"Rock in a Hard Place" is the seventh studio album by Aerosmith, released on August 27, 1982, through Columbia Records. The album was certified gold on November 10, 1989. It is notable for being the only Aerosmith album that does not feature lead guitarist Joe Perry, who left the band in 1979. Additionally, rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford departed during the recording sessions in 1981. The band invested $1.5 million into the production of the album, which saw them reuniting with producer Jack Douglas.
In the wake of the 1970s, Aerosmith faced significant challenges. Guitarist Joe Perry departed the band in 1979 after incidents at the World Series of Rock in Cleveland, Ohio, leading to his replacement by Jimmy Crespo. Concurrently, Steven Tyler's drug abuse escalated. After recording the single "Lightning Strikes," guitarist Brad Whitford also left Aerosmith in 1981. He was replaced by Rick Dufay, who joined just as the album's recording neared completion.
In a 2008 interview, Dufay reflected on the difficulties faced during the album's production: "They tried to make that album for two years but Steven couldn't finish stuff and they had trouble with their original producer. Once Jack and I came on board, we pushed hard to complete it. When we went down to Florida, Steven was too impaired to work effectively—he was nodding off while trying to write lyrics. I told Jack we needed to get him together, so we spent a few months helping him recover. We got him off the hard drugs, enjoyed some sun, and built a bond. It’s all detailed in the Behind the Music show. I had to take care of him to the extent of even helping with personal care."
An outtake from the album, "Riff & Roll," was later included in the 1991 box set Pandora's Box.
