Aerosmith Hit Surpasses 1 Billion Streams on Spotify

The hit single put the future rock icons on the map back in 1973

Aerosmith are undoubtedly one of the greatest acts in music history. Throughout a career that spans over five decades, the rock ‘n’ roll legends have sold over 150 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling American rock act of all time. Their music has transcended generations, and while they’ve been selling records since 1973, they band has just achieved a monumental modern-day milestone.

While vinyl and CDs have seen a tremendous resurgence over the last ten years, streaming has become monstrous manner by which people consume music. Since the launch of Spotify back in 2006, many artists have amassed hundreds of thousands of streams, and some hundreds of millions. Few, however, have achieved the rare achievement that Aerosmith just did – having a single song surpass 1 billion streams.

One of the band’s biggest hits, “Dream On,” has amassed 1,001,249,355 streams on Spotify. It’s a testament not only to the band’s legacy, but to their ability to achieve success in a new age and remain relevant right up to their farewell tour. The fact that “Dream On” is one of the greatest songs ever written makes this milestone a little bit less surprising.

After inking a deal with Columbia Records, Aerosmith released their self-titled debut album on January 5, 1973. Anchored by the lead single, “Dream On,” the album hit No. 21 on the Billboard 200. The seminal “Dream On” hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and dominated rock radio stations around the country.

“The music for ‘Dream On was originally written on a Steinway upright piano in the living room of Trow-Rico lodge in Sunapee [New Hampshire], maybe four years before Aerosmith even started,” frontman Steven Tyler recalls in the Aerosmith biography, Walk This Way, by Stephen Davis. “I was seventeen or eighteen […] It was just this little thing I was playing, and I never dreamed it would end up as a real song or anything […] It’s about dreaming until your dreams come true.”

Listen to the official audio of “Dream On” below, and watch the live video from the band’s 2016 performance in Mexico City, Mexico.

After previously postponing the rest of their September shows as part of their Peace Out Tour, Aerosmith have been forced to push all dates to 2024. Frontman Steven Tyler sustained a fractured larynx during the band’s performance at UBS Arena on September 9, and the recovery is going to be longer than expected. Read the band’s full statement below.

“To our fans: unfortunately, Steven’s vocal injury is more serious than initially thought,” the band said in a statement. “His doctor has confirmed that in addition to the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured his larynx which requires ongoing care. He is receiving the best medical treatment available to ensure his recovery is swift, but given the nature of a fracture, he is being told patience is essential. As a result, all the currently scheduled Peace Out shows must be postponed to sometime in 2024, with new dates to be announced as soon as we know more.”

“I am heartbroken to not be out there with Aerosmith, my brothers and the incredible Black Crowes, rocking with the best fans in the world,” Steven Tyler stated. “I promise we will be back as soon as we can!”

All previously purchased tickets will be honored at the rescheduled shows. Refund will be available at point of purchase for fans who are unable to attend the new dates. Fans are encouraged to reach out to Live Nation/Ticketmaster, or the third party entities (e.g. StubHub, Vivid Seats, etc.) with any questions regarding refunds.

The band’s Peace Out Tour is their final 40-date trek across North America, bringing their storied career to a close. The tour kicked off on September 2 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It was slated to wrap up on January 26, 2024 at Centre Bell in Montreal, before the band was forced to reschedule a bulk of the shows to the end of the run. The Black Crowes are serving as special guests for the entire tour.

While the band has been touring for over five decades, there’s still plenty of tracks that haven’t seen the lights of a stage yet. Their current farewell tour will be their last chance to play any of these songs for the first time. The full list of every song that the band has never performed in concert can be found HERE.

“We’re going to open up Pandora’s box one last time to present our fans with the Peace Out Tour,” Tyler said when the trek was announced, referencing the band’s 1991 compilation box set. “Be there or be aware as we bring all the toys out of the attic. Get ready!”

Drummer Joey Kramer has decided not to take part in the band’s upcoming final tour. While he is still considered part of the group, Kramer took a leave of absence from the band’s Vegas residency last year to “focus his his attention on his family and health” and will continue to sit out the band’s final run.” Drummer John Douglas will continue to fill in for Kramer during the upcoming Peace Out Tour.

Aerosmith stated, “While Joey Kramer remains a beloved founding member of Aerosmith, he has regrettably made the decision to sit out the currently scheduled touring dates to focus his full attention on his family and health. Joey’s unmistakable and legendary presence behind the drum kit will be sorely missed.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers recently wrapped up their landmark Deuces Are Wild Residency in Las Vegas last summer, and played a special 50th anniversary show at Fenway Park last September. Now, fans are finally getting to witness the celebrations for themselves.

Aerosmith have 12 multi-platinum certified albums under their belt. To date, the band has garnered four GRAMMY® Awards, six American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. In 1999, Walt Disney World launched the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, the band’s very own theme park attraction. In 2001, they performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.