AEROSMITH'S HOLLYWOOD BOWL COMEBACK: JOHNNY DEPP, DAVE GROHL & GUNS N' ROSES JOIN FIRST SHOW IN THREE YEARS

Aerosmith are officially back. Three years after frontman Steven Tyler's September 2023 vocal injury - a fractured larynx with vocal-cord damage that forced the cancellation of the band's Peace Out farewell tour in August 2024 and Aerosmith's retirement from touring - the rock legends played their first full concert in three years at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event, billed "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends", featured guest appearances by Johnny Depp, Dave Grohl and Guns N' Roses, as reported by USA Today and Consequence of Sound.

The Night One Setlist

Aerosmith's comeback set ran six songs:

1. "Toys in the Attic"
2. "Back in the Saddle"
3. "Sweet Emotion"
4. "Dream On"
5. "The Train Kept A-Rollin'"
6. "Walk This Way"

Drums: Dave Grohl played drums on the first five songs. Original Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer - back for the first time since February 2020 - took over the kit for the finale, "Walk This Way."

Johnny Depp's Surprise Guitar Cameo

Joe Perry introduced Depp as his Hollywood Vampires bandmate - the two have played together in the supergroup since 2012 - and the pair traded riffs on "The Train Kept A-Rollin'." The surprise cameo brought the Hollywood Bowl crowd to its feet.

Guns N' Roses, Heart & More Pay Tribute

Guns N' Roses saluted the headliners with Aerosmith covers "Nobody's Fault," "Last Child" and "Seasons of Wither," plus their own "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City." For the full backstory, read our Guns N' Roses biography; for their biggest ballad, see the November Rain lyrics by Guns N' Roses.

The rest of the bill was just as stacked: The Black Crowes, Heart (Ann & Nancy Wilson), Billy Idol with Steve Stevens, Sammy Hagar, Eric Church, Warren Haynes and Godsmack's Sully Erna all performed, with comedian Bill Burr hosting the evening. Fellow veteran rocker Marilyn Manson has also been dominating rock headlines this month - see our Marilyn Manson biography.

Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone - the stars of Aerosmith's 1994 "Crazy" music video - introduced the band 32 years later, earning one of the night's biggest ovations. The concert fulfilled the promise of Aerosmith's 'California, Dream On' Hollywood Bowl comeback announcement from earlier this month. A second "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends" show takes place Sunday, November 1, at the Hollywood Bowl.

Watch the Official Video

Note: official night-one concert footage has not been released yet. Below is the official "California, Dream On" announcement teaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where did Aerosmith's comeback concert take place?

The band played their first show in three years on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as part of the "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends" event.

Why had Aerosmith stopped touring?

Frontman Steven Tyler suffered a fractured larynx with vocal-cord damage in September 2023, which forced the cancellation of the Peace Out farewell tour in August 2024 and led the band to retire from touring.

Who joined Aerosmith on stage at the Hollywood Bowl?

Dave Grohl played drums on the first five songs, Johnny Depp joined Joe Perry on guitar for "The Train Kept A-Rollin'," and original drummer Joey Kramer returned for the finale. Guests also included Guns N' Roses, Heart, The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Sammy Hagar, Eric Church, Warren Haynes and Sully Erna.

Is there a second "California, Dream On" show?

Yes - a second "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends" concert is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, at the Hollywood Bowl.