Aerosmith Hits A Grand Slam at Boston’s Fenway Park
A full moon hung over Fenway Park to welcome Aerosmith back for the 50th anniversary celebration of the band! Two years later than originally scheduled, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford were sans Joey Kramer who is on temporary leave. Joey’s drum tech and artist John Douglas took over duties keeping it in the Aero family. Buck Johnson was on keys and vocals as he has been for the past eight years. .
Opening appropriately with “Back In The Saddle” and pyrotechnics, Tyler’s vocals sounded better than ever. Yes, his harmonica playing was on point too. Joe Perry was moving down the catwalk with Tyler and you could just see everything was sympatico with the Toxic Twins, those old days of drugs, women and years of backstage insanity are from another era or two, it’s amazing, yes “Amazing”, how they have stood the test of time. At Fenway, they were all working together. Brad & Tom moved around on the side stages which thrilled the fans, as well Joe and Brad teaming up on guitar riffs. Steven messing with Tom’s bass and John’s drums, which included a baseball designed Aerosmith drum head for the occasion.
They delved into the old catalog with gems like “Seasons of Wither” and aa cover of “Remember (Walking In The Sand”) which was on the 1979 “Night In The Ruts” album. 1973’s “Mama Kin” and 1974’s “Same Old Song & Dance” from the “Get Your Wings” album that was produced by Jack Douglas. “Hangman Jury” brought Steven & Joe to the end of the catwalk for a great performance with Joe on steel guitar and Tyler on harmonica. The newer hits like “Cryin”, “Ragdoll” and that power ballad “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” made the setlist for the MTV generation. Sarasota resident Joe Perry took his turn with the bluesy Fleetwood Mac cover, “Stop Messin’ Around” that really jammed.
“Toys in the Attic” and “Livin’ On The Edge” had everyone in my section up on their feet. Two songs from different decades. “Edge” has as much social relevance today as it did when it was written. Joe Perry’s guitar sizzles, but don’t underestimate Brad Whitford’s guitar skills, they are part of the Aero sound. They ended the set with “Dude Looks Like A Lady”, which had everybody singing and dancing. Of course, we know there’s an encore coming and it’s taking longer than the usual pause. The crowd is starting to chant and clap for the band ballpark style. “Let’s go Aerosmith!”. The video screens light up with Tyler on piano and the familiar chords of “Dream On”. But where is he? He is up on the iconic Green Monster! What a brilliant move to honor the Bad Boys from Boston and Boston’s ballpark this way!
While we are waiting for Steven to make his way back down to the stage, Tom Hamilton starts to hit that famous bass line for a long groove on the classic “Sweet Emotion”, one of their best rockers ever and they closed the night with historic “Walk This Way”.
Steven announced that the show had set a new attendance record. Fireworks shot up over Fenway as they left the stage. An amazing night of music and fun by America’s best band! The boys are headed to Vegas for residency dates at the Park MGM Theater which is a beautiful 5,200 seat intimate venue. I talked to several fans who were headed to Vegas in the next few months to catch a show. The magic is still going strong with Aerosmith. Long may they rock! Everything Aero at their website.
The show’s opener was “Extreme”. What a treat! Gary Cherone has a great voice and energy on stage. Nuno Bettencourt’s guitar skills are simply amazing. They played lots of great rock and of course the hits with “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted”.
Vicky Sullivan Photos