On Friday night, Aerosmith accepted the MusiCares Person Of The Year award, where the band was joined onstage by longtime drummer Joey Kramer. After the presentation of the award, Aerosmith began a performance of some of its classic hits, at which point Kramer awkwardly and quietly left the stage.
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A Massachusetts judge ruled earlier this week that Kramer would not be allowed to play with the classic rock outfit after the parties become embroiled in a lawsuit, resulting from the band reportedly forcing Kramer to audition for the position he’s held for 50 years. While Kramer did not play with the band, he accepted the award alongside his former bandmates and was one of only two members who spoke when receiving the honor, in addition to frontman Steven Tyler.
Before Kramer’s unceremonious departure from the stage, Tyler told the audience, “remember, people only really get interesting when they start to rattle the bars on their cages. And the best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” All the while, Tyler was clutching Kramer’s shoulder. After these brief remarks and thank you’s, the other band members took up their instruments and played some well known hits, including “Big Ten Inch”, “Dream On”, and “Sweet Emotion”, while Kramer took his seat. The band was joined throughout its performance by H.E.R., Johnny Depp, and Alice Cooper.
Watch a video of Aerosmith’s MusiCares Person Of The Year award acceptance speech.
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Last year, Kramer was forced to miss several shows during Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residency due to minor injuries. While he was gone, the band approved of a new policy requiring an audition and solo rehearsals alongside a click track to prove he’s “able to play at an appropriate level.” The band released a statement the day after Kramer filed suit, saying that it would be a disservice to the group and its fans to allow him to perform without a proper audition.
Aerosmith is also due to appear onstage sans Joey Kramer this coming Sunday at the Grammy’s to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. While Kramer remains barred from performing with the group, he was still publicly invited to take part in red carpet photo ops alongside the other members.
After all of the award show fan-fare, Aerosmith is set to return to its “Deuces Are Wild” Las Vegas residency at the Park Theater at Park MGM Resort beginning January 29th. Tickets and a full list of dates are available on the band’s website.