Joey Kramer Sitting Out Aerosmith’s Vegas Residency

Joey Kramer will be sitting out Aerosmith's upcoming Las Vegas residency at Park MGM's Dolby Live kicking off this June.

Per USA Today, Kramer "...regrettably made the decision to sit out the band's concerts in 2022 so he can focus his full attention on his family during these uncertain times." Filling in for Kramer will be John Douglas, with the band further noting Kramer not taking part in the residency is only a "temporary leave of absence."

Relations between Kramer and Aerosmith have been complicated for the past few years. In January 2020, Kramer filed a lawsuit against the band accusing them of not letting him back into the band after he recovered from injuries in the spring of 2019. Around the time of the lawsuit, Aerosmith were being honored as MusiCares' Person of the Year and were receiving Grammy Lifetime Achievement honors.

Kramer alleged that once he recovered from his injuries, he was forced to audition "to prove he was able to play at an appropriate level" before rejoining Aerosmith on stage. The audition consisted of a number of recorded solo rehearsals with a click track, not with the band, and then the band would listen back to the recordings to determine whether he would be allowed back in the band. Kramer says no other bandmember has had to go through an audition process like this in the history of the band, despite each member having to step away from the band at some point during their five decades together.

Despite the very messy back-and-forth, Kramer would rejoin the band in February 2020.

Aerosmith: Whether you refer to them as "The Bad Boys from Boston," "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band" or both, we can all agree that the rock genre wouldn't be the same without them.

Their catalog is loaded with hits and timeless classics and their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career is one that bands only dream of.

Sadly, Aerosmith was forced to cancel their farewell tour and retire from touring due to Steven Tyler being unable to fully recover from a vocal injury that initially postponed the farewell tour.

The band issued a statement that reads as follows:

"It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history. 

It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours.  In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives. 

We’ve always wanted to blow your mind when performing.  As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other.  He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury.  We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision - as a band of brothers - to retire from the touring stage.

We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time. Grateful to our expert crew, our incredible team and the thousands of talented people who’ve made our historic runs possible. A final thank you to you - the best fans on planet Earth.  Play our music loud, now and always.  Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true."

To celebrate the wonder that is Aerosmith, here are their top 50 greatest songs.