland Media Group. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  8. ^ Bienstock 2011, p. 29
  9. ^ Bienstock 2011, p. 82
  10. ^ Bienstock 2011, p. 107
  11. ^ Newton, Steve (January 20, 2013). "Aerosmith without Joe Perry: remembering Rock in a Hard Place". The Georgia Straight. Vancouver Free Press. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  12. ^ "1987-10-20 – Aerosmith". Aardvark's Aattic. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  13. ^ Joles, Christopher (February 4, 2014). "One on One with Thom Gimbel of Foreigner". Maine Music News. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  14. ^ Pesce, Nicole Lyn (July 22, 2012). "Aerosmith backup singer Russ Irwin records second solo album 'Get Me Home'". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  15. ^ Harvey, Alec (July 8, 2016). "Touring with Aerosmith, new solo CD have Alabama's Buck Johnson living rock-star dream". Alabama NewsCenter. Southern Company. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  16. ^ Wood, James (June 4, 2013). "Interview: Mindi Abair Talks Touring with Aerosmith, Jazz and 'Summer Horns'". Guitar World. NewBay Media. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  17. ^ "05/30/16 Melanie Taylor – Vocalist with Bette Midler, John Mayer, Barry Manilow, Aerosmith". EnterTalk Radio. May 30, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  18. ^ a b c Get Your Wings (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1974. KC 32847.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ a b c d e Draw the Line (liner notes). Aerosmith. CBS Records. 1977. 82147.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ a b Toys in the Attic (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1975. PC 33479.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ a b "Rocks" (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1976. PC 34165.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ a b Rock in a Hard Place (liner notes). Aerosmith. CBS Records. 1982. 85931.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ a b c d e f g Music from Another Dimension! (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 2012. 88725 44281 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ^ a b Night in the Ruts (liner notes). Aerosmith. CBS Records. 1979. 83680.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ^ a b c Permanent Vacation (liner notes). Aerosmith. Geffen Records. 1987. 9 24162-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h Get a Grip (liner notes). Aerosmith. Geffen Records. 1993. GEFD-24455.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  27. ^ a b c d Pump (liner notes). Aerosmith. Geffen Records. 1989. 9 24254-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  28. ^ a b c Nine Lives (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1997. COL 485020 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ a b c Just Push Play (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 2001. 501535 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. ^ a b Honkin' on Bobo (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 2004. 515447 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  31. ^ Aerosmith (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1973. KC 32005.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ a b Live! Bootleg (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 1978. 35564.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  33. ^ a b A Little South of Sanity (liner notes). Aerosmith. Geffen Records. 1998. GEFD2-25221.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. ^ Rockin' the Joint (liner notes). Aerosmith. Columbia Records. 2005. 82876 72422 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  35. ^ "Aerosmith: Joey Kramer And Son To Perform On Upcoming Tour". Blabbermouth.net. October 21, 2005. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  36. ^ "Aerosmith Drummer's Son Fills In For His Father Following Joey Kramer's Health Scare (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. August 19, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  37. ^ Rocks Donington 2014 (liner notes). Aerosmith. Eagle Vision. 2015. ERDVLP087.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ^ Goodison, Donna L. (August 30, 1999). "Dave's new neighborhood". Boston Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  39. ^ "Aerosmith Bassist To Sit Out 'A Few Gigs' On 'The Route Of All Evil' Tour". Blabbermouth.net. August 24, 2006. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  40. ^ "Aerosmith Bassist Forced To Sit Out Shows". Blabbermouth.net. July 14, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  41. ^ "Aerosmith Bassist Forced To Sit Out Remaining Shows On Australian Tour". Blabbermouth.net. April 29, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  42. ^ "Aerosmith's Whitford To Sit Out Part Of Tour; Temporary Replacement Announced". Blabbermouth.net. June 8, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  43. ^ "Aerosmith Drummer Sues Band for Excluding Him Ahead of Grammys". Rolling Stone. January 21, 2020.