Aerosmith and Run-DMC Close Hollywood Bowl Residency with Revised Sets and Farewell Rumors Debunked

Key points

• Aerosmith performed their second and final 'California, Dream On' show at the Hollywood Bowl on November 1, 2026, replacing Dave Grohl with John Douglas on drums.
• Steven Tyler explicitly rejected Bill Burr's assertion that these were the band's last shows, stating that Aerosmith would outlast the end of the world.
• Run-DMC joined Aerosmith for a final performance of 'Walk This Way,' with Tyler noting the song was incomplete without the hip-hop pioneers.
• Guns N' Roses completely changed their set from the first night, performing 'Mama Kin' and three other Aerosmith covers, though Axl Rose's vocal performance was noted as lacking his usual intensity.
• Lzzy Hale and Tom Morello delivered a strong performance of 'Kings and Queens,' while the Black Crowes played five songs, including the deep cut 'Get the Lead Out.'
• The band's future remains uncertain, as they have not performed a full concert since their 2023 tour cancellation, but the presence of a professional camera crew suggests a future documentary.

Background

Aerosmith returned to the stage in October 2026 after a three-year hiatus, having not completed a full tour since their 'Peace Out' farewell series was cut short in 2023. The 'California, Dream On' residency marked their first live appearances in years, with the first night featuring Dave Grohl on drums and Johnny Depp as a guest. The band's 78-year-old frontman, Steven Tyler, displayed strong vocal health during both nights, contrasting with the uncertain status of the group's long-term touring plans.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasized the definitive nature of the Run-DMC collaboration, highlighting Tyler's humorous dismissal of the 'final show' rumors and the professional filming of the event for potential future release. Louder focused on the comparative quality of the guest performances, noting that while Lzzy Hale and the Black Crowes received high praise, Alice in Chains' choice of vocalist was less effective, and Guns N' Roses' set was musically strong but hampered by Axl Rose's vocal condition. Both outlets agreed that the 1980s and 1990s radio hits received the most enthusiastic crowd response compared to deeper cuts from the band's catalog.

Why it matters

The event serves as a significant cultural moment for rock and hip-hop history, reuniting Aerosmith and Run-DMC for the first time since their 1986 collaboration. It also clarifies the band's current status, confirming that while they are not currently touring, they are not officially retired, with Tyler's comments suggesting a continued, albeit limited, presence in the music world. The professional filming of the event indicates that these performances will likely be preserved for future audiences, ensuring the legacy of this specific era of the band's career is documented.

What to watch

Aerosmith is not currently scheduled for a full tour, and their next live appearances remain unannounced. However, the professional recording of the Hollywood Bowl shows suggests that a documentary or concert film may be released in the future. The band's ability to perform full sets remains to be seen, as they have not completed a tour since 2023, but the successful execution of the 'California, Dream On' residency indicates that they are still capable of high-energy live performances for special events.