On August 8, 2012, another stellar and epic night of LIVE entertainment at Tacoma’s famous dome in Washington State. Classic Rock stars Aerosmith, featuring the always flamboyant and exciting Steven Tyler right from his stint on American Idol. We had just heard he quit and was so happy for the band. I have always been a huge fan of Joe Perry but Aerosmith is not Aerosmith without both of them. Together they are the ‘bread and butter,’ the ‘meat and potatoes’ The complete artistic cornerstone of this truly American and Boston Based Iconic Blues-Rock Band ! Yes, WOW that was a mouth full.
If You want to be entertained, Aerosmith will do that and much more. With Joey Kramer on drums with the coolest Bass player in the industry Tom Hamilton and the great Brad Whitford on Guitar also, this original line-up still gives the audience the Rock medicine they crave. That hit of Blues and mean Boston Rock and Roll ! I Love these guys like no other band out there.
Steven’s music abilities are amazing. Percussion, harmonica, piano and his vocals that still sound as if it’s 1975 and he’s belting out Dream On for the first time. Flamboyant front man too. His wildness on stage is only imitated but never duplicated. He is the Original Steven Tyler! Man, he is cool !
Joe Perry has such passion. With his stellar guitar licks and riffs, he has created some amazing music to go with the cool lyrics that make up some of the best Blues Rock in the world since Aerosmith began. These two, once called the Toxic Twins, need each other, they feed off each other. After 40 years together you not only see it , you can feel the connection they have. During the show they spend most of it side by side.
This was only my third time seeing Aerosmith. First was 1978 World Music festival in Toronto, second, the final tour stop in Vancouver, B.C. Sept 2010’s performance that celebrated what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday. We all wished John a happy Birthday for Yoko Ono. Then this tour and again Tacoma was almost the last stop, another date was made back in Virginia. Thanks for giving me a setlist. I needed the Aerosmith for the collection. Maybe one day I’ll get it autographed too. They have a new album coming out and this album will be another classic too. We’ll be there and I will tell you what it was like. We got to hear the new song Legendary Child from the upcoming release.
To sweeten the deal, Cheap Trick was the opening band. Holy crap, what another amazing 1970’s era iconic Rock group. Rick Neilsen, The always funny but super talented lead guitarist and vocals, Robin Zander, The lead Vocals from the beginning and still has that special flare in his voice , I feel fifteen again listening to Surrender. Tom Petterson is astounding on his signature Twelve string bass,( he invented it!), and is incredible. Daxx Neilson, Rick’s son, replaced Bun. E. Carlos on Drums a few years ago and is perfect.
We had a special treat, both Brad Whitford and Seattle’s own Duff McKagan (Guns and Roses, LOADED ) joined Cheap Trick on Stage. With the extra killer guitars on stage it makes for a great sound!
It’s great to be able to see and enjoy this group LIVE again. The last time we saw Cheap Trick I scored their autographs and on a setlist too, as well as my Live In Budokan Album.
These two Iconic bands together was such a treat. The next tour is already planned, a new album with more great hits. Rock and Roll !