Aerosmith- It’s About the Music

Tim Wenger | September 1, 2014 | 0 Comments

by Torch

Aerosmith, a bunch of boys from Boston, embody what it is to be a great rock and roll band. They have been together for decades- decades of playing, fighting, struggling, and ultimately writing and performing some of the greatest rock and roll anthems of all time. Songs like, “Dream On”, “Sweet Emotion”, and “Walk This Way” have become a part of American cultural history. It is an honor that is not easily acquired, but one that stands firm over the constantly changing music scene.

The stage was simple, a runway down the center and a wing on each side. There was a huge video screen that hung from the ceiling to the stage. Slash and his band opened up to midlevel applause for the size of the crowd. They quickly grabbed the crowd with the abundant hair swinging, amazing guitar via Slash, and when they busted out their versions of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, and “Paradise City” the crowd was on their feet, fist pumping, and singing along. Lead singer Myles Kennedy nailed the tenor vocals formerly sung by Axl Rose, with close to the original recording yet lending a bit to his own vocal identity. Hearing songs played live from arguably one of the best Rock and Roll albums of all time was a taste of something rare, that was once thought to be lost forever. Souls burst open and took a naked ride in a convertible speeding wildly down memory lane! “Ohh ohh ohh Sweet Child of Myiiine”

Slash played the part of his “brand” with his big hair, hat, and plaid shirt. It was a success, as there were Slash look-a-likes all over the concert, from young and skinny to way to old and crumpled to be sporting that look, and even the fake Slash wigs were plopped on enthusiastic heads of the blond, or short haired wannabes. What was underneath the genuine article, Slash, was a kid who loved to play guitar and run around in his tennis shoes. He sort of grew up, and found a niche where he could play guitar and run around in his tennis shoes; he was brilliant! He played a double neck guitar for a solo. On one neck he played a Spanish classical piece and then switched to the other and continued in true electric rock; it was spectacular. If you didn’t know much about him before that performance he earned your respect that night.

Before Aerosmith came on stage the small hoard of photographers were ushered to the front of the sound booth to take performance photos. All but one were toting huge lensed cameras, with single stick tripods and step stools. They looked like they were on safari hoping for a long distance shot of a bit of wildlife, and they weren’t far off. Ironically just behind them drummer Joey Kramer stood discreetly next to the soundboard as Aerosmith took the stage without him. The only photographer to take notice was the one without the giant gear who stood in back alone. Joey seemed a bit despondent and the lovely Mrs. Perry placed a hand on his shoulder as they watched. He is on limited play after his heart surgery last month and the young and talented drummer Jesse Kramer, Joey’s son, now sat on his throne. A few songs in Steven Tyler announced Joey’s presence, the house lights went up and Joey waved to the adoring crowd; shortly after he disappeared. Jesse did his father proud as he focused through the show, with a stage hand slyly switching out charts at Jesse’s left foot. The younger Kramer was focused and played with the intense talent of a seasoned studio drummer. Tyler and Perry spent a lot of time by the young drummer’s side throughout the show, coaching a little and cheering a lot, no pressure there.

Steven Tyler is a force, dressed like a transgender shaman. When he exploded on the stage the photographers went crazy shooting this wild haired lion, they had a successful safari as it is hard to get bad photos with Tyler and Perry prowling around the stage. Three songs in and the photographers are escorted out like visitors on a bus tour, next stop Elitch Gardens. Tyler wore a pair of tight red pants with eyes painted on his butt cheeks, and had eyes painted on his arms with the rest of his war paint. He danced and twirled throughout the entire performance with frequent stops at blowing floor fans and constant mugging for the video cameras that ran a live stream on the screen behind the drummer. His vocals were spot on, he may be one of the best rock vocalists alive, and is definitely one of the best front men. He worked his scarf laden mic stand like a dance partner, albeit a very skinny one. This was a true rock and roll show; it was about great music, not props and wardrobe changes, not huge production numbers, it was about great music!

Joe Perry played his part, had a blast with the feedback from the stacks of Marshalls. He ripped off his shirt, played on the piano, sang, and sweated in his marathon of extremely well written melodies and wicked licks. Tom Hamilton casually does what he does best, he plays bass in this wild band he keeps the groove going from curtain to curtain. He had a few tricks up his sleeve, like the laser images on his bass but the gold in this man is his constant solid groove that drives the whole night. Brad Whitford on rhythm guitar took his moments in the sun sparingly as it is largely the Joe Perry and Steven Tyler show. His importance however is not diminished, as he is one of the original members, he is the steady hand that allows the chaos of the others to play. Russ Irwin played keys, and sang back up in all the multi voiced compositions that are a distinctive part of Aerosmith’s repertoire.

Joey Kramer came on stage during the first encore, drumming hits such as “Dream On”, and “Sweet Emotion.” There was an overwhelming cheer and gasp as the crowd wanted him to play and yet feared it could kill him. The man has such memorable drum lines like in the beginning of “Walk This Way” where in1986 when it became a hit a second time with Run DMC. It was his two measure drum line that made the mix of rock and rap such a masterpiece. Tyler played a white grand piano for “Dream On” and reminded all of us what a gifted pianist he is, and of course this was punctuated with giant blasts of smoke around the piano. Steve Perry stood tall and played on top of the piano forming what should be the statue to the glory of rock and roll. The night ended with confetti, and the entire group on the runway waving in the shower of bits of white paper. The crowd continued to cheer in waves even as they exited the arena, ears ringing, faces beaming. Everyone knew they were just a part of something special for the simple price of a concert ticket.

View a gallery of photos from Aerosmith’s Pepsi Center performance here.