AeroNewsDaily

The Pulse Magazine
January 30, 2008

The Living Legend Talks about his Sons’ Band TAB, Guitar Hero III, the Good Ol’ Days in Worcester, Solo Projects, Macaroni and Cheese, and (of course) Aerosmith

First, please know that speaking with you is an honor. Now, let’s talk about the upcoming show on Feb. 8th at Foxwoods Casino. Will there be two different sets or will you be playing the whole evening with your sons’ band TAB?

We’re playing together all night, we’re playing as a band. We were doing this thing for Guitar Hero III and they had asked me to play at a private party that they were having in NY to celebrate the opening of Guitar Hero III. Aerosmith has a couple of songs on the game so I said that I would love to except that I didn’t have a band. The guys that I had for my solo project last year with my solo record were scattered all over the globe and so I really didn’t have anybody to play with. In the meantime my boys were downstairs rehearsing for one of their shows and I said, ‘Can you hold the phone a sec,’ and I asked them if they wanted to play with me and let me be part of their band for awhile and they said they’d love to do it. That’s basically how it started. We did this show down in New York and we had a lot of fun. It was really good. I really hadn’t had a chance to play with them before. I’ve listened to them rehearse and I’ve listened to them play as they were putting their set together so I knew they could do it. They are really competent musicians so there’s no question there and plus they have a lot of songs that I really like that they’ve been putting together for their album that I thought would be fun to play on. It just fell together. The gig went really well and they asked if we wanted to play at Foxwoods show. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Do you play Guitar Hero?

No, I’m really not a gamer. I think after a certain point you have to be a gamer to get into it. The way it works is that there’s a real crossover. If you’re a gamer you’re probably going to be a rock fan too, so that’s kind of how it works. I think it also shows the cross pollination between these different forms of entertainment ~ how the music business is changing and how fans are getting their music now whether its on YouTube or commercials or at live shows. It’s good to be part of it. I’d rather support it than turn my back on it and stick to the feeling of ‘We should still have albums, and we should still have this and we should still have that.’ That’s not how it’s going and I can’t change that but what I can do is try to make the most out of what it’s becoming. If the music doesn’t sound typically as good as an album then let’s do something about it so that it does sound as good. I think that people are missing a lot by listening to MP3s, they don’t hear music the same way, and they’re missing out. From one generation to the next they don’t even realize, it may not seem like that much but if you go back and listen to a good vinyl recording on a turntable and compare it to a song on an ipod you notice a difference so I think it’s up to people like these guys to try and uphold the standard of the quality and whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do it.

Back to the Foxwoods show, will you be performing all TAB songs or will it be a mix…?

We’ll be doing some TAB songs, we’ll be doing Joe Perry Project songs from the first batch, some of the albums from the eighties, and a couple of songs from my last solo album that I put out, probably some Aerosmith songs and probably some covers. It’s pretty hard putting the set list together because there are so many songs that we can play. We really had a good time doing it the last time and I’m really kind of surprised at how good they are. As a proud parent, my wife and I would just be sitting up here while they were playing, like over Christmas two years ago when they were putting their band together and we looked at each other and thought “wow that’s really good, is that one of theirs?” So we were kind of overwhelmed at how fast they were coming along.

They were both players and had their own bands and Adrian was writing a lot of his own material. He had about 20-30 songs at that point. Tony had not really started writing his own stuff. He had a few cover bands he was playing with and I kept asking, ‘When are you going to start writing some of your own stuff?’ I think he was just waiting to get good enough on guitar to be able to express himself. I never really asked him why but it was kind of like the only thing I could think of is that, if he could get his chops to the point where he could have a sound in his head and be able to lay it down. When he started playing basically what he was doing was engineering and producing some of Adrian’s songs because Adrian had a bunch of demos that he wanted to do and they started playing. They brought Tony’s friend who’s going to Boston University to be a professional percussionist. They started playing and Tony started writing and it was almost overnight that they were coming up with their own stuff. Every few days they’d come up with a new song and we were really blown away.

Soon they started booking some dates. At that point Tony was living in New York so they played some gigs in New York, played some gigs in Boston, played gigs here and there and it really fell together. It was really fascinating to see how fast it came together.

I had a chance to check out the music that they have posted on their MySpace profile. I love their sound, it’s very raw and refreshing and the fact that it’s not extremely polished is really what the essence of rock n roll is to me. It has a maybe The White Stripes meets early Rolling Stones kind of vibe. As a proud Papa, how would you describe their music?

I would have to say it’s just that. It’s got twinges of the different bands that they like but just when you think it’s going to go and really speak of one of those bands, then they put their own twist in there. They are finding their own voice. Every song they’ve come up with is savvier than the one before. I’d say that they are showing their roots there. They paid their dues, they really did listen to their Dad’s record collection and being brought up around music really helped.

Adrian grew up on the west coast with his mother and his grandfather is a music teacher. He was the head of the music department in Cambridge before he retired and he taught him music, how to play classical music and read music and he played bass. That was his main instrument and still is although he can play guitar very well too. Adrian had that kind of background and he’s five or six years older than Tony. He was playing his own stuff in bands on the west coast a lot earlier than Tony, so he was coming up with original music pretty early on. I think when Tony started writing with him that’s the inspiration he needed to start writing his own stuff, so the two of them together has really turned out to be a powerhouse. The thing that made it a lot different than some of the other brother bands out there is that they didn’t grow up together, they grew up seeing each other on vacations or when they would visit or when Aerosmith was on the west coast or when Adrian was here visiting. They grew up on visits knowing each other but they didn’t really live together so their baggage is a lot different than some of the other brother bands. I’m sure they have their own issues but there’s a lot of stuff that they don’t have to worry about or get into just from a family point of view. They cut right through it. It’s been really exciting to hear them grow and musically their chops are really there. They work and practice hard and they are really starting to get a sound. Frankly there are a lot of songs that they do that I sit back and think ‘Wow, I wish I wrote that. That was awesome.’ So there are some songs of theirs that I was really anxious to play so we’ll probably play more TAB songs than the fans would prefer at this point since they aren’t really familiar with their music but once they hear them, it’s that kind of music. It’s got the rock and it’s only that they wouldn’t be familiar with it that would hold it back at this point. We’re going to do probably 4-5 of their tunes, we’ll do some project stuff and we’ll cover some Aerosmith songs and then we’ll do some of our favorite covers. They grew up listening to a lot of the same kind of music that I did.

The good stuff tends to stick around!

It’s funny, too, they just happen to be exposed to all that stuff being on the road that much. Adrian has seen a lot of Aerosmith shows, no question, same as Tony, Tony grew up on the road so they really had a good background in not just music but how bands work together and how you give and how you take and the whole thing. It’s just a lot of fun, it’s hard to describe, and it’s bigger than that. Playing with them is a great experience; I can feel certain things that just feel genetically right from just being their dad. It just falls together; it’s really interesting to hear what works and where things come from. It’s just really fascinating to me to hear certain licks and how they’ll take the twist of a chord change and what I would have done if I had been writing the song. The whole thing is really cool, it’s hard to describe it, and there aren’t words big enough. I guess that’s what the music is for, let the music do the talking. They seem to be having a good time doing it; we just want to keep enough distance so that they can keep developing their own sound. There’s a lot of times when I really have to keep my mouth shut, I don’t want to steer them too much. If they ask me for help or any kind of advice I’m really careful about what to say. Obviously when it comes to business or technical things there’s a lot of things I can help them with to get some shortcuts going but when it comes to the music I’m really careful about saying anything.

You’ve released solo albums in the past under “The Joe Perry Project” but your last solo album was self-titled and seemed to be a lot more introspective. Do you agree and if so, what changed between the releases to cause you to dig that much deeper?

Well, that came about from having written all those riffs and tunes, they were just unfinished and they were unfinished business. I would play them for the band and some of them got used and we worked some of them up but for every one of those, there’s another five sitting in the hard drive. These songs were the ones that I felt really needed to be finished. If something ever happened to me I wouldn’t have anything for Billie [Mrs. Perry] to release, they were my “basement tapes.” They weren’t finished and they were barely instrumentals at that point. I don’t finish a lot of things because I like to leave room for my writing partner to finish. So I figured, if we’re not going to go anywhere with Aerosmith on these songs, I should get them to the point where they are finished songs. The next logical step was to write some lyrics and put a melody on them just to have them finished. I was working with Paul Caruso and he laid some drums down for me and I was thinking “Why go in and replay this stuff with other musicians when 90 percent of it is done anyway.” So it just made sense to try and finish it, so that’s kind of how it came together. I can see why a lot of musicians end up making their own solo records, if you can do it you might as well to make a true solo record but I can also see why you wouldn’t. There’s a lot of things you don’t have to worry about when you’re playing with other musicians. The next one I do I’ll probably keep the tracks rudimentary and then bring in some other players to make a solo record that’s a little more, bring in David Hull for example, he’s a great bass player and he could definitely add a different take to some of the tunes. So when the next solo record comes out it will probably have more of a band sound.

Since our publication focuses on Worcester and Central MA, and you’re a local-boy-done-good, I wanted to ask you about your memories of playing clubs in Worcester in the early days of Aerosmith and what the music scene was like back then.

Well, it was pretty much like it was in a lot of the smaller towns that we played back then. I would liken it to the Detroit area or Ohio. Worcester was a lot more like those cities than say Boston or Chicago. Those cities were pretty much the same back in those days. They had more character as individual cities. Nowadays with Starbucks and such, everything is the same, all these chains are all the same, it’s starting to get pretty bland. Back then Worcester had its own kind of vibe and culture and when I say it was kind of like Ohio, I mean some of the towns in the outskirts of Ohio like Columbus. It had it’s own thing going on, bands had a different kind of a sound than say now. Things are generic now, whereas then, Worcester had the culture, the restaurants, I miss that. I miss that feeling of things having their own vibe. It’s the same with a lot of other places where it’s become an “If it works in this town it should work in that town” kind of a feeling. Worcester was a great place to play, I remember Sir Morgan’s Cove [now the Lucky Dog], there’s some history out there.

I have read conflicting stories regarding the current status of the new album and where Aerosmith is at in the studio, can you give us an update on where things currently stand?

Well, right now we’re just in the middle of kind of getting settled from the last three or four years. A lot of things threw us off our usual path ~ with Tom getting sick and Steven having to deal with what he had to deal with, everything from his divorce, well just everything. It’s all thrown us off. I think at this period of time our philosophy is work is there but I think we’re willing to sit back for a second and take care of life before we actually go in and start working again and putting a record together. That’s kind of what’s going on. We were planning on getting the record started last October/November but we really just needed to take more time off and settle some home things and take care of some life. In the end we’ll come back stronger and in a better state of mind to write a new record. So that’s what we’re going to do, get in the studio in the next few months and crank it out and get ready for a new tour. We’re going to take our time and let it be a little more organic.

You mentioned Tom and what he went through. I have to say, for me as an Aerosmith fan I think one of the most touching moments was during the 2006 tour when you played at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA and Tom came out during Dream On after having to sit out most of the tour due to his throat cancer. It was so inspiring and I’m just wondering how he has inspired you as a band and as individuals?

It just illustrated to us what a family this is and how much of a part everybody plays in this machine that we’ve been running for the past 36 years or so. With all its ups and downs it just showed how much we need to pay homage to that. It was a really good learning experience from that point of view but it was like going through hell when you have someone that you are so close to go through that experience. I don’t think there are too many people who don’t have that experience in their family, that don’t have an uncle or a cousin or an aunt that have been going through that kind of hell. It was seeing one of our brothers of choice go through that, it was so much more important to support him there and carry on with the band and again play homage to his part in the line-up.

You just mentioned that the band has been together for thirty six years, a pretty amazing feat. What’s the secret to this kind of longevity?

I think it’s just a lot of luck. We’ve gone through so much and you just kind of have to get through it one day at a time, that’s the biggest thing. We still have the same vision that we started with, that hasn’t changed. We’ve come close to breaking up many times ~ totally, partially ~ I think we realized how important it was that if it was going to be the way it was going to be that we had to learn from those experiences and take it from there. It’s just been that, learning from it and taking it from that.

Talk to us about your involvement with Guitar Hero.

Well we’ve got some of our songs on the game. Our songs weren’t on the first version and I saw that the kids were having such a good time playing it and I was listening to some of the music and it was great to hear such a cross-section. So I wondered why we weren’t involved with it. I started making some phone calls and got involved with Guitar Hero III. We helped out with that and the guys that are doing it are really great guys who are fans of not just Aerosmith but rock n roll. They think the same way, they don’t think about music being good or bad depending on its genre, it’s just what you like or don’t like. It’s been fun hanging around with them and working with them. They look at it like a crusade to get the music out there. Also, it’s a way to turn some of that video game time on the couch into something useful.

I have to ask about your American Idol appearance with Sanjaya. I think a lot of people were a little surprised to see that collaboration, did you have any reservations about doing that and how it would be perceived? Are you a fan of the show?

There’s always been some form of grassroots talent show, I can remember Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour, those kind of shows go back a long way. I think that they are so popular because it’s like with reality shows, people start to think that it could be them up there and it inspires them to develop their talent as opposed to there being no outlet for them so they start to think that there’s no point in trying so I think it’s a valuable thing to have that outlet. It’s just on a bigger scale, like I was saying before with the culture, it’s kind of the same vibe, it’s just bigger, it’s national instead of local, but it’s still local too. It’s still the same thing, the stakes are higher, but it’s still about the same thing. People are out there practicing and doing whatever they do, and if you have to put up with getting slammed by Simon, you take the shot, a lot of people have had some accolades for their work on the show so I think it’s been a good thing.

The kid sings, and he was pretty good. Everybody has to take some time to develop and it takes a lot of sand as they say to get up in front of a crowd like that and take a chance. So when they asked me if I wanted to do it, it was like why not give the guy a shot, so from that point of view I felt like it was helping him out. Plus it was fun to do it, it’s just another kind of experience and to lend a hand to somebody who’s taking a huge risk. He’s a nice kid, you just have to be ready to take the shots. If he’s willing to put himself in front of all of those cameras and judges then certainly I can bear the strain of a few people wondering what I’m doing up there.

How are things going with your hot sauces (Joe Perry’s Rock Your World) and are you going to have something new in that line to unveil to the world?

As a matter of fact we are! We have a new product that is macaroni and cheese called Rock n’ Roni. There’s actually going to be four different flavors, we figured it would be the next logical step to building this food company. Again, we didn’t invent macaroni and cheese but it’s fun to put our take on it, so that’s what we’re doing. [It’ll be out probably in the next few months, it takes a while to get everything lined up from the packaging to all the details. It’s a big deal to get the whole thing going. It’s finally coming together and it won’t be long.

So now that the Patriots have made it to the Super Bowl, is there anyway we can sneak Aerosmith into the half time show or maybe doing the National Anthem for good luck?

I know, we’ve had some kind of involvement whether it’s just a phone call to Jonathan Kraft or whatever, we usually do something. I don’t know what it will be but we’re rooting for them.

You have achieved so many goals and won so many awards and have been given so many accolades over the years, at the end of the day when you look back at your career, what are the things that are most memorable to you?

It’s probably the fact that we’ve stayed together all this time. When I walk into the front room of the rehearsal space and the other guys are there, wherever it is, it always amazes me that we’re still there and we’re still doing it. I think that’s it. It’s kind of a phenomenon.

To purchase tickets for the show at Foxwoods: www.foxwoods.com
Aerosmith on-line: www.aerosmith.com
TAB the band on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tabtheband
TAB’s Official Website: http://www.tabtheband.com

Aero Force One
January 30, 2008

Tom’s hittin’ Boston this week! Check this out… as you know, Tom will be at the Boston Hard Rock Cafe this Thursday, January 31st at noon to donate a Harley, a bass and stage clothes for charity (YouthCare).

Well, Tom will be on WZLX Today (Wed. January 30th) at 5pm to talk about the event. And, if you miss him there you can watch him on Fox 25 Boston on Thursday, January 31st in the 8am range.

Missed the details about Tom appearing at the Hard Rock in Boston?… Click (here) for the full skinny.

TheDay, CT
January 29, 2008

What rock fan doesn’t know and revere Joe Perry: He of the ski-slope cheekbones, the e’er rich goldmine of riffs tattooed on the ear canals of classic album radio listeners across the globe, and of course the yin to Steven Tyler’s yang? Aerosmith is probably the biggest American rock band of all time because, frankly, we don’t count the Eagles.

Perry, who has passed through several times with the A-men, stops at Foxwoods Friday [02/08] with TAB-the Band, the trio featuring his sons Tony (guitar/vocals) and Adrian (vocals/bass), and drummer/vocalist Ben Tileston.

During a recent phone conversation in which Perry answered five questions, the soft-spoken musician could not have been more accommodating. “I don’t understand people who would get into show business and then act like doing an interview’s an inconvenience,” Perry says. “Part of the job is doing interviews, and I’m glad to do them.”

1: You’ve played thousands of gigs, sold millions of records, and couldn’t be more famous if your name were Keith or Mick. And so obviously the most important question is: Do you remember what you were doing when you wrote the riff to “Same Old Song and Dance”?

Perry: Yeah, I do, actually. It’s funny how those things come together. … The first record had come out and it was summer and we were already about to get kicked off the record label because they were saying we hadn’t sold enough. And at any minute we had the feeling the sword could drop and we’d get the letter saying our services were no longer required.

So we tried to stay optimistic — that’s so important in having a band — and we rented an apartment in Boston to just go ahead and write a new record. The apartment was right above a hair salon so there was plenty of traffic going in and out and plenty of nice sights to see. And I figure if there’s one thing I brought to the rock ‘n’ roll table it’s riffs. But originally “Same Old Song and Dance” was actually a vocal hook. It was just something, another thing musically to hang your hat on, so to speak. Something to get your feet tapping. And Steven and I just took if from there.

2: I spoke to (Aerosmith guitarist) Brad Whitford a while back. Do you think, in the big picture, there’s a finite number of great rock guitar riffs? And have you guys helped use them all up?

A: I’ve been told from as far back as “Same Old Song” that all the great riffs were written. But, hey, that riff popped out and so do others and you look around and say, “Hey, I think I can do something with this.” Some days you do feel that maybe all the riffs are gone, but, well, that just means you’ve gotta get away from it for a while. And then I don’t practice, I don’t play, I just hang the guitars on their stands — four or five in every room on average — and finally I’ll have to force myself to start playing. And, thankfully, the riffs come.

3. You released your self-titled first solo album in 2005, not to be confused with the Joe Perry Project material from ‘89 and ‘90. But in addition to the solo stuff, I’m assuming one of the fun things about the Foxwoods show is the opportunity to play with your sons.

A: I can’t tell you how much fun it is to play with Adrian and Tony. It’s hard to put into words. There are so many levels to it. In terms of just choosing songs, it’s kinda strange to put a set list together. You’ve got to consider material that we have an actual fair chance of getting done, and some songs that people will recognize. So we came up with a list of tunes we’d like to do and even a list we knew we’d never get done (laughs).

… From my perspective, just to do these songs with different musicians, you remember the riffs and the high points and there are magic moments and there are reasons why those songs are still around. But when it’s my sons — and their band is really good — it just brings a different element. … To play with them all is weird and strange and fun and rewarding.

4: How will the backstage rider at Foxwoods differ, for TAB, than what maybe they’d be used to? Does it become true rock star stuff?

A: You know, I’m not really sure what they have. I would have to say, at this point, as they work their way up, it’s probably very rare that they’d do gig where there’s any kind of backstage stuff in this context. … Obviously, my sons have been backstage plenty of times at Aerosmith shows, and it’s to their credit that they’re apparently concerned solely with putting on a good show.

As for rock star behavior, I think the last thing on (my sons’) minds is wrecking someone’s property or leaving a bad taste in someone’s mouth. Believe me: what actually happens is you start to get invoices for televisions you don’t own and tons of furniture and lamps that are broken, and that you wouldn’t want in your apartment, anyway. It might seem hilarious at the time because you’re (loaded), but it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be.

5: This is a hot time for graphic memoirs by stars. Have you read any of the books by Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, Nikki Sixx or Slash?

A: Actually, I haven’t read them yet. But what it always reminds me of is Keith Richards because, you know, he’s the one every one always holds up as the main rock star or whatever. I read interviews with Keith or talk to people who see him. The last interview I read, he sounded like he had a few years left to run — and I think everything that you read is at least 90 percent true.

But he’s one of those rare people who can just do what he wants to do. I’ve been backstage with him or at various parties or events. At the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, I had a chance to watch him kind of behave. He was pure gentleman and he knows how to control it and doesn’t go overboard when it’s not appropriate.

If You Go:

What:  TAB-the Band, featuring Joe Perry

When:  9 p.m. Friday [02/08]

Where:  Foxwoods Fox Theatre

How Much:  $55 and $66

Info:  800-200-2882, foxwoods.com

Starpulse.com, CT
January 28, 2008

By: Rachel Burke

“I attended the Marilyn Manson Concert on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston because one of my favorite bands, Ours, was the opening act….

Bassist Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith attended the show also…. ”

“I talked to him for a while and took a few pictures with him. He was really nice and told me that he was there to see Manson and he heard that Ours was a good band as well….”

Complete article:  (here).

Clear Channel News - WAXQ, NY

Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith plans to donate his Harley Davidson motorcycle and other memorabilia to the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston.

Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith plans to donate his 2003 Harley Davidson Fatboy 100th Anniversary motorcycle and other memorabilia, including a bass guitar and a stage costume, to the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston on January 31.

In exchange for his donation, Hard Rock will give $30,000 to the Youth Care behavioral therapy program at Massachusetts’ General Hospital. Hamilton, a native of Boston, and his wife have long been supporters of the Youth Care program.

According to AeroForceOne.com, Hamilton said, “We’ve wanted to use the bike to raise funds for the program, and we’re excited and grateful [for] such a fat check.”

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Goldmine Magazine
January 25, 2008

Living proof that there is a whole lot of truth in the adage “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” the barnstorming, bluesy power trio Tab The Band are set to write their own chapter in rock history.

On Monday, Tab, featuring brothers Tony and Adrian Perry, whose dad is none other than Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, drop the breakneck, dirt-devil LP Pulling Out Just Enough to Win on North Street Records. And believe me, the boys of Tab more than lives up to the legend of their father.

Reminiscent of early Aerosmith, with heavy doses of slide guitar from guitarist Tony and a relentless rhythm section, Tab, also propelled by drummer Ben Tileston, is also drawing comparisons to a wide range of classic and contemporary rock heavyweights, channeling everyone from Deep Purple and The Stooges to Guns & Roses and The White Stripes on ballsy songs like “Le Colonelle” and “The Continental.” Getting down and dirty, and shaking the shit right off their shoes, Tab launches into “Chuckles,” seemingly pulled right out of a lost Rolling Stones session for Exile On Main Street, an album the boys of Tab unabashedly love.

Hastily recorded in about a week’s time, with another record on the way due out later in 2008, Pulling Out Just Enough to Win is full of relatable stories about life’s shameful little foibles, told with a cheeky grin.

To get a taste of what these guys are all about, take a listen to “Secretary’s Day” by going to http://www.northstreetrecords.net/secretarysday.mp3

And keep on the lookout for an interview with Tony and Adrian on the Goldmine web site, www.goldminemag.com, or stayed tuned to Goldmine radio for portions of the conversation and to hear tracks off the threesome’s new record.

Undercover HD, NY
January 24, 2008

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform for the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson in August.

Springsteen will play on August 30 through-out the anniversary on August 29 and 30.

Daughtry has been announced as support act. Other acts scheduled to appear across the weekend are The Black Crowes, Blue Oyster Cult, Dr. John, Peter Frampton, Puddle Of Mudd, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Buddy Guy, Garry Allan, Joan Jett, War, Blind Melon, Cameo, Dierks Bentley, Foghat, Los Lonely Boys and ZZ Top.

The Springsteen gig is only open to people attending the Harley-Davidson event.

The event has a $60 admission fee, Springsteen is an extra $40.

The day before the event (August 28), the Harley Owners Club (H.O.G.) will be holding a separate concert. Aerosmith and Kid Rock will play for them at Miller Park.

LiveDaily.com
January 23, 2008

With Aerosmith’s 2007 tour now behind them, band members Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton are taking advantage of the group’s break to tackle some solo endeavors.

Perry has lined up a Feb. 8 solo show at Foxwoods Resort & Casino’s Fox Theatre, a gig that will also feature TAB the Band. The latter trio’s lineup comprises Perry’s sons Tony (guitar) and Adrian (bass, vocals), as well as Ben Tileston (drums). Tickets for that event are on sale now via the venue’s website.

Meanwhile, Hamilton has announced plans to appear at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston on Jan. 31 to donate to the restaurant and bar his 2003 Harley Davidson Fatboy 100th Anniversary motorcycle, which Harley gave to him after Aerosmith performed at the company’s 100th anniversary party. Hamilton will also donate a bass guitar and a stage outfit worn during Aerosmith’s 2007 tour. The Hard Rock will commemorate the event by presenting a check for $30,000 to Massachusetts General Hospital and YouthCare, a therapeutic-based program that focuses on helping children develop social skills and other behavioral strategies within a group setting, according to information about the event posted at Aerosmith’s website.

“My wife Terry and I have been supporters of YouthCare for a while now,” Hamilton said in a prepared statement. “We’ve wanted to use the bike to raise funds for the program, and we’re excited and grateful that Hard Rock is cutting such a fat check!”

Boston Herald, MA
January 23, 2008

Papa kin: Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry recruited his
sons’ rock band to back him up next month.

It’d be so sweet to have Joe Perry as a dad. No offense to our fathers, you taught us how to catch and shave and took us to Disney World, but you didn’t write the riff to “Walk This Way.”

Yeah, the Aerosmith guitar stud is pretty much the perfect father. Unless you’re an aspiring rock star. Then there’s the possibility of dad hogging the spotlight.

Two of Joe’s brood are aspiring rock stars - singer/bassist Adrian Perry and guitarist Tony Perry, who along with their friend Ben Tileston make up TAB the Band. Until now, Joe has tried not to stand in their spotlight. But recently, Joe enlisted TAB to back him up for what could be a rare Perry posse gig Feb. 8 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

“I don’t want them to be my (permanent) backing band and they don’t want to be my backing band,” said Perry from his Duxbury home. “But a few opportunities recently came up where it would work, so we decided to try it.”

Late last year, Perry was asked to perform at a New York City launch party for the “Guitar Hero III” video game. One problem: He didn’t have a backup band. But he heard his sons banging out some tunes in his basement, told the caller to hold on, went downstairs and popped the question. To his surprise, Adrian and Tony agreed.

For the past year, Perry’s been sneaking in to watch TAB’s local gigs (the next is at T.T. the Bear’s Place on Feb. 1). But the Perry brood hasn’t shared the stage publicly yet. The brothers have been hesitant to use Dad’s music industry connections to further their careers. After a March show at the Middle East, they told the Herald they “want to let the music do the talking,” a sly reference to their father’s 1980 solo album.

“There may be a surprise Boston gig or two but nothing more,” said Joe. “They’re celebrating the release of their record (“Pulling Out Just Enough to Win”) later this month and want to concentrate on that.

“Hey, these guys are really good,” the proud papa said. “(Wife) Billie and I would hear them playing in the basement and it wasn’t like, ‘Aren’t our kids great? Aren’t they cute?’ It was, ‘Wow, these guys are finding their sound.’ ”

TAB started out playing Sabbath-like stoner metal, but has lately added the Beatles, power pop and alt-metal to the mix. With that kind of pedigree it’s hard to imagine what kind of sounds the father/sons team will create. Joe Perry said they’re going to play a mix of covers, originals and tunes Perry sings with Aerosmith.

After Perry, 57, finishes playing with his 20-something boys, he plans to get back to work with the men: It’s been four years since “Honkin’ on Bobo,” the last Aerosmith studio album.

“We owe (Columbia) one more record and we’re going to probably finish that this year,” he said. “After that, I don’t know how we’ll release music. I like the iTunes and Internet releases. I may just want to release Aerosmith’s songs or EPs online after this. There’s so many ways to do things now.”

Sounds as if Perry hasn’t taught his sons just about riffs. He’s learned from them, too. There aren’t many rockers pushing 60 looking to get a piece of the kids’ online action.

Joe Perry with TAB the Band, Feb. 8 at the Fox Theatre, Ledyard, Conn. Tickets: $55-$66; 800-200-2882. TAB the band, Feb. 1 at T.T. the Bear’s Place, Cambridge. Tickets: $9; 617-492-BEAR.

Aero Force One
January 22, 2008

Tom to Donate Memorabilia to Hard Rock’s World-Famous Collection

One of the original “Bad Boys of Boston” is heading home! On Thursday, January 31st, Boston’s own Tom Hamilton, bassist of the legendary rock group Aerosmith, will make a special appearance at Hard Rock Café Boston to donate his 2003 Harley Davidson Fatboy 100th Anniversary bike, given to him by Harley Davidson after the band performed for the motorcycle company’s 100th anniversary party. During the event, sponsored in part by local radio station WZLX-FM, Hamilton will also donate a bass guitar and a stage outfit from Aerosmith’s recent tour to Hard Rock’s world-famous collection. To commemorate the event, Hard Rock will present a check for $30,000 to Massachusetts General Hospital YouthCare, a therapeutic-based program that focuses on helping children develop social skills and other behavioral strategies within a group setting.

“My wife Terry and I have been supporters of YouthCare for a while now,” said Tom Hamilton. “We’ve wanted to use the bike to raise funds for the program, and we’re excited and grateful that Hard Rock is cutting such a fat check!”

WHAT: Tom Hamilton Appears at Hard Rock Café Boston to Donate Memorabilia

WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 2008 – Noon time

WHERE: Hard Rock Café Boston
22-24 Clinton Street
Faneuil Hall
Boston, MA
617-424-7625

PR Newswire (press release), NY
January 21, 2008

Hotel Scottsdale Exclusive Location for ‘The Super Jam’
-Performances by Pat Travers, Paul Rodgerss, Members of The Allman Brothers Band, Jefferson Starship, and More-

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Dmytro Development, LLC, Arizona’s #1 Green Developer, is proud to announce “The Super Jam,” a first- of-its-kind joining of the legends of music creating an exclusive, ticketed event scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Hotel Scottsdale.

For one spectacular night only, renowned legends of rock, pop and country will come together to perform for a once-in-a-lifetime, multi-genre All Star Jam. Invited artists include: Pat Travers, Boz Scaggs, Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery Gentry), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Paul Rodgers (Bad Company and Queen), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Tim McGraw, and Toby Keith. Retired NFL star and Gridiron Great Kyle Turley will also perform live.

“‘The Super Jam’ will be one of the most exciting events to take place during Super Bowl Week,” said Chris Burka, CEO of Dmytro Development, LLC. “Our team has assembled some of the biggest musical acts in one setting, and our sponsorship exhibits our commitment to making this a spectacular week for our community and the tens of thousands of guests we are about to host from around the world. This Super Bowl Eve extravaganza is going to be a can’t miss event.” Saturday’s all-star back band will include: Johnny Gunn of Eddie Money, Tommy Miller of The Allman Brothers Band, Donny Baldwin of Jefferson Starship, Steve Salinas of Cold Blood and Dell Bruchette of the Greg Kihn Band. In addition, the stage will feature a special performance from #1 Las Vegas act and premier Scottsdale party band Zowie Bowie, all hosted by CMT’s Cowboy Troy.

“People are going to be blown away when they see who’s hitting the stage for this party,” said legendary rock guitarist Pat Travers. “It’s very rare for this type of talent to come together in one place on one night, and we can’t wait to take the stage and perform.”

“The Super Jam” will feature celebrity host Mike Ditka and other champions from the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to retired NFL players. Dmytro’s association with the Gridiron Greats is a natural fit, as both work to improve the quality of life for people through their core values and guiding principles.

For this one-night-only event, The Hotel Scottsdale, one of Arizona’s most unique boutique hotels with picturesque courtyards and lush gardens, will be transformed into a “Super Jam” party and concert stage, with VIP rooms, exclusive cabanas and party areas, making it the place to be on the eve of the big game. Having recently completed a major renovation process, the hotel now features a fresh Spanish Mediterranean theme with luxurious guest rooms, and a remodeled lounge, pool, and business and conference center.

Dmytro Development, LLC, a contemporary, functional and environmentally superior development firm is organizing “The Super Jam” in order to bring something special to the region as the community prepares to host the world. As stewards of the communities in which its employees work, Dmytro works to ensure all company projects are designed and built featuring the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(TM) (LEED) sustainable rating system. Dmytro has adopted the LEED(TM) rating as a design requirement for all its commercial building projects. “We are proud and excited to bring the legends of rock together for the first time in Phoenix for the big game,” said Burka.

A premiere regional company, Dmytro will be one of the most active sponsors of events during the entire week leading up to the big game. “The Super Jam” will be the signature event for “Green Life,” a series of exciting, high profile affairs presented by Dmytro Development during the FBR Open and Super Bowl XLII promoting sustainability and environmentally responsible building practices in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

“‘The Super Jam’ will be the most high energy all-star party of all time,” commented two-time Grammy nominated performer Johnny Gunn. “Legends like this just don’t ever get a chance to get together and play. It’s really legends coming together for legends, and every one of us and our friends who are going to show up that night are thrilled that we were invited.”

“The Super Jam” will promote the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a non- profit corporation that has been established to provide financial assistance and coordination of social services to retired players who are in dire need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

“While tickets still remain available, they are going fast,” said Burka. “The response has been great and this is going to be a sell-out.”

For tickets, the public can go to: http://www.dmytrodevelopment.com or http://www.gridirongreats.org, or http://www.teamonetickets.com/parties/super-bowl/super-bowl-parties.html.

“SUPER JAM” DETAILS:

Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 @ Hotel Scottsdale
9:00PM - 2:00AM
Located at Chaparral Road and North Scottsdale Road

– Live Entertainment/All-Star Jam
– Gridiron Greats/Other Athletes Attending
– VIP Access/Private Host for Cabanas and VIP Rooms
– Complete Access throughout Hotel Scottsdale (pool, lounge, restaurant and VIP rooms)
– Catered — VIP eco friendly gift bags
– Valet Parking
– Private Car Service Available
– Hotel Rooms Available

About Dmytro Development, LLC

Contemporary, functional and environmentally superior development defines Dmytro. At Dmytro, pronounced “metro,” the “d” is silent — like our impact on the environment. We lead Phoenix with unparalleled, money-saving and environmentally sound 21st century office/retail/ residential development. All Dmytro projects are LEED(TM) certified (or rated) construction. For more information visit http://www.dmytrodevelopment.com.

About the Gridiron Greats

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund provides financial assistance and coordination of social services to retired NFL players in dire need, focusing on the humanitarian side of post-football-related issues and providing hands- on assistance to help players deal with hardships they may face after football. For more information visit http://www.gridirongreats.org.

The Daily Item - Lynn, MA
January 21, 2008

Patriots perfectly Super; Giants next

They’re back in the saddle again.

There couldn’t have been a more appropriate song blaring over the Gillette Stadium speakers as yesterday’s 21-12 win over the San Diego Chargers wound down. As Steven Tyler’s (of Aerosmith) voice reverberated through the stands, and the fans changed “Su-per-Bowl” in unison, it was obvious. The New England Patriots were back in the saddle.

The saddle, of course, is Super Bowl XLII, to be played in two weeks in Phoenix……….

(Complete article - here).

The Ledger, FL
January 20, 2008

As founder of the stately but weathered South Florida burg of Hollywood, Joseph Wesley Young called his “dream city” a place designed to welcome everyone “from the opulent at the top of the industrial and social ladder to the most humble of working people…..”

As for night life, there are clubs, bars and juke joints aplenty in both downtown and the beach areas. But the real scene shifts west - way west - to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino…..

But as is the case these days with Vegas, a good chunk of the scene is outside the casino, particularly in the Seminole Paradise, a night-life district with 13 clubs, restaurants, stores and a 5,500-seat concert hall. And because this is a Hard Rock, the theme throughout the complex is all about music: you’ll find the usual array of memorabilia on the walls, plus a copy of the latest issue of Rolling Stone in any of the 500 well-appointed rooms, should you opt to stay overnight (rates start at $169).

You may even run into a rock star or two. On past visits, I’ve practically rubbed shoulders with Steven Van Zandt (of Bruce Springsteen and “Sopranos” fame) and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith….

WZLX-Boston, MA

Joey Kramer from Aerosmith visits the WZLX Studios

More photos:  (here).

Aero Force One
January 18, 2008

By now you’ve all heard the news that Joe Perry is hittin’ the Fox Theatre at Foxwoods on February 8th. Joe is playing with TAB The Band (yup, this is Joe’s kids band – haven’t heard ‘em yet? – check them out (here). Now for the fun part… AF1 is giving away three pairs of tickets! Wanna go to the show? Of course you do!!! Here’s what you gotta do:

On January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd we will be hiding a picture of Joe somewhere on the site. Each day, the picture will be hidden on a different page (by 12pm Eastern time). It’s your job to comb through AF1 and try to find it. The first person to send us a link to the correct page will get 2 tickets to the show. Just send it to contests@aeroforceone.com along with your name and phone number and we’ll contact you if you win.

If you are planning to enter the contest, make sure you can get yourself to Connecticut for the show! This concert is only gonna happen once and tix can’t be exchanged for another Aero-event…. Contest doesn’t start until Monday, January 21st at 12pm (Eastern time).

Want to get your tickets now instead? Click (here) to get ‘em from Foxwoods.

More details:  (here).

Boston.TV

Jobian talks to the performers and stars of the 2007 Boston Music Awards at the Orpheum Theater… 

Watch clip:  (here) 

Boston Herald, MA
January 14, 2008

By Inside Track 

” . . . that Aerosmith ax man Joe Perry will be backed by his sons’ heavy blues band, TAB, when he plays Foxwoods on Feb. 8. TAB stands for sons Tony and Adrian and their friend - and drummer - Ben Tileston.”

By: Don Bernstein -

Thanks to:  (Aeroladyny).

Gulf Daily News, Bahrain

Guitar legend Carlos Santana is set to make his Gulf debut when he performs at the Dubai Festival City next month…. Among the guitarist’s most famous tracks are Black Magic Woman, Samba Pa Ti, Corazon Espinado, Oye Como Va and Smooth featuring vocals by Rob Thomas, Maria Maria featuring vocals by the Product G&B, the Game Of Love featuring vocals by Michelle Branch, Put Your Lights On featuring vocals by Everlast and Just Feel Better that features vocals by Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler….

The 411
January 14, 2008

So apparently the Spanish Magazine “Pro-Music” got some sort of an advance list of Album Releases this year straight from all the Major Record Labels - one must remember these are most likely Spanish and not US release dates, but they shouldn’t be too far off, and we must understand that these are subject to change. It is nice to see some form of an indication, if even just the month is right. You can view the full list at the source below….

September 16  -  Aerosmith  

Source: Peepshow on ATRL -   (here).

Newsday, NY
January 14, 2008

John Varvatos is not quite a household name yet, but he’s working on it… Varvatos’ design aesthetic is, you could say, a little bit preppy, a little bit punk. His menswear is sold at luxury department stores and his own boutiques - including a 6-month-old store in East Hampton now enjoying “killer” sales - and appeals, he says, to businessmen and rockers alike looking for “Old World craftsmanship with an edge.” His ad campaigns feature rock stars like Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, Alice Cooper and CBGB-alum Iggy Pop…. 

Complete article:  (here).

Billboard.biz

Primary Wave Music Publishing has landed a deal with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. Set up as a strategic partnership, the deal includes the acquisition of an interest in Tyler’s share of copyrights — about 160 songs — and an agreement to market songs he has written and co-written.

Among the hits under the deal are “Walk This Way,” “Love In an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and “Jaded.”

Even though the band broke through with major hits in the 1970s, 18 Aerosmith albums have hit Billboard charts since 1985, which include greatest-hits packages. And in the last 15 years, 33 singles made the charts. In 2001, Aerosmith was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Larry Mestel, partner/CEO of Primary Wave, announced the deal today [01/10/08].

“Primary Wave takes publishing to the next level,” Tyler says. “It’s the perfect place for my catalog. I love the passion and commitment that Larry and his team put into marketing songs.”

Stage Three Music controls part of the Aerosmith catalog, while EMI Music Publishing administers the remainder of Tyler’s interests in the band’s songs. Mestel says that Primary Wave will be working with those publishers, bringing marketing ideas and opportunities to them.

Boston Globe, MA
January 12, 2008

The Aerosmith frontman says Primary Wave Music Publishing “will ensure that my catalog will continue to rock generations well into the future.”
(Robert E. Klein for the Boston Globe/file 2006)

In a move that’s likely to upset some Aerosmith acolytes, Steven Tyler is selling a hefty number of the band’s biggest hits to Primary Wave Music Publishing. The $50 million deal, first reported yesterday by the New York Post and later confirmed by the band’s publicist, covers 160 songs written or co-written by Tyler. Included in the deal are Aerosmith songs dating to the 1980s, including “Love in an Elevator,” “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and “Jaded.” (Tyler no longer owns the rights to the band’s ’70s hits such as “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Walk This Way.”) Primary Wave, whose founder is former Arista and Virgin Records head Larry Mestel, has assembled an impressive collection of music in recent years, buying a stake in the Beatles songs of John Lennon, and the publishing catalogs of Kurt Cobain, Daryl Hall and John Oates, and Steve Earle, among others. In part, the deal was done now because of a recent change in US tax laws. Instead of paying substantial income taxes on such a sale, songwriters now pay a modest capital gains tax. Tyler said he also trusts Mestel not to use Aerosmith’s music to sell mattresses. (As the Post points out, the CBS show “Cold Case” used eight Nirvana songs to tell a story.) “Primary Wave’s expertise will ensure that my catalog will continue to rock generations well into the future and boldly go where no songs have gone before,” Tyler told the tabloid.

Aero Force One
January 11, 2008

Joe Wants You!!! Check out the latest video from Admiral Perry inviting You to his show at Foxwoods Casino.

Click to view:  (here).

The Republican - MassLive.com, MA
January 11, 2008

WORCESTER - These days when Ozzy Osbourne screams out “I can’t hear you” in concert it may not be that he is trying to entice a louder response from the crowd. Celebrating his 40th year in the music business, it’s not a stretch to think the veteran rocker really can’t hear you.

Ozzy Osbourne brought his recent tour to the DCU Centre in Worcester on Tuesday night, offering up an 80-minute set that was filled with as much mayhem as he could muster…..

While Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton watched from the wings (he deftly avoided the foam bath and the buckets of water being tossed from the stage), Osbourne worked up “Suicide Solution.”

The array of symbolic stage props included a video screen in the shape of a cross which featured Osbourne’s maniacal glare on songs “Mr. Crowley,” and “Bark at the Moon.” Osbourne gave guitarist Zakk Wylde the room for an 11-minute guitar solo which featured all the clichés, including playing with his teeth and with the guitar behind his back. It basically amounted to an intermission for Osbourne who returned with “I Don’t Know,” and the power ballad “Here for You…..”

Complete article:  (here).

The Elements, CA
January 10, 2008

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is cashing in on the band’s back catalogue, by selling the rights to a music marketing company.

Tyler has written and co-written 160 songs, including Love in an Elevator and Dude Looks Like a Lady, worth an estimated $50 million (£25 million).

According to the New York Post, the rocker has formed a partnership with Primary Wave Publishing, which was formed by former Arista and Virgin Records boss Larry Mestel. Primary Wave also own a stake in the Beatles songs written by John Lennon and the back catalogues of Kurt Cobain, Daryl Hall and John Oates.

Tyler says, “I love the passion and commitment that Larry and his team put into marketing songs. Primary Wave’s expertise will ensure that my catalogue will continue to rock generations well into the future and boldly go where no songs have gone before.” The Post claims Tyler’s deal coincides with a change in tax law. In 2006 the U.S. government lowered the tax rate on such sales from 38 per cent to 15 per cent.

Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA
January 10, 2008

LAS VEGAS — It probably goes without saying that no one actually needs a dancing MP3 player or a music-playing Taser holster or a drink cooler that can be ridden like a scooter.

But some vendors at the International Consumer Electronics Show are betting that people will actually want these things.

Alongside gadgets representing the highest of high technology, CES this week showcased a great collection of offbeat items.

Some might even turn out to be blockbusters. Others, if they’re lucky, will nestle into an ignored corner of the SkyMall catalog…..

…..At Taser International Inc.’s booth, it was easy to forget that the company sells a weapon.

The company featured an abundance of femininity. Four Playboy Playmates signed autographs. Then there were new stun gun models in “Fashion Pink” and a leopard print scheme. The leopard one costs $379, while regular Tasers cost $349.

A fitting accessory for the leopard-print Taser is the music player holster, which clips a Taser to a belt and plays digital music.

Recommended listening: Aerosmith’s “Lightning Strikes” and, of course, any number of “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” remixes…..

Continued:  (here).

Amazon.com
January 8, 2008

DVD Release:
November 20, 2007

Actors: Aerosmith
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Language: English
Region: All Regions
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Video Music, Inc.
Run Time: 60 minutes

More info:  (here).

Business Wire (press release), CA
January 8, 2008

Today, Ultimate Ears announced the release of Super.Fi 4, marking the first time its proprietary armature speaker technology is offered in an ultra compact, lightweight aluminum body.

The Super.Fi 4 is part of the Super.fi™ family, a line of high-end consumer earphones based on the same technology and sound signatures used in Ultimate Ears’ professional in-ear-monitors. Ultimate Ears is the industry-leader of professional in-ear monitors, which are born directly out of hands-on experience with the biggest names in music, including, Aerosmith, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Madonna and the John Mayer Band.

Inside the Super.Fi 4 is a proprietary balanced armature speaker for a full spectrum audio experience. Delivering crisp, clean mid and high range sound, this armature produces a more detailed bass instead of simply a louder bass, creating a superior listening experience. The noise isolating design reduces ambient interference and improves sound quality….

Complete article:  (here).

Aero Force One
January 8, 2008

“Hey AF1 - wannna get a ‘Heart On’ this Valentine’s Day?! It’s simple, fast, and easy. All you gotta do is take a look at this poll and vote for your favorite 2008 edition Aerosmith Valentine’s Day Heart T-Shirt. Check out the designs!!! Both T-Shirts will be produced and sold but, the design/tee that receives the most votes will be sold at a special discounted ‘Sweetheart-Of-A-Deal’ price!!! So…whatcha waitin’ for?! Vote Today ‘cuz we’re gonna tally up the votes and announce the winning discounted price T-Shirt next week right here on AF1. Voters will receive a notification email once the Aerosmith Valentine’s Hearts T-Shirts hit the store for sale.”

Check  (here)  for poll.

MTV News, Canada
January 7, 2008

Renowned guitarist Joe Perry will be playing a gig next month, but it won’t be with Aerosmith. Instead, Perry will be taking the stage with TAB the Band, a group that features his sons, Adrian and Tony. With two thirds of the band in his immediate family, Joe has been able to watch the group grow musically. “When I stand back it’s really kind of a shock because they just keep getting better and it’s noticeably better. It’s kind of like watching a baby, every day there’s a change and they get better and they learn something new.” You can see Perry take the stage with TAB the Band at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut on February 8th. Meanwhile, TAB the Band are readying their first album, Pulling Out Just Enough to Win.

TrustedReviews, UK
January 6, 2008

Could the king of proprietary technology soon become the most unlikely of liberals?

According to BusinessWeek, Sony / Bertelsmann co-venture Sony BMG is finalising plans to make some, if not all, of its online music downloads DRM-free.

Sony BGM is the last of the so-called ‘Big Four’ music labels still holding onto Digital Rights Managements after Warner Bros finally gave in inking a deal with Amazon at the end of last month. EMI was first off the blocks after its historical announcement in April, with Universal buckling in August.

How big a player is Sony BMG? Well, given that it lists AC/DC, Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Bob Dylan, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Dido, Elvis Presley’s back catalogue, Franz Ferdinand, George Michael, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Kylie, Michael Jackson, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Rod Stewart, Shakira, Tori Amos, Westlife and Whitney Houston amongst its stable of artists you get the idea…

Ironically, Sony BMG found itself in hot water in 2005 when it put extended copy protection on its music CDs, a system which made software to automatically install on users’ computers when played and caused security holes which enabled viruses to break in. So giving in to the DRM-free movement marks a complete 180 for the label.

Official confirmation of the move is expected in the next few weeks, with Amazon’s entirely DRM free download service mooted as its first official partner.

Personally, we don’t care who it partners with - just get that DRM outta here…

WBOS-92.9, Boston

“….Yeah, Steven Tyler continues to come back from his throat surgery, and Tom Hamilton was back in the fold this year after his throat cancer. I mean, these guys have been through the mill lately, but it was just vintage Aerosmith again, And, Aerosmith in Boston, well….”

Listen:        Aerosmith - Play It Here 0:03:18

Aero Force One
January 5, 2008

Aeroforceone and the community of fans and friends were saddened to learn of the passing of Monica Massaro of New Jersey on Monday, July 30, 2007.

Monica was a true Aerosmith fan. As she posted on her Myspace page, “I am a huge Aerosmith fan, just nuts for those guys! I’ve been into them since I heard “Toys In The Attic” a million years ago.”

In honor of Monica’s devotion to the band, her friends at AF1 have nominated her as the Fan of the Week. Everyone at AF1 extends their deepest sympathy and condolences to Monica’s friends and family in this difficult time.

For those of you who’d like to send a message in Monica’s honor, a thread has been started in the AF1 forum.

To read more about the passing of Monica, please read the article in The Express Times.

Boston Herald, MA
January 4, 2008

By Inside Track

” . . . Aerosmith bass biggie Tom Hamilton working out at the uberluxe Bosse Sports in Sudbury . . . “

Aero Force One
January 4, 2008

Footage from Joe Perry/TAB’s performance
October 28, 2007 - The Annex, New York City, New York -

Watch clip:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
January 3, 2008

(Photo courtesy:  WireImage)

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry will perform with TAB The Band, which features in its ranks Joe’s sons Adrian and Tony Perry, at the Fox Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut, on Friday, February 8, 2008, at 9:00 p.m.

For complete information and to purchase tickets, go to this location.

TAB The Band has opened for Dinosaur Jr. and Rose Hill Drive and continues to earn respect as an energetic and powerful live act……

Complete article:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
January 3, 2008

RentalAndStaging.com reports: The Midas XL8 Live Performance System has completed the final leg of Aerosmith’s 2007 world tour, with FOH engineer Jim Ebdon at the controls as the Boston rock legends made their way across North America.

Earlier this summer, Aerosmith embarked on the “World Tour 2007 - The Tour Heard ‘Round The World”, bringing their signature brand of rock ‘n’ roll to fans across the globe.

Along with Ebdon at FOH, Chuck Wells acted as assistant FOH engineer besides handling systems technician duties. When the console joined the tour, “The lid came off to ‘oohs and ah’s’ from the few of us standing by,” recaps Ebdon. “It looked beautiful, and was smaller than I remembered, which was a good thing. I started to program the console and very quickly found my way around setting it up, patching input channels, routing, effects, sends and returns, and outputs. I had the crew band play for me, which is how we sound check, and within a few minutes I was confident with the console and had them sounding very good. I had very good results from the first show, and gained even better familiarity with it for the rest of the tour.”

Read more at RentalAndStaging.com.

PR Newswire (press release), NY
January 2, 2008

Aerosmith and Kid Rock Set to HOG the Stage at the Harley Owners Group 25th Anniversary Concert at Miller Park

Milwaukee — Today, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) announced that legendary rockers Aerosmith and Kid Rock will headline its 25th Anniversary concert at Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, on Thurs., Aug. 28, 2008. The ticketed concert caps the free day-long Club H.O.G. 25th anniversary celebration that coincides with Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary events during Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee.

“Camaraderie of the open road is at the core of the H.O.G. experience, so what better way to celebrate 25 years of H.O.G. history than by riding the world’s best motorcycles to Milwaukee with thousands of your closest friends,” said Mike Keefe, vice president and general manager, Harley Owners Group. “Our event also celebrates the start of the next 25 great years of riding together with H.O.G.”

Only H.O.G. members will have the opportunity to purchase the 40,000 tickets available for the 25th Anniversary concert at Miller Park. Concert tickets go on sale Wed., March 12, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time (CT) and will be sold on a first come, first served basis, including 6,000 seats on the stadium infield. H.O.G. members can purchase as many as 25 tickets for $25.00 each exclusively via H.O.G.’s members-only Web site, http://www.members.hog.com.

H.O.G. was launched as the official riding club of Harley-Davidson in 1983. Today, the organization is the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world, boasting more than one million members in 130 countries worldwide. H.O.G. members regularly celebrate the Harley-Davidson dream by riding together and participating in a variety of state, national and international rallies every year.

CELEBRATE ALL DAY AT CLUB H.O.G. 25

In addition to the ticketed evening concert featuring Aerosmith and Kid Rock, the free all day Club H.O.G. 25 on the Miller Park grounds will feature live musical entertainment and comedians, a ride-in motorcycle show with the chance to win awards, including the 7th Annual Willie G. Award, MDA fund-raising activities, performances by stunt riders and motorcycle drill teams, the H.O.G. Wall of Ink, exhibits and more. Admission to the Club H.O.G. 25 events preceding the concert is free to H.O.G. members and one guest. For more information about H.O.G. or ticket availability, visit http://www.hog.com.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com/.

CorvetteMikeNewEngland.com
January 2, 2008

Three Brand New Red Wings Are Now in the Showroom
at Corvette Mike

*More about this motorcycle here.

The new and exciting line of Red Wing Motorcycles has arrived… at Corvette Mike New England

Red Wing Motorcycles were created to make a statement. Whether it’s showing one off at the garage or rolling down the road in style, a Red Wing rider is telling the world that settling is not in the cards.

Steven Tyler brought an artistic flair to these motorcycles, creating a striking color palette with clean chrome lines and dozens of small details that make Red Wing Motorcycles like no other motorcycle available. But, says the rock and roll legend with a coy smile, “a beautiful bike is like a beautiful woman.”

Creating the perfect ride fell to internationally renowned master engineer Mark Dirico. Red Wing Motorcycles are perfectly balanced and powerful, everything that riders are looking for in a premium, custom-built machine. Each machine is brought to life carefully by the experienced build team at AC Custom Motorcycles.

Red Wing Motorcycles are backed by extensive warranties and can be fully serviced by local dealerships.

Make no mistake, these custom motorcycles are not just works of art. These motorcycles are comfortable, performance oriented and crafted to be the only ride you’ll need for years to come.

Oh, and by the way, any bike (upon request) will be hand signed by Steven Tyler.

More photos…. (here).

Billboard.biz
December 31, 2007

Complete list  (here).

Billboard.biz
December 31, 2007

“Weepin’” Willie Robinson, a blues singer who performed with Steven Tyler and Bonnie Raitt but also spent time homeless, has died at age 81.

“He was truly the elder statesman of the (Boston) blues. He was our godfather. He was the most dear man,” Holly Harris, host of “Blues on Sunday” on WBOS radio, told The Boston Globe for Monday’s editions.

When he sang, “you knew he meant it because he had passion,” Harris said. Robinson died Sunday in a fire started by a cigarette he was smoking in bed, the Boston Fire Department said.

He had worked a benefit concert with Tyler and two Boston Music Awards shows, in 2005 and again earlier this month.

Robinson was born in Atlanta and picked cotton and fruit with his family up and down the East Coast. After spending time in the Army in the 1940s, he became a master of ceremonies and doorman at blues clubs in Trenton, N.J., where he met King and other legends and eventually sang with Kin