GODSMACK frontman SULLY ERNA is speaking out about AEROSMITH’s 2024 retirement announcement — and he’s not holding back.

In a recent interview with Chaz & AJ In The Morning, a radio talk show on Connecticut’s 99.1 WPLR, Erna shared his honest thoughts on how AEROSMITH — one of the most legendary rock bands of all time — chose to bow out. His take? A 50-year legacy deserves more than a social media goodbye.

“You Can’t Go Out With an Instagram Post”

As transcribed by Blabbermouth.net, ERNA expressed disappointment in how STEVEN TYLER announced the band’s retirement, especially after suffering a serious vocal injury in 2023.

Transcribed by Blabbermouth.net
“I hope Tyler comes back, at least resurfaces, just to put a small handful of shows together, because I’ve gotta tell you, I don’t like that he wrote a letter, posted it on Instagram about, like, ‘Hey, this is the end. Thanks for being a fan for 50 years, and see you later.’ I’m, like, nah, that’s not how you end a legacy, dude.”

He added that even if Tyler isn’t in full vocal form, the band should find a meaningful way to say goodbye on stage:

Transcribed by Blabbermouth.net
“You need to come back, even if your voice hurts or whatever. You stand on that stage, maybe you have some guest singers, play a full show and then Tyler steps out for a three-song encore or something at the end, takes his bow, says a few words to the fans, and that’s how you go out.”

Steven Tyler’s Injury and the End of Touring

AEROSMITH’s decision to retire from touring came nearly a year after STEVEN TYLER, now 77, suffered a devastating vocal injury in September 2023, fracturing his larynx during a performance. In August 2024, the band announced that Tyler had been “tirelessly working” to rehabilitate his voice — but a full recovery would not be possible.

In their statement, the band explained that continued touring could pose serious health risks for Tyler and that ending on a high note was the most respectful choice for both him and the fans.

But ERNA believes the story isn’t quite finished.

Transcribed by Blabbermouth.net
“I think he was just nervous about trying to do a full set. Maybe he felt like he didn’t wanna hurt himself or maybe he has to cancel again, and he doesn’t wanna let his fans down. And that’s understandable. But at the same time, you’ve gotta do L.A., Boston, London — pick a few and just do it right, like OASIS just did, stadiums. They’re AEROSMITH, man.”

A Call to Honor the Legacy Right

For ERNA, it’s not about denying the health issues. It’s about giving the fans and the music the proper closure. He believes a series of carefully selected farewell shows — even if they’re limited — could serve as a fitting tribute to AEROSMITH’s legendary career.

Transcribed by Blabbermouth.net
“It’s 50 years of a legacy. You can’t go out with an Instagram post.”

And he may have a point. Bands like KISS, THE ROLLING STONES, and OASIS have all made comebacks or farewell shows with adjusted expectations. If health is a concern, the format could shift: shorter sets, more guest appearances, or pre-recorded vocals. Fans would understand — and they’d show up in droves.

A Deep Personal Connection

This isn’t the first time SULLY ERNA has shown admiration for AEROSMITH. In July 2019, he publicly praised the band for their impact on his musical journey.

“They played an enormous role in sculpting me to become the musician I am today,” Erna said.

Growing up in Massachusetts like AEROSMITH, GODSMACK followed in the footsteps of local legends, with ERNA often pointing to Tyler’s larger-than-life persona as a model of what it means to be a true frontman.

A Rock Legacy Worth Celebrating

AEROSMITH, formed in 1970, is one of the most successful rock bands of all time. With over 150 million records sold, countless awards, and unforgettable hits like “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” their influence on music is undeniable.

STEVEN TYLER’s unique vocal style and flamboyant stage presence made him a generational icon — someone fans didn’t just listen to, but admired, idolized, and tried to emulate.

For many, including ERNA, an Instagram farewell just doesn’t do that justice.