33 Years Ago Today, One of the Greatest Rock Bands Ever Cheated Death and Scored Their Biggest Triumph
On April 20, 1993, an iconic rock band released the album that would become its biggest triumph. Aerosmith's 'Get a Grip' became an absolute smash after the band overcame severe problems that risked their lives and almost tore them apart forever.
How Aerosmith’s ‘Get a Grip’ Became Their Biggest Triumph 33 Years Ago Today
Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns
On April 20, 1993, Aerosmith released what has often been described as their most iconic album, 'Get a Grip.' An absolute triumph for the band, it featured two tracks that won the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Grammy Award. "Crazy" won the accolade in 1994 and "Livin' on the Edge" earned it in 1993.
In addition to winning awards, 'Get a Grip' also featured several hit songs, including "Crazy," "Livin' on the Edge," "Cryin'," and "Eat the Rich." Thanks to the success of those tracks, it became Aerosmith's best-selling album with more than 20 million units sold worldwide, according to Billboard.
Considering how well it performed critically and commercially, 'Get a Grip' succeeded on every level. As a result it seems clear that the album played a notable role in Billboard naming Aerosmith one of the 50 best rock bands of all time in 2025.
How Aerosmith Cheated Death
Originally formed in 1970, Aerosmith would go on to have several hits during that decade, like 'Dream On,' 'Walk This Way,' and 'Kings and Queens.' In between those early successes and the band spending decades touring and recording music together, their history was nearly cut short.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Aerosmith would nearly fall apart as drugs caused incredible strife in the group and risked the lives of some members. Things became so dire that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry became nicknamed the "Toxic Twins," as an Ultimate Classic Rock article details. The outlet also covered Joe Perry quitting the band in 1979 and Brad Whitford leaving in 1981. That led to the band releasing their 1981 album 'Rock in a Hard Place,' which flopped without those two key members. Thankfully, both would return and help 'Get a Grip' become iconic.
In addition to the lineup changes, the band easily could have lost its two most famous members. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's drug habits were severe enough to potentially cost their lives. In 2013, the singer told the Australian version of 60 Minutes that he and his bandmate realistically spent $5 million to $6 million on drugs before getting sober.