In our exclusive interview with Joe Perry published in January 2018, the Aerosmith co-founder talked about when the band’s 50th anniversary tour would commence. “We may do a festival here and there, but it will start in earnest the end of 2018,” he said.

When the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announced its 2018 lineup on Jan. 23, along with such Jazz Fest mainstays as Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy, was one name in particular that took music fans by surprise: Aerosmith.

The band’s last concert tour had ended abruptly in September 2017 when Steven Tyler took ill. But on May 5, 2018, it was all about the bad boys from Boston who delivered a 17-song set in the Crescent City. (See the setlist below.)

Watch the opening number, “Toys in the Attic”

Here’s “Last Child” from a different angle

Believe it or not, when Aerosmith performed at Jazz Fest, they hadn’t toured the U.S. since 2015.

Watch “Sweet Emotion”

For the first song of their encore, Aerosmith delivered a favorite

Aerosmith, May 5, 2018, Jazz Fest, New Orleans, LA Setlist

Toys in the Attic
Same Old Song and Dance
Love in an Elevator
Cryin’
Livin’ on the Edge
Last Child
Rag Doll
Stop Messin’ Around
Janie’s Got a Gun
Oh Well
Adam’s Apple
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
Sweet Emotion
Dude (Looks Like a Lady)

Encore
Dream On
Mother Popcorn
Walk This Way

Aerosmith are expected to announce a 2023 tour, that may be billed as a farewell tour. Tickets will be available here.