Robert John Hadfield dives headfirst into one of the most fascinating comeback stories in rock history—Aerosmith in the mid-1980s. From being written off as a burned-out ’70s act to exploding back into the mainstream, this episode unpacks the turning point between Done With Mirrors and Permanent Vacation—and why that shift changed everything. Along the way, Robert mixes personal nostalgia, first-time vinyl experiences, and deep-dive analysis into what made this era so electric.

What makes this episode especially fun is how it blends storytelling with discovery. From flipping through a vintage Hit Parader magazine (thanks to Gary Lighthall) to reliving the moment of hearing Permanent Vacation for the first time, Robert captures that lost experience of buying records, dropping the needle, and forming opinions before the radio told you what the “hits” were. And spoiler alert—some of the biggest hits didn’t even stand out at first listen.

But this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s insight. You’ll learn how the collaboration with Run-D.M.C. on “Walk This Way” (thanks to Rick Rubin) reignited Aerosmith’s career, why producer Ted Templeman played a key role in their regrouping, and how outside songwriters like Desmond Child and Jim Vallance helped transform Permanent Vacation into a multi-platinum monster.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Rock Trivia Challenge (3 albums connection)
0:28 – Who sparked “Walk This Way” with Run-D.M.C.?
0:55 – Discovering Aerosmith through vintage magazines
1:30 – First exposure: Greatest Hits and “Walk This Way”
2:06 – Buying Done With Mirrors (1985 experience)
3:02 – Why this album hit differently (personal take)
4:00 – Aerosmith’s comeback attempt with Geffen Records
4:39 – The Run-D.M.C. collaboration changes everything
6:07 – Anticipation for Permanent Vacation (1987)
6:28 – First listen: “Heart’s Done Time” reaction
7:04 – The lost art of buying and experiencing albums
7:50 – First impressions vs future hit songs
9:04 – Deep cuts vs radio hits debate
10:16 – Why this album worked (before the hits)
11:16 – Inside Hit Parader interview with Steven Tyler
12:48 – Why Done With Mirrors fell short (band’s view)
14:26 – Sobriety and its impact on the band
15:51 – Producer Bruce Fairbairn and the Bon Jovi connection
17:18 – “Rave ups” and songwriting energy explained
20:01 – Management conflicts and catalog issues
21:47 – Enter new management and Geffen era
25:00 – The BIG shift: outside songwriters
26:28 – The “missing piece” philosophy (Desmond Child insight)
27:17 – Surprising connections to KISS and Bryan Adams
30:32 – Why Permanent Vacation exploded commercially
31:19 – Trivia answer: Who is John Kolodny?
34:40 – Rick Rubin’s role revealed
35:11 – Producer of Done With Mirrors revealed
35:44 – Final thoughts + call to comment