Op-Ed: When Is It Time for a Band to Hang It Up?

Father Time is undefeated. This is true in sports, but these days, we're reminded that it's true in music, too. You don't have to be a rockstar or famous athlete to understand this. You can't do everything you did when you were a teenager or in your 20s when you're in your 50s. As the aging process takes hold, things change.

For some of us, our athletic or performing careers ended when we finished high school. Some of us could perform at a high enough level to keep going for a few more years. There are the lucky few that made a career out of it. But today, we have generations of rockers who play large venues and charge enormous prices for tickets, and they are in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. This leads me to my question: Is there a certain point when it's time for a band to hang it up?

Aerosmith is currently on their "Peace Out" farewell tour. They're celebrating 50 years as a band and looking to send their fans off with one last awesome show. It's a valiant idea. They're giving the fans a "thanks for the memories" blowout. And they're making a good amount of money off it, of course. But singer Steven Tyler is 75. The power in his voice from 1973 to the early 2000's was always incredible. Unfortunately, you can't scream-sing every few nights at 75 years old. To hammer home this point, ten days after the tour kicked off, Aerosmith has postponed their upcoming shows because Steven injured his vocal cords during their show in Long Island. Doctors told him that he needed to rest them for 30 days. The chances that this is a 1x issue seem slim, but issues should always be expected when touring the country at 75.

On the flip side, The Rolling Stones just announced a new album and released a new song. Do they plan on touring? Probably. Mick is 80, but he doesn't scream the way Steven does. He's had his issues in the past, including a heart issue that he's recovered from, which put an entire tour on hold years ago. Mick's ability to tour remains a possibility because he's taken better care of himself than Tyler. It was only last year that Steven was in rehab and had to cancel Aerosmith shows.

There really isn't a stop date on when classic rockers should call it quits, but at a certain point, the quality of the shows takes a major dip. Is it better to go out on top or to peter out with poor concert reviews? It seems that some of these bands need someone to tell them "leave 'em wanting more."

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.