In 1987, Aerosmith made an impressive return to the rock music scene with the release of their ninth studio album, *Permanent Vacation*. This marked a significant comeback for the legendary band, who had experienced a difficult period characterised by commercial failures in the early 1980s. The album featured some memorable tracks, including the hits “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Angel,” the latter of which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100—making it the band’s highest-charting single at that time.
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Aerosmith’s ascent in the 1970s was marked by a series of successful albums and chart-topping singles. Led by charismatic frontman Steven Tyler and talented guitarist Joe Perry, the group garnered a substantial following, establishing themselves as one of the premier acts in classic rock alongside the Rolling Stones. Starting with their self-titled debut in 1973, Aerosmith released six consecutive platinum albums throughout the decade. However, the departure of Perry in 1979 and Tyler’s struggles with substance abuse led to a significant decline in their fortunes.
The band faced a difficult few years, culminating in the release of two poorly received albums in the early ’80s—*Rock in a Hard Place* and *Done with Mirrors*. It wasn’t until the rap-rock collaboration between Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith in 1986 revitalised their image. The hip-hop rendition of “Walk This Way” became a major hit and introduced the band to a new generation of fans, aided by an iconic music video featuring both Tyler and Perry.
In his new book, *Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976-1986*, music journalist Paul Rees explores Aerosmith’s journey back to the top. Illustrated through an oral history perspective, the book sheds light on the band’s revival, with a significant portion dedicated to their efforts during the *Permanent Vacation* era.
John Kalodner, the A&R executive at Geffen Records, played a crucial role in this revival, outlining his strategy to bring sobriety to the band and introduce new songwriting talent. In his discussions for the album, Kalodner sought out collaborators such as Desmond Child and Jim Vallance to enhance the creative output of Tyler and Perry. Initially resistant to this idea, the duo eventually recognised the potential benefits of working with external songwriters.
The collaboration yielded immediate success with the singles “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Angel,” the latter notable for its emotional heft and commercial success. However, Kalodner’s push for accessibility in the band’s music often sparked tension. Tyler reportedly resisted giving full credit to Kalodner for the changes, expressing frustration over the alterations to his lyrics and creative vision.
Despite the uneasy dynamics, *Permanent Vacation* went on to achieve quintuple platinum status. The band’s next project, *Pump*, released in 1989, surpassed its predecessor, attaining seven times platinum and producing several top-charting hits, including “Love in an Elevator” and “Janie’s Got a Gun,” which won a Grammy award. While some critics accused the band of compromising their rock roots for a more polished sound, Aerosmith continued to thrive, securing their legacy in rock music.
Kalodner, who is candid about the trials of managing such a famously temperamental band, remarked in a recent interview about his poor people management skills but also recognised that the music produced during those years was worth the effort. Interestingly, his role at times sparked a desire from the band to remove him from their creative process altogether.
*Raised on Radio* is not only a deep dive into Aerosmith’s journey but also captures a defining era for mainstream rock. The book offers a multifaceted exploration of the industry, providing insights into the factors that shaped the music from the 1970s into the late 1980s.
Aerosmith remains a powerful name in rock, and *Permanent Vacation* serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt. The album’s success played a significant role in establishing a new chapter for the band, ensuring their place in music history for generations to come. *Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976-1986* is available now, giving readers a comprehensive overview of this rich period in rock.