"Night in the Ruts" is the sixth studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released on November 16, 1979, by Columbia Records. Guitarist Joe Perry left the band midway through the album's recording.
The album's recording began in the spring of 1979, but right from the start, the process faced delays. Vocalist Steven Tyler struggled with drug issues that hindered his ability to complete lyrics and vocals. Bassist Tom Hamilton remembered that the album was supposed to come out in June under the title Off Your Rocker, but they were facing a major crisis due to the unfinished lyrics. The band was also experiencing financial problems, with Perry owing $80,000 to the band for room service, money he intended to repay by recording a solo album. Tensions also grew between Aerosmith and producer Jack Douglas, particularly after he divorced his wife, who had been well-liked by the band. With Draw the Line performing poorly in sales, Columbia Records stepped in, putting pressure on the band to complete the album.
The band's financial struggles and substance abuse issues worsened, and by July 28, 1979, during the World Series of Rock in Cleveland, Ohio, Perry left the band after an argument with Tyler. Perry had already completed guitar parts for several tracks, including "No Surprize," "Chiquita," "Cheese Cake," "Reefer Headed Woman," "Three Mile Smile," and "Bone to Bone (Coney Island White Fish Boy)." After Perry's departure, other musicians, including Brad Whitford, Richie Supa, Neil Thompson, and Jimmy Crespo, played the remaining guitar parts, with Crespo eventually replacing Perry in the band from 1979 to 1984. Perry's last session with Aerosmith was on May 30, 1979. In his autobiography Rocks, Perry explained his frustrations with the band's direction, mentioning that the band had made millions but was wasting money on hotel bills and studio time without completing the album. He also mentioned that when Tyler finally showed up to record his vocals, he was reportedly smoking crack.
The band continued to work on the album at Mediasound Studios in New York with producer Gary Lyons, who replaced Jack Douglas. Tyler came up with lyrics for "No Surprize," a song that tells the story of the band, which became a key track on the album. Tyler cited it as one of his favorites. The band also recorded several other tracks, including "Reefer Headed Woman," which was inspired by a 1940s blues record. The song "Bone to Bone (Coney Island White Fish Boy)" raised questions with the press, and Tyler had to explain that the "Coney Island whitefish" referred to a used rubber. "Mia," a song Tyler wrote for his daughter, was included on the album, with Tyler noting that the tolling bell at the end of the song symbolized the impending end of the band, considering what was happening behind the scenes.
The album also includes a cover of "Think About It," a Yardbirds B-side from 1968 that Aerosmith had played live during the 1970s. Promo videos were filmed for the songs "No Surprize" and "Chiquita," both featuring Jimmy Crespo. Chiquita was included in the band's Video Scrapbook VHS and laserdisc releases.
The album's title, Night in the Ruts, is a spoonerism for the phrase "right in the nuts," which is hinted at in the album's rear cover artwork.
