Aerosmith Reunion at Steven Tyler's Jam for Janie Grammy Party

Feature Photo: agwilson-Shutterstock.com

Steven Tyler returned to the stage on February 2, 2025, at his sixth annual Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party at the Hollywood Palladium, giving fans one of the most emotional rock moments of Grammy weekend. The event, presented by Live Nation, benefited Tyler’s Janie’s Fund while also raising money for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The evening brought together an all-star lineup that included Lainey Wilson, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Linda Perry, Matt Sorum, Marcus King, Steve Stevens, Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Hamilton, Mick Fleetwood, Chris Robinson, Jessie J, and others. Tiffany Haddish hosted the festivities, which included a red carpet, cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, Grammy Awards viewing, performances, and an after-party.

Tyler’s appearance carried special significance because Aerosmith had announced its retirement from touring in August 2024 after his severe vocal injury. He had fractured his larynx during the band’s farewell tour in September 2023, and the injury ultimately prevented him from returning to the demands of a full Aerosmith tour.

At Jam for Janie, however, Tyler showed that he could still step onto a stage for a special performance. He opened with Extreme’s “More Than Words” alongside Nuno Bettencourt and Mick Fleetwood, then performed “Dream On” with Lainey Wilson. Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton and Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson later joined Tyler and Bettencourt for “Sweet Emotion,” while Jessie J joined the group for “Walk This Way.” Tyler and Bettencourt also performed “Toys in the Attic,” and the set included Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker.”

The reunion moment did not mean Aerosmith had reversed its decision to retire from touring. Instead, it offered fans a rare chance to see Tyler performing Aerosmith material again after the band had stepped away from the road. His return was especially meaningful considering the uncertainty that had surrounded his ability to sing following the larynx fracture.

The event also carried a larger purpose beyond the music. More than 100 firefighters who had battled the Los Angeles wildfires attended as honored guests. Tyler spoke about the devastation experienced by the Los Angeles community and emphasized his belief in music’s ability to bring people joy during difficult times.

Janie’s Fund, which Tyler created in partnership with Youth Villages, supports girls and young women who have experienced abuse and neglect. The charity takes its name from Aerosmith’s 1989 song “Janie’s Got a Gun,” one of the band’s most serious recordings and the inspiration behind Tyler’s long-running philanthropic work.

The sixth annual Jam for Janie ultimately raised more than $2.5 million for Janie’s Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. What had originally been anticipated as a major Grammy-week gathering became something even more significant: Steven Tyler’s return to the stage and a powerful reminder that, even after Aerosmith retired from touring, the music could still bring the band’s extended family together for a cause that mattered.