Aerosmith’s legendary drummer Joey Kramer has opened up about his remarkable recovery journey. He is now feeling better than he has in over a decade. In a candid two-hour interview on the Live From My Drum Room! podcast, Kramer discussed the severe physical and personal challenges he has endured while expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of Aerosmith’s devoted fanbase.
“I’m feeling really good. I’m feeling better now than I’ve felt in, like, five or eight or 10 years,” Kramer stated. “The last four years for me were a challenge, to say the least. But I’m happy to say I’ve come through ’em with flying colors. I discovered the bull that really lives inside. That’s what powered me through. And I’m good, man. This is probably the best Joey of my life.”
The 75-year-old drummer attributed much of his physical deterioration to five decades of relentless touring and high-intensity performances. Playing drums at such an extreme level for over 50 years has taken a significant toll on his upper body, leaving him with chronic back problems that plagued him for the past three to four years. The cumulative damage from years on the road finally necessitated surgical intervention. Kramer underwent back surgery approximately four months ago to address the persistent pain and structural issues.
Kramer’s health struggles extended far beyond his back condition. He also underwent heart surgery more than a decade ago to remove coronary artery blockage. During that same difficult period, he experienced the profound loss of his wife. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Kramer has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in his recovery process.
The healing process from his recent back surgery has been gradual but encouraging. Six months of intensive treatments and adjustments have significantly subsided his pain, allowing him to experience a level of physical comfort he had not known in years. Kramer expressed deep gratitude to his medical team, crediting their expertise and care with his successful recovery trajectory. This improvement marks a dramatic shift from the dark period he endured over the previous four years.
Throughout his recovery journey, Kramer has drawn strength from the unwavering support of Aerosmith’s global fanbase. He emphasized how much the fans’ concern and encouragement have meant to him personally. He recognized that without their loyalty and love for the band’s music, none of his achievements would have been possible. “I appreciate people asking and being concerned. That means a lot to me, because — well, our fans mean a lot to me, because without them, we would not be,” he reflected.
Looking forward, Kramer remains proud of his contributions to rock and roll history and has no regrets about the sacrifices he made throughout his career. “I’ve taken it out the other side, and it’s all made me stronger, along with the fans, because I feel the support and I feel how they are when they listen to something like this. And it means the world to me. I’m proud of what we’ve done, and I wouldn’t trade it or regret it for a minute. And we just go on from here,” he concluded, signaling his continued commitment to moving forward with renewed strength and purpose.
