Johnny Depp performed with Aerosmith at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, joining the band for “Train Kept A-Rollin’” during its first full set since September 2023. The cameo drew plenty of attention, although the more consequential story was happening around him: Steven Tyler was testing his injured voice, and founding drummer Joey Kramer was returning after six years away.
Depp received a loud welcome before embracing guitarist Joe Perry, his bandmate in Hollywood Vampires. After Tyler played a few notes on harmonica, Depp indicated that he recognized the song, picked up his guitar and joined the performance with a broad grin.
It was not his first time playing that number with Aerosmith. Depp previously joined the group for the same song at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012.
Was this an Aerosmith touring comeback?
Not quite. Aerosmith played only six songs, according to Loudwire, making the concert a limited return rather than a reversal of the band’s retirement from touring. Six songs can demonstrate that a band still functions. They do not quietly restore an entire farewell tour.
Aerosmith canceled its Peace Out tour in August 2024 after Tyler failed to recover fully from a fractured larynx and damaged vocal cords suffered during a September 2023 concert. The Hollywood Bowl appearance marked the group’s first full-band performance since that injury.
USA Today reported that Tyler showed no obvious vocal distress on Thursday, though his voice sounded raspier than before. That made the show a closely watched test of his post-injury abilities, even if Aerosmith has announced no return to regular touring.
The band’s official schedule still lists a second “California, Dream On” concert at the Hollywood Bowl for Sunday, November 1. Its guest lineup may differ from Thursday’s event.
Joey Kramer’s return carried more weight
Dave Grohl played drums for most of Aerosmith’s set, but Kramer returned for the finale, “Walk This Way.” It was his first performance with the band since 2020.
Kramer had sat out Aerosmith’s 2023 farewell tour to focus on his family and health. Before the closing song, Tyler acknowledged the long partnership and embraced him onstage.
“Before we say good night, I just want to say what a ride it’s been with my brothers,” Tyler told the audience. “It’s been 55 years.”
The wider event featured tribute performances from Axl Rose, Slash, Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Black Crowes and other guests. Contrary to early descriptions suggesting one large Aerosmith collaboration, USA Today reported that those artists performed separate sets. There was no all-star finale.
Grohl did play with Aerosmith, while Depp joined for his single song and Kramer returned for the closing number. Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone, who appeared in Aerosmith’s 1994 “Crazy” video, also took part in the event. Looking out at the gathering, Liv Tyler asked the obvious question: “Are we dreaming? Is this real?”
For Aerosmith fans, the answer was yes, but with an important qualification. The band was back onstage for one short, carefully arranged concert. Touring remains retired unless Aerosmith says otherwise.
