Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)

"Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)" is a standout track from Aerosmith's 12th studio album, Nine Lives, released on March 18, 1997. The song, written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and producer Glen Ballard, captures the band's signature blend of gritty rock and playful lyricism. One piece of trivia about the song is its provocative music video, directed by Michael Bay, which features the band performing in a surreal, fetish-inspired setting with scenes of a woman in leather and a man on a leash. The video stirred some controversy for its bold imagery but became iconic for its unapologetic edge, peaking at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. In a 1997 interview with Rolling Stone, Steven Tyler described the song’s creation as a “wild ride,” noting that the riff came from Joe Perry jamming in the studio while Tyler improvised lyrics about the pain and thrill of love. A post on X from @Aerosmith in March 2024 highlighted the album’s release, mentioning how "Falling In Love" was one of four singles from Nine Lives, alongside "Pink," which won the band their fourth Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1999.

The production of Nine Lives, including "Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)," wasn’t without challenges. According to a post on X by @igormirandasite in March 2024, the album’s release was delayed by a year due to internal band conflicts and issues with their label, Columbia Records. Despite these hurdles, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a testament to Aerosmith’s enduring popularity. Fans on platforms like Aerosmith’s official Facebook often share nostalgic stories about the Nine Lives Tour, with one YouTube comment from December 2022 recalling a 1997 concert as “a total blast” for a then-17-year-old fan. The song’s high-energy performance and catchy chorus made it a live staple during that era, resonating with fans who dubbed themselves “Zoo Freaks” for their wild devotion to rock anthems like this one.

Aerosmith began their journey in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970, when Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), and Tom Hamilton (bass) formed the band, later joined by Joey Kramer (drums) and Brad Whitford (guitar). According to their official biography on aerosmith.com, the group started as a collection of young musicians inspired by blues, R&B, and British rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. Tyler, then Steven Tallarico, was drumming for another band when he met Perry and Hamilton, and their shared passion for raw, energetic music sparked the formation of Aerosmith. They honed their sound playing gritty Boston clubs, eventually signing with Columbia Records in 1972. Their self-titled debut album in 1973, featuring “Dream On,” laid the foundation for their rise, though it was 1975’s Toys in the Attic that catapulted them to stardom with hits like “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way.”

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a reputation for wild, hedonistic behavior, earning them the nickname “The Toxic Twins” for Tyler and Perry’s well-documented excesses. Despite struggles with addiction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aerosmith staged a remarkable comeback with 1987’s Permanent Vacation, reestablishing themselves as rock icons. Their official social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, and X—keep fans updated with tour announcements, throwback posts, and glimpses into their ongoing legacy. For instance, a February 2025 Facebook post celebrated the anniversary of “Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)” as a single, underscoring its place in their catalog.

Fans, or “Zoo Freaks” in the spirit of THE ZOO radio station, can connect through various online communities. The official Aerosmith website offers tour info, merchandise, and band history, while fan-driven spaces like the Aerosmith Fans Facebook Group provide a hub for sharing concert memories and rare photos. Another fan site, Aero Force One, the band’s official fan club, offers exclusive content and pre-sale ticket access. These platforms keep the spirit of Aerosmith’s music alive, with fans frequently citing “Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)” as a high-energy favorite that embodies the band’s raw, rebellious vibe.