Steven Tyler’s Reflection on a Band That ‘Pissed Away’ Their Talent
Steven Tyler, the legendary frontman of Aerosmith, has always been a figure of resilience in the rock and roll world. Having navigated through the era of excess, he stands as a testament to survival in an industry where many have fallen. Recently, Tyler shared his candid thoughts on a band that, in his view, squandered their immense talent—The New York Dolls.
The New York Dolls: A Tragic Tale of Excess
Formed in the early 1970s, The New York Dolls were a pioneering force in glam rock. Known for their flamboyant style and raw energy, they were darlings of the New York press and influential in shaping the sound of punk rock. However, their career was cut short by personal struggles, primarily drug abuse, which led to their eventual disintegration.
Aerosmith’s Early Days and the Glam Rock Scene
Aerosmith, emerging around the same time, found themselves in a unique position. While bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones were redefining rock, Aerosmith’s style was often seen as derivative. However, they unintentionally became prototypes for glam rock, with Tyler’s penchant for glitter and flashy attire reminiscent of David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Despite initial comparisons, Aerosmith managed to carve out their own niche.
The Toxic Twins: Tyler and Perry’s Journey
Tyler and his guitar-slinging counterpart, Joe Perry, were dubbed ‘The Toxic Twins’ due to their wild antics and substance abuse. Yet, it was their ability to overcome these troubles that led to iconic albums like Rocks. Their journey was fraught with challenges, but their perseverance paid off, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries.
Tyler’s Heartbreak and Lessons Learned
When asked about The New York Dolls, Tyler expressed his heartbreak at witnessing their downfall. “The Dolls had more advantages than Aerosmith in that they were darlings of the New York press and all that. Most bands struggled to get one-tenth of the recognition they got, and they just pissed it all away,” he said. “They were the first band that I loved that I watched self-destruct. What I learnt from that is that it’s not enough to get your foot in the door.”
Near Misses and Resurgence
Tyler himself came close to following a similar path. In the late 1970s, after Perry’s departure, Aerosmith’s dynamic shifted, and their performances lacked the usual charisma. It wasn’t until their reunion and the groundbreaking collaboration with Run-DMC on ‘Walk This Way’ that they truly revived their career. This resurgence cemented their status as survivors in the rock world.
The Legacy of Aerosmith
While The New York Dolls’ legacy is often tinged with tragedy, Aerosmith’s story is one of redemption. Their ability to rise from the ashes and continue producing hit after hit is a testament to their resilience. Tyler’s reflection on The Dolls’ fate serves as a reminder of the fragility of success in the music industry and the importance of maintaining one’s integrity and passion.
Lessons for Aspiring Artists
For aspiring musicians, Tyler’s insights offer valuable lessons. Talent alone is not enough; perseverance, discipline, and the ability to navigate the pitfalls of fame are equally crucial. The story of Aerosmith and their peers underscores the fact that in rock and roll, as in life, survival is as much about how you handle adversity as it is about talent.
Conclusion
Steven Tyler’s candid remarks about The New York Dolls provide a poignant look at the highs and lows of a career in music. While some bands fade away, others, like Aerosmith, manage to thrive. Tyler’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can turn even the darkest moments into opportunities for growth and success.
