AEROSMITH - LIVIN’ ON THE EDGE 

Released: March 1993

Charts: US: #18   UK: #19  

"Livin' on the Edge" is a 1993 song released as the first single from the eleventh album “Get a Grip”. The track achieved commercial success, reaching number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Cash Box Top 100, and topping the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for nine weeks. In the UK, it peaked at number 19 in April 1993. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Aerosmith performed I it live at the 1994 Grammy ceremony.

"Livin' on the Edge" explores the chaotic nature of the world, highlighting how people remain trapped in their routines, reluctant to change despite the turmoil around them. The song was inspired by the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted after the acquittal of the police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The lyrics reflect the frustration and tension surrounding societal issues, emphasizing the disconnect between awareness of problems and the lack of meaningful action to address them.

Joe Perry and Steven Tyler co-wrote the track with songwriter Mark Hudson during the sessions for the album. John Kalodner, their A&R executive, arranged the collaboration, as he believed working with outside songwriters would help keep the band's sound fresh. Hudson, known for his diverse career, was one of several external collaborators on the album, which also included Jim Vallance, Lenny Kravitz, and Desmond Child. 

According to Steven Tyler, the three big drum hits heard near the end of the song were made using a bass drum he stole from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, New York. Tyler, who had been part of the school's marching band, was expelled after being caught for drug possession by an undercover cop posing as a student. He took the drum with him after his band performed at the school's senior prom. 

The music video directed by Marty Callner, features actor Edward Furlong and showcases provocative themes such as vandalism, grand theft auto, joyriding, airbag crashes, unprotected sex, youth violence, and cross-dressing teachers. It also includes visually striking scenes, such as Steven Tyler holding a zipper at his crotch with half of his body painted black, creating the illusion of unzipping himself. Joe Perry performs a guitar solo in front of an oncoming McCloud River Railroad freight train.