“We put out Rock in a Hard Place and went out on the road, which was the definition of the word ‘fiasco.’ Too many shows ended early due to the excessive use of chemicals”: Tom Hamilton on Aerosmith’s past challenges – and why they still have a future

Tom Hamilton plays bass onstage with Steven Tyler.

Steven Tyler affectionately refers to Tom Hamilton, Aerosmith’s bassist since day one, as “Mr. Sweet Emotion” – evidence that his grooving bassline from the the band’s 1975 classic track is one for the ages.

But to boil his accomplishments down to just that piece would be a disservice. Hamilton played guitar on classics like Uncle Salty and Sick as a Dog from Toys in the Attic and Rocks, respectively, and co-wrote Janie’s Got a Gun from Pump.