Aerosmith formed in the early 70s and, despite a series of ups and downs, has remained relevant with blockbuster albums and Top 40 hits ever since. However, the band has been making headlines for reasons other than its music. First came the news of a farewell tour, which frontman – and recent country convert – Steven Tyler revealed would take place in 2017 even after guitarist Joe Perry claimed it was nothing more than an option. A few months later, Perry made news again after he collapsed onstage during a performance with his supergroup side project Hollywood Vampires. Regardless of whether or not next year will be Aerosmith's last, the group has logged a spectacular run. Here's a breakdown of its success throughout the decades.

1970s – On November 6, 1970, Aerosmith gave its first public performance. It took place in the gymnasium at Miscoe Hill School in Mendon, Massachusetts. Tickets cost about $1. Less than two years later, on August 5, 1972, Aerosmith landed a $125,000 deal with Columbia after a gig at New York's Max's Kansas City. The song "No Surprize" was inspired by the show and record deal. Soon after, in 1973, the quintet released its self-titled debut, which includes the hit "Dream On." In April 1976, the band embarked on its first major headlining tour, which saw the quintet headline the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan – its first stadium show of many.

1980s – In 1980, Aerosmith released Greatest Hits, a compilation of noteworthy original work paired with a handful of cover songs, including The Beatles' "Come Together" and the Shangri-Las' "(Remember) Walking in the Sand." The record remains Aerosmith's best-selling album, having sold more than 10 million copies. The first half of the decade, however, witnessed the band succumb to lows from drug abuse and the departures of Perry and Brad Whitford. By 1986, Aerosmith got back in the saddle with its original lineup and a featured spot in the video for Run-D.M.C.'s cover of "Walk This Way" – which preceded the Boston-based collective's enormously popular 1987 comeback album Permanent Vacation and even more successful follow-up, Pump.

1990s – To kick off the decade, Aerosmith signed a new contract with its old label Columbia. The deal, worth $30 million, returned the band to its original home after a stint with Geffen Records. Near the end of the 90s, Aerosmith released its biggest hit, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." The song came from the soundtrack to the film Armageddon and landed the band its first chart-topping single. Aerosmith received higher praise when it won its first Grammy Award in 1991 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Janie's Got a Gun." The band went on to win that same award three more times in the 90s: In 1994 for "Livin' on the Edge, " in 1995 for "Crazy," and in 1999 for "Pink."

2000s – 2001 marked a banner year for the band. Aerosmith performed during the Super Bowl halftime show alongside pop stars such as Britney Spears, N'SYNC, Mary J Blige, and Nelly. During the same year, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later, in 2008, Aerosmith was granted their own version of Guitar Hero, a game that sponsored the group's 2009 tour. However, Tyler and the boys performed less than half of the scheduled shows due to various health setbacks that affected Whitford and Tom Hamilton. Tyler also injured his leg.

2010s – Following the failed 2009 summer tour, which nearly led to the end of the band, the group set out again in 2010 on the "Cocked, Loaded, Ready to Rock" tour in an effort to reconnect. After the outing, Tyler took on a series of solo projects, which included becoming a judge on American Idol, writing a memoir, and releasing a handful of singles that flopped. Aerosmith finally broke its silence in November 2012 with the release of Music from Another Dimension! – the band's first album of entirely new material in 11 years. Given the rumored farewell tour for 2017, and the new Tyler solo album, it might be the last we ever hear of Aerosmith on record.