Recent rehearsal photos shared online have confirmed that founding Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer will be back behind the kit for the band’s highly anticipated upcoming shows in Los Angeles. The group posted a series of images from their practice sessions on Instagram, accompanied by the caption, “The bad boys from Boston are back.” The photos featured all five classic members of the band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Kramer.
Fans have been speculating about a potential reunion since the “Aerosmith + Friends” concerts were announced earlier this month. Kramer, who last performed with the band on Feb. 15, 2020, during their “Deuces Are Wild” residency in Las Vegas, has been absent from the stage for several years due to a combination of health issues, legal disputes, and personal tragedy.
A Look Back at Kramer’s Absence
Kramer’s journey back to the stage has been complex. In early 2020, the drummer filed a lawsuit against his bandmates, alleging he was being excluded from the group’s Grammy performance and MusiCares honor. At the time, Aerosmith issued a statement emphasizing that while they considered Kramer a brother, he was not physically or emotionally prepared to perform. Following a court ruling that allowed the band to proceed without him, Kramer eventually rejoined the group for their Las Vegas residency in February 2020.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly thereafter halted touring, and in 2022, Kramer announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on family matters, later revealing the passing of his wife. Consequently, he did not participate in any of the band’s 2022 or 2023 performances.
What to Expect in Los Angeles
The upcoming Los Angeles shows promise to be a massive event, with Guns N’ Roses slated to provide direct support. The lineup also features an impressive roster of guests, including The Black Crowes, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Tom Morello, and Alice in Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez.
As the band prepares to take the stage, fans are eager to see if the group will dig deep into their catalog. With over five decades of history, there remain several tracks that the band has never performed live, leaving many to wonder if these special shows might include a few surprises.
