Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Joey Kramer To Attend Hard Rock Café Opening
Boston Globe, MA
July 31, 2007
Aaron Lewis, frontman of Boston's alt-metal band Staind, will perform at a bash next Tuesday for the opening of the relocated Hard Rock Cafe at Faneuil Hall. Other rock types are expected to strut down the red carpet, including Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer, record producer and Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde, and Anthrax axman Scott Ian.
July 31, 2007
Aaron Lewis, frontman of Boston's alt-metal band Staind, will perform at a bash next Tuesday for the opening of the relocated Hard Rock Cafe at Faneuil Hall. Other rock types are expected to strut down the red carpet, including Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer, record producer and Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde, and Anthrax axman Scott Ian.
What Dreams Are Made Of
Buzz Foto LLC
July 30, 2007
(Photo Henry Flores/Buzz Foto LLC)
"Steven Tyler was in Dior Beverly Hills the other day and Henry got this amazing photo of the shirtless Rock Star. Just you watch this photo sell all over the world. The Japanese are pounding our doors down as we write this stuff. We remember the day seeing Aerosmith opening at the Santa Monica Civic for Lou Reed. We are really dating ourselves now."
July 30, 2007
(Photo Henry Flores/Buzz Foto LLC)
"Steven Tyler was in Dior Beverly Hills the other day and Henry got this amazing photo of the shirtless Rock Star. Just you watch this photo sell all over the world. The Japanese are pounding our doors down as we write this stuff. We remember the day seeing Aerosmith opening at the Santa Monica Civic for Lou Reed. We are really dating ourselves now."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tickets
The Morning Call, PA
On Sale This Week
Aerosmith, veteran hard-rock band, with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Sept. 22, 8 p.m., Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, N.J., 866-900-4849, 609-677-1000, http://www.theborgata.com. Tickets, $185 and $225, on sale Monday, July 30,
at 10 a.m.
On Sale This Week
Aerosmith, veteran hard-rock band, with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Sept. 22, 8 p.m., Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, N.J., 866-900-4849, 609-677-1000, http://www.theborgata.com. Tickets, $185 and $225, on sale Monday, July 30,
at 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Konocti Harbor Resort
Aero Force One
July 28, 2007
Aerosmith - Kelseyville, California
July 27, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
July 28, 2007
Aerosmith - Kelseyville, California
July 27, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
Kelseyville, California
Aero Force One
July 28, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Konocti Harbor Resort - July 27, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
July 28, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Konocti Harbor Resort - July 27, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
Tyler Gets a Hot Chick on His Hog
TMZ.com
July 27, 2007
There are celebs like Posh & Becks, and Paris Hilton, who get mobbed by super-charged crowds everywhere they go, but it was Aerosmith's Steven Tyler who really knew how to make a scene yesterday in Beverly Hills.
After shopping at Dolce & Gabbana, Steven "dude-still-looks-like-a-lady" Tyler exited the store to find frenzied fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the aging rocker. Tyler breezed through the crowd, stopping for pictures with a huge grin on his face as he pushed through the group. Tyler then upped his cool factor even more -- by walking right past the limo parked outside the store and instead hopping onto a motorcycle with a 20-something bleach blonde chick.
Watch video: (here).
July 27, 2007
There are celebs like Posh & Becks, and Paris Hilton, who get mobbed by super-charged crowds everywhere they go, but it was Aerosmith's Steven Tyler who really knew how to make a scene yesterday in Beverly Hills.
After shopping at Dolce & Gabbana, Steven "dude-still-looks-like-a-lady" Tyler exited the store to find frenzied fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the aging rocker. Tyler breezed through the crowd, stopping for pictures with a huge grin on his face as he pushed through the group. Tyler then upped his cool factor even more -- by walking right past the limo parked outside the store and instead hopping onto a motorcycle with a 20-something bleach blonde chick.
Watch video: (here).
Friday, July 27, 2007
In Paso, Aerosmith delivers a concert to ‘Dream On’
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA
July 27, 2007
Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry works a riff for the Mid-State Fair crowd
With their loftiest entertainment budget to date, California Mid-State Fair organizers needed to start things out with a bang this year. So they called upon Aerosmith.
The Boston-based rockers, with 27 Top 40 hits and four Grammys, packed the main grandstand — helping to pay for that large entertainment budget. They also left the audience with fond memories, which will help a venue that has seen seen just one other big-name act (Tom Petty) sell out this decade.
Landing Aerosmith was clearly a coup for the fair. In the last month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have performed in stadiums and arenas in Russia, Finland, Latvia and Germany. And after 30 years in the business, the band’s popularity hasn’t waned, even in a fragmented, iTunes world.
Wednesday was Aerosmith’s first local performance.
Nearly an hour after opening act Rhodes left the stage, a video montage projected highlights of Aerosmith videos and live performances on three screens. With more than 14,000 fans (including porn/reality star Ron Jeremy) watching, the band opened with “Love in an Elevator” from its 1989 album “Pump.”
Sound mixing was rough at the start, the loud music sounding like a wall of mush with nothing standing out. The parts eventually leveled a bit, though Joey Kramer’s drums were clearly too loud during the mellow, mood-setting guitar build-up on “Dream On.”
The heart of Aerosmith has always been singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, whose rock star coolness fueled the show in Paso Robles. Tyler screeched, strutted and hammed for the cameras while Perry unleashed a series of solos, hitting a crescendo on “Sweet Emotion” and “Draw the Line.”
Perry performed part of one solo between his legs and finished “Draw the Line” by repeatedly pounding a guitar with his removed shirt.
In typical fashion, both Tyler and Perry exposed their lean torsos, Tyler’s stomach revealing the words “Lick me” to an approving crowd.
The set list included a mix of songs from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The older songs — including “Same Old Song and Dance,” “Draw the Line” and the encore “Walk This Way” — clearly reflect a more rocking era of Aerosmith.
But songs from the ’80s on aptly reflected the band’s more ballad-friendly rebirth. Performances of “Jaded,” “What It Takes” and “Living on the Edge” were faithful to studio versions (though they can’t recreate the swirling harmonies live). Yet they were cranked up with Tyler’s and Perry’s ageless energy.
If only we all could be as lively as Tyler is at 59.
“Cryin’ ” was backed by scenes from the band’s award-winning 1993 video, one of three that helped catapult the career of actress Alicia Silverstone.
Tyler, whose mic was adorned with his trademark scarf, occasionally mentioned Paso Robles by name (as in, “Give it up, Paso Robles!”). And there were a few F-bombs—though not in-your-face enough to ruffle feathers like Ted Nugent did here in 2001.
Otherwise, there was relatively little banter, save for Tyler playfully razzing a fan who flashed a finger at him. (“Is that how you treat me after all these years?”)
Although the band’s version of “Dream On” was somewhat subdued, their anthem hit was one of the high points of the night, with Perry’s build-up providing the segue for Tyler to unleash his piercing vocals near the song’s conclusion.
A guest appearance by guitarist Brad Whitford’s son didn’t really add much to the show. And less effective songs, like the bluesy “Stop Messing Around” and a cover of the tired old Billy Joe Williams song “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” don’t match up to better Aerosmith songs like “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “Rag Doll.”
Still, you can’t expect a band like Aerosmith to include every hit in an hour and 45 minutes.
The fair’s big budget no doubt owes some of its girth to Aerosmith’s fees. (A fair spokesman said he didn’t know how much the band was paid, and the executive director has refused to release the number.) But the payoff in terms of the fair’s reputation will be undoubtedly be bigger than the final gate numbers.
July 27, 2007
Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry works a riff for the Mid-State Fair crowd
With their loftiest entertainment budget to date, California Mid-State Fair organizers needed to start things out with a bang this year. So they called upon Aerosmith.
The Boston-based rockers, with 27 Top 40 hits and four Grammys, packed the main grandstand — helping to pay for that large entertainment budget. They also left the audience with fond memories, which will help a venue that has seen seen just one other big-name act (Tom Petty) sell out this decade.
Landing Aerosmith was clearly a coup for the fair. In the last month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have performed in stadiums and arenas in Russia, Finland, Latvia and Germany. And after 30 years in the business, the band’s popularity hasn’t waned, even in a fragmented, iTunes world.
Wednesday was Aerosmith’s first local performance.
Nearly an hour after opening act Rhodes left the stage, a video montage projected highlights of Aerosmith videos and live performances on three screens. With more than 14,000 fans (including porn/reality star Ron Jeremy) watching, the band opened with “Love in an Elevator” from its 1989 album “Pump.”
Sound mixing was rough at the start, the loud music sounding like a wall of mush with nothing standing out. The parts eventually leveled a bit, though Joey Kramer’s drums were clearly too loud during the mellow, mood-setting guitar build-up on “Dream On.”
The heart of Aerosmith has always been singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, whose rock star coolness fueled the show in Paso Robles. Tyler screeched, strutted and hammed for the cameras while Perry unleashed a series of solos, hitting a crescendo on “Sweet Emotion” and “Draw the Line.”
Perry performed part of one solo between his legs and finished “Draw the Line” by repeatedly pounding a guitar with his removed shirt.
In typical fashion, both Tyler and Perry exposed their lean torsos, Tyler’s stomach revealing the words “Lick me” to an approving crowd.
The set list included a mix of songs from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The older songs — including “Same Old Song and Dance,” “Draw the Line” and the encore “Walk This Way” — clearly reflect a more rocking era of Aerosmith.
But songs from the ’80s on aptly reflected the band’s more ballad-friendly rebirth. Performances of “Jaded,” “What It Takes” and “Living on the Edge” were faithful to studio versions (though they can’t recreate the swirling harmonies live). Yet they were cranked up with Tyler’s and Perry’s ageless energy.
If only we all could be as lively as Tyler is at 59.
“Cryin’ ” was backed by scenes from the band’s award-winning 1993 video, one of three that helped catapult the career of actress Alicia Silverstone.
Tyler, whose mic was adorned with his trademark scarf, occasionally mentioned Paso Robles by name (as in, “Give it up, Paso Robles!”). And there were a few F-bombs—though not in-your-face enough to ruffle feathers like Ted Nugent did here in 2001.
Otherwise, there was relatively little banter, save for Tyler playfully razzing a fan who flashed a finger at him. (“Is that how you treat me after all these years?”)
Although the band’s version of “Dream On” was somewhat subdued, their anthem hit was one of the high points of the night, with Perry’s build-up providing the segue for Tyler to unleash his piercing vocals near the song’s conclusion.
A guest appearance by guitarist Brad Whitford’s son didn’t really add much to the show. And less effective songs, like the bluesy “Stop Messing Around” and a cover of the tired old Billy Joe Williams song “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” don’t match up to better Aerosmith songs like “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “Rag Doll.”
Still, you can’t expect a band like Aerosmith to include every hit in an hour and 45 minutes.
The fair’s big budget no doubt owes some of its girth to Aerosmith’s fees. (A fair spokesman said he didn’t know how much the band was paid, and the executive director has refused to release the number.) But the payoff in terms of the fair’s reputation will be undoubtedly be bigger than the final gate numbers.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Atlantic City Presale
Aero Force One
July 26, 2007
Rock This! Pre-sales for Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa (Atlantic City, NJ), will begin tomorrow morning!
Date / Venue / Location
Sat 09.22.07 / Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa / Atlantic City, NJ
Presale: Friday, July 27, 2007 - 9am, EST
Purchase tickets: (here).
July 26, 2007
Rock This! Pre-sales for Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa (Atlantic City, NJ), will begin tomorrow morning!
Date / Venue / Location
Sat 09.22.07 / Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa / Atlantic City, NJ
Presale: Friday, July 27, 2007 - 9am, EST
Purchase tickets: (here).
Aerosmith Rocks Paso
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA
July 26, 2007
A loud and prolonged screech during the song “Cryin’” threatened to pierce eardrums at the Mid-State Fair’s main arena Wednesday night, leaving no doubt that throat surgery hasn’t hampered Steven Tyler’s legendary rock and roll vocals.
At 59, you’d figure Tyler’s voice would have to suffer the fate of some of his peers who’ve lost range. But, as he pointed out numerous times in Paso Robles, it seems as versatile and sharp as it did back in 1975.
Aerosmith’s sold-out show kicked off the fair with volume and energy, as many of the 14,000 in attendance danced, sang along and recorded videos on their cell phones. With a mix of songs both pre- and post-Run-DMC, the band filled the Paso air with an even mix of rockers and ballads.
That the band still has all its members after nearly 30 years is somewhat of a miracle – especially given its reputation for excess. But even more impressive is that Aersosmith has remained relevant – not just another washed up group of has-beens playing free stages.
While the entire band is solid, it’s clearly the Toxic Twins – singer Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry – who steal the show night after night, as they did Wednesday.
With a set list that included “Jaded,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Living on the Edge” and “Walk This Way,” Aerosmith’s first trip to San Luis Obispo County was befitting a group of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, despite a couple of slow points, some uneven sound mixing and maybe a poor song choice or two.
Since the concert ended past our deadlines, we’ll have a full review of the concert in Friday’s Tribune.
July 26, 2007
A loud and prolonged screech during the song “Cryin’” threatened to pierce eardrums at the Mid-State Fair’s main arena Wednesday night, leaving no doubt that throat surgery hasn’t hampered Steven Tyler’s legendary rock and roll vocals.
At 59, you’d figure Tyler’s voice would have to suffer the fate of some of his peers who’ve lost range. But, as he pointed out numerous times in Paso Robles, it seems as versatile and sharp as it did back in 1975.
Aerosmith’s sold-out show kicked off the fair with volume and energy, as many of the 14,000 in attendance danced, sang along and recorded videos on their cell phones. With a mix of songs both pre- and post-Run-DMC, the band filled the Paso air with an even mix of rockers and ballads.
That the band still has all its members after nearly 30 years is somewhat of a miracle – especially given its reputation for excess. But even more impressive is that Aersosmith has remained relevant – not just another washed up group of has-beens playing free stages.
While the entire band is solid, it’s clearly the Toxic Twins – singer Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry – who steal the show night after night, as they did Wednesday.
With a set list that included “Jaded,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Living on the Edge” and “Walk This Way,” Aerosmith’s first trip to San Luis Obispo County was befitting a group of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, despite a couple of slow points, some uneven sound mixing and maybe a poor song choice or two.
Since the concert ended past our deadlines, we’ll have a full review of the concert in Friday’s Tribune.
California Mid-State Fair
Aero Force One
July 26, 2007
Aerosmith - Paso Robles, CA
July 25, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
July 26, 2007
Aerosmith - Paso Robles, CA
July 25, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
Country Days ... Rockin' Nights
Santa Maria Times, CA
July 26, 2007
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler performs to a sold-out crowd at the Mid-State Fair, Wednesday. Aerosmith was the first of the big-name acts that will rev up the evening crowds at this year's fair, which opened Wednesday and runs through
Aug. 5 in Paso Robles. Supporting the 2007 theme of “Country Days & Rockin' Nights,” the entertainment on the main stage continues with Stevie Nicks tonight and Bob Dylan on Friday. Some of the shows have sold out, but fairgoers without tickets can hear the concerts from the walkways surrounding the Main Grandstand Arena.
July 26, 2007
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler performs to a sold-out crowd at the Mid-State Fair, Wednesday. Aerosmith was the first of the big-name acts that will rev up the evening crowds at this year's fair, which opened Wednesday and runs through
Aug. 5 in Paso Robles. Supporting the 2007 theme of “Country Days & Rockin' Nights,” the entertainment on the main stage continues with Stevie Nicks tonight and Bob Dylan on Friday. Some of the shows have sold out, but fairgoers without tickets can hear the concerts from the walkways surrounding the Main Grandstand Arena.
Paso Robles, CA
Aero Force One
July 25, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - California Mid-State Fair - July 25, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
July 25, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - California Mid-State Fair - July 25, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
News From The Road
Aero Force One
July 25, 2007
From Russia With Love!
Aerosmith finished up the European part of their tour in grand fashion. Russia was awesome! I always wanted to go there. I remember being a kid and being in total shock about the way people lived there. Well folks it has all changed. The world has gotten so small now. It didn’t seem as dangerous as people have made it out to be. The people were really friendly. The promoter took us out to dinner at a restaurant on a boat the night before the St. Petersburg show. The food was unbelievable and the vodka was top shelf. St. Petersburg is a great city. Our hotel was right across the street from St. Issacs Cathedral. The show in St. Pete rocked too.
Press conference in Saint Petersburg (Photo: John B)
(Photo: Randle Feagin)
It seems Ross Halfin and Russ Irwin have buried the hatchet. No Folks, not in Ross's head. The guys were seen nestled in a corner at the Hotel bar in St. Petersburg. No snacks were in sight.
Moscow was next. We got in around 6 at night and immediately went to Red Square. Everyone seemed really excited to get over there. I went with Ross Halfin and we met half of our crew there. For the first time on tour I felt like a real tourist. As you walked into Red Square you could see on one side of Saint Basil’s Cathedral a Cartier store as well as a Christian Dior. This gave me an idea of opening a donut shop there and calling it Krispy Kremlin’s. It could go right next to Lenin’s tomb. Good foot traffic. As you walked down to the Eternal Flame you could see guys dressed as Putin, Lenin and Stalin. You can get your picture taken with them for about 100 Rubles. You could also get your picture taken with a ratty Mickey Mouse as well as Shrek and Sponge Bob. I am not making this stuff up.
Joe and John (Photo: Ross Halfin)
The next day Joe and his family strolled around Red Square and Joe picked up the hat he has been wearing on stage at a souvenir store. I bought a CCCP T-Shirt and asked our interpreter if it would offend people to wear it. He assured me it wouldn’t as he called it a retro shirt.
The Moscow show was great as it was one of the longest of the tour. The next day we headed back to Boston. The guys had a couple of days off before it was right back on the World tour. A couple of Canadian dates were next. Sarnia and PEI.
The Sarnia show was completely jammed and the crowd was amazing. NHL superstar Joe Thornton came to the show and hung out with the guys before hand.
PEI was next and the band’s catering was a little different on this night. The salmon and steaks were replaced with Oysters and Lobsters. Cheap Trick were on the bill and it was great seeing the 2 band’s catch up.
Rick talks Gibsons with Joe (Photo: John B)
We are in California right now. There are 2 shows here and then a month off. The September shows should be pretty wild as it will be the last time you will see the guys for a while. They are planning on going back in the studio in October.
See You on the Road!
John B.
From MaGee:
Hey everyone, MaGee here writing in from Russia. I had the honor of choosing the employee of the week and had to go with Sir John Bionelli. He was recently knighted but managed to keep it out of the papers. John has been working with Aerosmith for over 16 years and his tireless efforts may sometimes go unnoticed so that's why I nominated and voted him in personally (I have that kind of pull if you were wondering). Whether its making sure Joe Perry and the boys get to meet and greets on time or spending an hour running from dressing room to dressing room (on a still healing broken leg) to finalize a set list, he is always on top of his game. The guys also take his choices on songs to add to the set list as well. When the Boys have some down time John has also worked with Velvet Revolver and Black Sabbath to keep his chops up. Next time you see him out on the road ask him to do his Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley impersonation. He will gladly drop what he's doing to bust out a line or two. In his spare time he likes to knit quilts and plant flowers in public parks. I am proud to call him a fellow Bostonian. Cheers to John B
John B and Magee (Photo: Ross Halfin)
July 25, 2007
From Russia With Love!
Aerosmith finished up the European part of their tour in grand fashion. Russia was awesome! I always wanted to go there. I remember being a kid and being in total shock about the way people lived there. Well folks it has all changed. The world has gotten so small now. It didn’t seem as dangerous as people have made it out to be. The people were really friendly. The promoter took us out to dinner at a restaurant on a boat the night before the St. Petersburg show. The food was unbelievable and the vodka was top shelf. St. Petersburg is a great city. Our hotel was right across the street from St. Issacs Cathedral. The show in St. Pete rocked too.
Press conference in Saint Petersburg (Photo: John B)
(Photo: Randle Feagin)
It seems Ross Halfin and Russ Irwin have buried the hatchet. No Folks, not in Ross's head. The guys were seen nestled in a corner at the Hotel bar in St. Petersburg. No snacks were in sight.
Moscow was next. We got in around 6 at night and immediately went to Red Square. Everyone seemed really excited to get over there. I went with Ross Halfin and we met half of our crew there. For the first time on tour I felt like a real tourist. As you walked into Red Square you could see on one side of Saint Basil’s Cathedral a Cartier store as well as a Christian Dior. This gave me an idea of opening a donut shop there and calling it Krispy Kremlin’s. It could go right next to Lenin’s tomb. Good foot traffic. As you walked down to the Eternal Flame you could see guys dressed as Putin, Lenin and Stalin. You can get your picture taken with them for about 100 Rubles. You could also get your picture taken with a ratty Mickey Mouse as well as Shrek and Sponge Bob. I am not making this stuff up.
Joe and John (Photo: Ross Halfin)
The next day Joe and his family strolled around Red Square and Joe picked up the hat he has been wearing on stage at a souvenir store. I bought a CCCP T-Shirt and asked our interpreter if it would offend people to wear it. He assured me it wouldn’t as he called it a retro shirt.
The Moscow show was great as it was one of the longest of the tour. The next day we headed back to Boston. The guys had a couple of days off before it was right back on the World tour. A couple of Canadian dates were next. Sarnia and PEI.
The Sarnia show was completely jammed and the crowd was amazing. NHL superstar Joe Thornton came to the show and hung out with the guys before hand.
PEI was next and the band’s catering was a little different on this night. The salmon and steaks were replaced with Oysters and Lobsters. Cheap Trick were on the bill and it was great seeing the 2 band’s catch up.
Rick talks Gibsons with Joe (Photo: John B)
We are in California right now. There are 2 shows here and then a month off. The September shows should be pretty wild as it will be the last time you will see the guys for a while. They are planning on going back in the studio in October.
See You on the Road!
John B.
From MaGee:
Hey everyone, MaGee here writing in from Russia. I had the honor of choosing the employee of the week and had to go with Sir John Bionelli. He was recently knighted but managed to keep it out of the papers. John has been working with Aerosmith for over 16 years and his tireless efforts may sometimes go unnoticed so that's why I nominated and voted him in personally (I have that kind of pull if you were wondering). Whether its making sure Joe Perry and the boys get to meet and greets on time or spending an hour running from dressing room to dressing room (on a still healing broken leg) to finalize a set list, he is always on top of his game. The guys also take his choices on songs to add to the set list as well. When the Boys have some down time John has also worked with Velvet Revolver and Black Sabbath to keep his chops up. Next time you see him out on the road ask him to do his Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley impersonation. He will gladly drop what he's doing to bust out a line or two. In his spare time he likes to knit quilts and plant flowers in public parks. I am proud to call him a fellow Bostonian. Cheers to John B
John B and Magee (Photo: Ross Halfin)
The California Mid-State Fair: last minute preparations
KSBY San Luis Obispo, CA
July 25, 2007
The countdown to opening day at the Mid-State Fair is underway. Gates open today at noon.
This year fair organizers spent the most money ever on musical entertainment. Take a look at this line up:
Aerosmith is set to rock the house tonight.
Rock legend Stevie Nicks graces the grandstand Thursday.
Music icon Bob Dylan takes the stage Friday.
Country music sensation Rascall Flatts will perform on August 2....
July 25, 2007
The countdown to opening day at the Mid-State Fair is underway. Gates open today at noon.
This year fair organizers spent the most money ever on musical entertainment. Take a look at this line up:
Aerosmith is set to rock the house tonight.
Rock legend Stevie Nicks graces the grandstand Thursday.
Music icon Bob Dylan takes the stage Friday.
Country music sensation Rascall Flatts will perform on August 2....
Fair pumps up the jams
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA
July 24, 2007
It includes the act that sold out the fastest, the highest ticket prices, and the most money ever budgeted for entertainment — $ 2.8 million — in California Mid-State Fair history.
This year’s concert line-up at the fair, which starts Wednesday at the Paso Robles Event Center and runs for two weeks, is already record-breaking before a note has been played.
The fair has a long history of bringing in big names, and this year is no exception. From Aerosmith on opening night to Martina McBride and other major country names, Godsmack for hard rockers and the Jonas Brothers for the preteen set, this year’s fair includes diverse musical variety.
The fair is spending about $700,000 more on entertainment this year than ever before. Nearly half of the total fair budget of $6.6 million is designated for entertainment. For the past three years, total cost for performers has been around $2 million each year.
“I feel we have the best entertainment lineup that we’ve ever had,” said fair chief executive officer Vivian Robertson.
Genres from Christian rock (Jars of Clay) to oldies (Chubby Checker and the Wildcats) are covered. Throwback favorites Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and the iconic Bob Dylan are all performing. And one lucky local band will get into the mix if it wins a contest to open for Godsmack.
When it comes to country, the entertainment staple of any traditional American fair, concert-goers have McBride with Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley and LeAnn Rimes, Daughtry, Phil Vassar and Rascal Flatts with Jason Aldean to choose from. Those groups are all performing in the 15,321-seat Main Grandstand Arena....
Angling for Aerosmith
The announcement of a big name coming to the Mid-State Fair is always a big deal at the winter fair banquet, and that of Aerosmith’s performance was greeted with raucous cheers. It wasn’t surprising to those observing the ticket sales that the group sold out in three hours.
“People are talking about it all over the place,” said the fair’s entertainment booker, Ron Pateras of Jam Productions in Chicago, who noted that a longtime relationship between Jam Productions and the band’s handlers helped make it possible to secure the group. Having a major booking company handle negotiations with artists has been a large part of the fair’s entertainment success.
Aerosmith has not played at fairs in the past, making their appearance a particular coup.
Mike Minnala of Los Osos waited in line overnight in front of Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo to get Aerosmith tickets in the eighth row. The ticket prices, at $78 for the best seats, are the most expensive in fair history.
Minnala, who has been going to shows at the fair for 20 years, said he’s enjoyed seeing Van Halen, ZZ Top, Velvet Revolver, the Steve Miller Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival over the years.
He doesn’t mind the high ticket prices.
“At $78, to have them 30 minutes away, it’s nothing. If you go to the valley, go to L.A., go to San Francisco, you’re going to have to pay five times that much in gas, travel and food,” Minnala said.
Aerosmith is performing at the Konocti Harbor Amphitheatre in Kelseyville, Calif., following the Paso Robles appearance. Tickets for the Kelseyville show are going for $225.
Keeping ticket prices down helps the fair attract more people, who often spend money on other concessions and must buy a ticket to enter the fair before they can see a show. Strong ticket sales help enhance the fair’s overall bottom line. As of Friday, Aerosmith was the only show to sell out this year...
July 24, 2007
It includes the act that sold out the fastest, the highest ticket prices, and the most money ever budgeted for entertainment — $ 2.8 million — in California Mid-State Fair history.
This year’s concert line-up at the fair, which starts Wednesday at the Paso Robles Event Center and runs for two weeks, is already record-breaking before a note has been played.
The fair has a long history of bringing in big names, and this year is no exception. From Aerosmith on opening night to Martina McBride and other major country names, Godsmack for hard rockers and the Jonas Brothers for the preteen set, this year’s fair includes diverse musical variety.
The fair is spending about $700,000 more on entertainment this year than ever before. Nearly half of the total fair budget of $6.6 million is designated for entertainment. For the past three years, total cost for performers has been around $2 million each year.
“I feel we have the best entertainment lineup that we’ve ever had,” said fair chief executive officer Vivian Robertson.
Genres from Christian rock (Jars of Clay) to oldies (Chubby Checker and the Wildcats) are covered. Throwback favorites Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and the iconic Bob Dylan are all performing. And one lucky local band will get into the mix if it wins a contest to open for Godsmack.
When it comes to country, the entertainment staple of any traditional American fair, concert-goers have McBride with Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley and LeAnn Rimes, Daughtry, Phil Vassar and Rascal Flatts with Jason Aldean to choose from. Those groups are all performing in the 15,321-seat Main Grandstand Arena....
Angling for Aerosmith
The announcement of a big name coming to the Mid-State Fair is always a big deal at the winter fair banquet, and that of Aerosmith’s performance was greeted with raucous cheers. It wasn’t surprising to those observing the ticket sales that the group sold out in three hours.
“People are talking about it all over the place,” said the fair’s entertainment booker, Ron Pateras of Jam Productions in Chicago, who noted that a longtime relationship between Jam Productions and the band’s handlers helped make it possible to secure the group. Having a major booking company handle negotiations with artists has been a large part of the fair’s entertainment success.
Aerosmith has not played at fairs in the past, making their appearance a particular coup.
Mike Minnala of Los Osos waited in line overnight in front of Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo to get Aerosmith tickets in the eighth row. The ticket prices, at $78 for the best seats, are the most expensive in fair history.
Minnala, who has been going to shows at the fair for 20 years, said he’s enjoyed seeing Van Halen, ZZ Top, Velvet Revolver, the Steve Miller Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival over the years.
He doesn’t mind the high ticket prices.
“At $78, to have them 30 minutes away, it’s nothing. If you go to the valley, go to L.A., go to San Francisco, you’re going to have to pay five times that much in gas, travel and food,” Minnala said.
Aerosmith is performing at the Konocti Harbor Amphitheatre in Kelseyville, Calif., following the Paso Robles appearance. Tickets for the Kelseyville show are going for $225.
Keeping ticket prices down helps the fair attract more people, who often spend money on other concessions and must buy a ticket to enter the fair before they can see a show. Strong ticket sales help enhance the fair’s overall bottom line. As of Friday, Aerosmith was the only show to sell out this year...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Rock This Way
The Guardian, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
July 23, 2007
Keeping it tight is what a band like Aerosmith is all about. That, and rocking your socks off, which is what, from left, guitarist Brad Whitford, singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry do best.
(Guardian photo by: Heather Taweel)
Superstar rock band Aerosmith had everyone on cloud nine Saturday night when they performed to a sea of thousands at the Charlottetown Driving Park and Entertainment Centre.
When the band took the stage, concert-goers cheered and screamed with excitement at seeing the five rock legends live and in person.
“Oh my God, it’s really him! It’s really Steve Tyler! I think I’m gonna die,’’ screamed one female fan in the front row of the crowd.
Everyone on the concert grounds was excited to see Aerosmith, even though they had to endure some intermittent showers and a slick covering of mud on the grounds throughout the day.
Fans cheered wildly from the time the band opened with Love in an Elevator to the encore song, Walk This Way.
Approximately 35,000 people attended the event, which also featured performances by Cheap Trick, 54-40, Ciara and local band Intoxicado.
Several hundred concert-goers were lined up for hours before the gates even opened to the public. A few camped out overnight in order to be the first ones in.
“We got here at 9:30 (Friday) night and slept outside," said Tyler Ferdinand of Pugwash, N.S., jumping up and down with excitement.
“We wanted to be here to get a good spot. We’re so tired, but we were the first ones here."
Ticket-holders poured into the concert grounds at a steady pace throughout the day.
As the concert lineup drew nearer to Aerosmith, lineups got heavier, blocking the flow of traffic on Kensington Road in front of the CDPEC.
Upon entering by the Civic Centre doors, each person was frisked by security before being allowed onto the concert grounds.
A significant amount of alcohol and marijuana was confiscated from people through this process, security officials on site said Saturday.
Many tried to smuggle the intoxicants into the concert in everything from backpacks to cigarette packages and even on their person.
But overall, everyone remained orderly and was accommodating to the rules, security officials told The Guardian.
Once inside the venue, people scoped out their preferred viewing spots — many setting down tarps and garbage bags to protect themselves from the rain and soggy grounds.
The weather wasn’t ideal, and many were unhappy with the mud and dampness. But when Aerosmith took the stage, the weather wasn’t even a second thought.
“It was amazing," said concert-goer Laura Janey. “The rain, the mud — whatever. It was totally worth it."
Nicole Young from Fredericton was also impressed with the concert.
“Everyone here is having fun," she said as Aerosmith took the stage. “I’m so excited to be on P.E.I. for this concert."
As with any rock concert, many in the crowd had indulged in a few choice substances.
“There were a few people overindulging,’’ said West Prince physician Dr. Herb Dickieson, who was volunteering on site with the Red Cross.
One woman was sent to hospital with a cardiac condition as a precautionary measure as she had a previously known heart condition, he said.
“There were also a few twisted ankles and knees. Nothing serious."
Although the two Red Cross tents were busy throughout the day with people suffering mainly from heat exposure, exhaustion and intoxication — particularly in the late afternoon and evening — there were very few incidents for a crowd of that magnitude, Dickieson said.
“For the number of people involved — 30,000 to 35,000 people — we were certainly very fortunate that there wasn’t any serious incidents," he said.
Dickieson was also impressed with the overall organization of the event.
“There was a lot of security and volunteers who kept the whole thing very well-organized — I would definitely call it a success."
The cheers emanating from the crowd all night and the thousands holding their lighters and cellphones in the air proved this statement true.
July 23, 2007
Keeping it tight is what a band like Aerosmith is all about. That, and rocking your socks off, which is what, from left, guitarist Brad Whitford, singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry do best.
(Guardian photo by: Heather Taweel)
Superstar rock band Aerosmith had everyone on cloud nine Saturday night when they performed to a sea of thousands at the Charlottetown Driving Park and Entertainment Centre.
When the band took the stage, concert-goers cheered and screamed with excitement at seeing the five rock legends live and in person.
“Oh my God, it’s really him! It’s really Steve Tyler! I think I’m gonna die,’’ screamed one female fan in the front row of the crowd.
Everyone on the concert grounds was excited to see Aerosmith, even though they had to endure some intermittent showers and a slick covering of mud on the grounds throughout the day.
Fans cheered wildly from the time the band opened with Love in an Elevator to the encore song, Walk This Way.
Approximately 35,000 people attended the event, which also featured performances by Cheap Trick, 54-40, Ciara and local band Intoxicado.
Several hundred concert-goers were lined up for hours before the gates even opened to the public. A few camped out overnight in order to be the first ones in.
“We got here at 9:30 (Friday) night and slept outside," said Tyler Ferdinand of Pugwash, N.S., jumping up and down with excitement.
“We wanted to be here to get a good spot. We’re so tired, but we were the first ones here."
Ticket-holders poured into the concert grounds at a steady pace throughout the day.
As the concert lineup drew nearer to Aerosmith, lineups got heavier, blocking the flow of traffic on Kensington Road in front of the CDPEC.
Upon entering by the Civic Centre doors, each person was frisked by security before being allowed onto the concert grounds.
A significant amount of alcohol and marijuana was confiscated from people through this process, security officials on site said Saturday.
Many tried to smuggle the intoxicants into the concert in everything from backpacks to cigarette packages and even on their person.
But overall, everyone remained orderly and was accommodating to the rules, security officials told The Guardian.
Once inside the venue, people scoped out their preferred viewing spots — many setting down tarps and garbage bags to protect themselves from the rain and soggy grounds.
The weather wasn’t ideal, and many were unhappy with the mud and dampness. But when Aerosmith took the stage, the weather wasn’t even a second thought.
“It was amazing," said concert-goer Laura Janey. “The rain, the mud — whatever. It was totally worth it."
Nicole Young from Fredericton was also impressed with the concert.
“Everyone here is having fun," she said as Aerosmith took the stage. “I’m so excited to be on P.E.I. for this concert."
As with any rock concert, many in the crowd had indulged in a few choice substances.
“There were a few people overindulging,’’ said West Prince physician Dr. Herb Dickieson, who was volunteering on site with the Red Cross.
One woman was sent to hospital with a cardiac condition as a precautionary measure as she had a previously known heart condition, he said.
“There were also a few twisted ankles and knees. Nothing serious."
Although the two Red Cross tents were busy throughout the day with people suffering mainly from heat exposure, exhaustion and intoxication — particularly in the late afternoon and evening — there were very few incidents for a crowd of that magnitude, Dickieson said.
“For the number of people involved — 30,000 to 35,000 people — we were certainly very fortunate that there wasn’t any serious incidents," he said.
Dickieson was also impressed with the overall organization of the event.
“There was a lot of security and volunteers who kept the whole thing very well-organized — I would definitely call it a success."
The cheers emanating from the crowd all night and the thousands holding their lighters and cellphones in the air proved this statement true.
Aerosmith coming to Charlottetown? This Carver guy must be dreaming
The Guardian, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
July 23, 2007
Ahh, but they did, and promoter David Carver deserves the credit, writes Guardian reviewer Doug Gallant
When word first began to circulate that concert promoter David Carver planned to bring Aerosmith to Charlottetown, I’m sure there were those who shook their heads in disbelief and said it just wasn’t possible.
Charlottetown, after all, isn’t exactly one of the first cities that comes to mind when major rock acts contemplate their tour plans.
But Saturday night, any delusion that this city could not play host to a major rock show was shattered.
For there, on the oval at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre, in all their iconic glory, stood what may arguably be the finest pure rock act ever to come out of America.
Certainly the most enduring one.
By the time they hit the stage at 9 p.m., or shortly thereafter, the weather was less than perfect, the ground was reduced in places to a near quagmire and people had endured long line-ups for virtually everything.
Then came Love In An Elevator.
When that first song cracked the overcast sky, nothing else mattered.
There, before the biggest crowd ever assembled for a one-day show in P.E.I., was Aerosmith, classic lineup in tact, with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer.
For many, it was as if the planets had finally fallen into line.
Aerosmith was here.
You were there.
Everything was cool.
“I’ve waited my whole life to see these guys,’’ one fan standing near me uttered when Love In An Elevator swept across the crowd. “If this was the only song I heard them play, I could die happy now.’’
Another serious Aerosmith fan — not overly enthusiastic about some of the day’s earlier acts — was a little more direct and a little less genteel in his comments.
“Now it’s a @#$#@# rock show.’’
And what a rock show it was.
During the course of their nearly two-hour set, unceasingly dynamic frontman Steven Tyler and company cranked out one big number after another, endearing themselves to fans with as-good-as-it-gets versions of Aerosmith classics like Cryin’, Eat The Rich, Dream On, Jaded, Sweet Emotion and SOS Too Bad.
They pulled material from throughout their career and although there were most certainly songs people went hoping to hear that didn’t make the set list I doubt very many fans went away disappointed. How could you be?
Long regarded as one of the best live acts on the circuit, they consistently bring their A-game to the stage.
And it was there Saturday night, from the opening notes of Love In An Elevator to the closing notes of their encore, Walk This Way.
The ever flamboyant Tyler was all over the stage, walking the walk, talking the talk, never failing to deliver the goods. His energy and enthusiasm seemed boundless.
Guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford laid down enough solos to keep even the most riff-obsessed fan in seventh heaven.
And in terms of laying down a solid foundation for their bandmates, bass player Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer never left anyone short.
Fans up close were treated to almost one-on-one contact at points, while those further back had to settle for what they could catch on the big screen behind the band. Unfortunately, there were no side screens so those who were off-centre missed some of that action.
But you had no problem hearing.
The sound was good and volume was not an issue.
Aerosmith, in a scant two hours, created memories that will last some local fans for a very long time.
If you weren’t a die-hard fan when they started, you likely were when they finished.
The crowd loved Aerosmith and they, in turn, seemed genuinely impressed by the crowd.
Tyler put it this way.
“They tell me there’s like 35,000 people out there tonight. What the *@#$@ going on?”
One had to feel at least a little sorry for Cheap Trick, the final opening act of the day. Knowing the bulk of that huge crowd in front of you is there for the next act has to be somewhat distracting. But if it was you never knew it Saturday night.
Guitarist and lead vocalist Robin Zander, bass player Tom Petersson, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen and drummer Bun E. Carlos, took the stage and took charge of the crowd in very short order, generating some genuine excitement.
They were energized, they were dynamic, they were into it.
And those for whom the addition of Cheap Trick to the bill was a big to-do likely weren’t disappointed.
But for many in the crowd, once you got past big singles like I Want You To Want Me, Surrender, Dream Police, The Flame and the theme song for That 70s Show, there was a lot of looking to your neighbour to tell you whether this song or that song had been a big one for the band because you didn’t remember it.
Whether the crowd knew it or didn’t know it became irrelevant after awhile though because they appreciated the fact Cheap Trick came to play, they played hard and they had something to offer.
Around almost as long as Aerosmith — Cheap Trick was formed in 1975 — they’ve got a lot of material to draw from and pumped as much into their set as possible.
They played like headliners and showed a lot of class.
Aerosmith and Cheap Trick were the only bands on my dance card Saturday, but I did catch the tail end of a great set by Canadian favourites 54-40 who always give full measure.
They were also responsible, indirectly, for one of the day’s best chuckles.
I overhead a guy not far away lament the fact he’d waited their whole set to hear Red, Red Wine and they didn’t do it.
“That’s because it’s not their song,” his buddy exclaimed. “This is 54-40, Red Red Wine is UB 40 you stunned (deleted expletive).”
In the wake of Saturday’s concert there will, of course, be the endless stream of negative feedback from naysayers about what didn’t work, or what didn’t happen that should have happened, but in the end I applaud Carver for his efforts.
Aerosmith would not have happened here without him.
July 23, 2007
Ahh, but they did, and promoter David Carver deserves the credit, writes Guardian reviewer Doug Gallant
When word first began to circulate that concert promoter David Carver planned to bring Aerosmith to Charlottetown, I’m sure there were those who shook their heads in disbelief and said it just wasn’t possible.
Charlottetown, after all, isn’t exactly one of the first cities that comes to mind when major rock acts contemplate their tour plans.
But Saturday night, any delusion that this city could not play host to a major rock show was shattered.
For there, on the oval at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre, in all their iconic glory, stood what may arguably be the finest pure rock act ever to come out of America.
Certainly the most enduring one.
By the time they hit the stage at 9 p.m., or shortly thereafter, the weather was less than perfect, the ground was reduced in places to a near quagmire and people had endured long line-ups for virtually everything.
Then came Love In An Elevator.
When that first song cracked the overcast sky, nothing else mattered.
There, before the biggest crowd ever assembled for a one-day show in P.E.I., was Aerosmith, classic lineup in tact, with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer.
For many, it was as if the planets had finally fallen into line.
Aerosmith was here.
You were there.
Everything was cool.
“I’ve waited my whole life to see these guys,’’ one fan standing near me uttered when Love In An Elevator swept across the crowd. “If this was the only song I heard them play, I could die happy now.’’
Another serious Aerosmith fan — not overly enthusiastic about some of the day’s earlier acts — was a little more direct and a little less genteel in his comments.
“Now it’s a @#$#@# rock show.’’
And what a rock show it was.
During the course of their nearly two-hour set, unceasingly dynamic frontman Steven Tyler and company cranked out one big number after another, endearing themselves to fans with as-good-as-it-gets versions of Aerosmith classics like Cryin’, Eat The Rich, Dream On, Jaded, Sweet Emotion and SOS Too Bad.
They pulled material from throughout their career and although there were most certainly songs people went hoping to hear that didn’t make the set list I doubt very many fans went away disappointed. How could you be?
Long regarded as one of the best live acts on the circuit, they consistently bring their A-game to the stage.
And it was there Saturday night, from the opening notes of Love In An Elevator to the closing notes of their encore, Walk This Way.
The ever flamboyant Tyler was all over the stage, walking the walk, talking the talk, never failing to deliver the goods. His energy and enthusiasm seemed boundless.
Guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford laid down enough solos to keep even the most riff-obsessed fan in seventh heaven.
And in terms of laying down a solid foundation for their bandmates, bass player Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer never left anyone short.
Fans up close were treated to almost one-on-one contact at points, while those further back had to settle for what they could catch on the big screen behind the band. Unfortunately, there were no side screens so those who were off-centre missed some of that action.
But you had no problem hearing.
The sound was good and volume was not an issue.
Aerosmith, in a scant two hours, created memories that will last some local fans for a very long time.
If you weren’t a die-hard fan when they started, you likely were when they finished.
The crowd loved Aerosmith and they, in turn, seemed genuinely impressed by the crowd.
Tyler put it this way.
“They tell me there’s like 35,000 people out there tonight. What the *@#$@ going on?”
One had to feel at least a little sorry for Cheap Trick, the final opening act of the day. Knowing the bulk of that huge crowd in front of you is there for the next act has to be somewhat distracting. But if it was you never knew it Saturday night.
Guitarist and lead vocalist Robin Zander, bass player Tom Petersson, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen and drummer Bun E. Carlos, took the stage and took charge of the crowd in very short order, generating some genuine excitement.
They were energized, they were dynamic, they were into it.
And those for whom the addition of Cheap Trick to the bill was a big to-do likely weren’t disappointed.
But for many in the crowd, once you got past big singles like I Want You To Want Me, Surrender, Dream Police, The Flame and the theme song for That 70s Show, there was a lot of looking to your neighbour to tell you whether this song or that song had been a big one for the band because you didn’t remember it.
Whether the crowd knew it or didn’t know it became irrelevant after awhile though because they appreciated the fact Cheap Trick came to play, they played hard and they had something to offer.
Around almost as long as Aerosmith — Cheap Trick was formed in 1975 — they’ve got a lot of material to draw from and pumped as much into their set as possible.
They played like headliners and showed a lot of class.
Aerosmith and Cheap Trick were the only bands on my dance card Saturday, but I did catch the tail end of a great set by Canadian favourites 54-40 who always give full measure.
They were also responsible, indirectly, for one of the day’s best chuckles.
I overhead a guy not far away lament the fact he’d waited their whole set to hear Red, Red Wine and they didn’t do it.
“That’s because it’s not their song,” his buddy exclaimed. “This is 54-40, Red Red Wine is UB 40 you stunned (deleted expletive).”
In the wake of Saturday’s concert there will, of course, be the endless stream of negative feedback from naysayers about what didn’t work, or what didn’t happen that should have happened, but in the end I applaud Carver for his efforts.
Aerosmith would not have happened here without him.
Monday, July 23, 2007
30,000 rock to Aerosmith in Charlottetown
CBC.ca, Canada
July 23, 2007
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith greets the crowd in Charlottetown.
(Photo by: Bill van Asperen/CBC)
There was expensive parking, rain leading to mud, long lineups for concessions and washrooms, but in the end there was Aerosmith for 30,000 people in Charlottetown Saturday night.
Before Aerosmith was done, Blast on the Beach featured 10 hours of music, including acts such as Cheap Trick, 54-40, Serena Ryder and Christa Borden. The official tally for ticket sales was 30,615, more than twice as many as saw the Black Eyed Peas last summer, which at the time was the biggest event ever on P.E.I.
At times, patience wore thin with the long lineups created by such crowds at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
"Two hundred forty dollars each for a ticket, $70 each for a room at UPEI," said one fan, "but they've got to realize you can't stand in a lineup for 45 minutes for food or a washroom."
The P.E.I. government paid $350,000 to bring Aerosmith to town, and many Islanders were keen to take advantage of the economic opportunity of music fans from across the Maritimes crowding into the city. Hotels were booked to capacity. Even the provincial under-15 girls basketball team found a way in, collecting $20 for parking spots at nearby Holland College.
The lineups began to disappear at dusk, when Aerosmith finally hit the stage.
Following the concert, police were busy keeping order on the streets. As the Charlottetown Driving Park emptied, Sleepy Hollow Jail filled up. Fifty-four people were arrested for public intoxication.
"That's extremely high, but with that many people, who knows?" said Charlottetown Const. Gary Clow.
"Normally we might put eight to 10 people in jail on an average Friday or Saturday night, but this is extremely high. But like I say, we had 30,000 people."
RCMP were also kept busy over the weekend managing the heavy flow of traffic into and out of the province. At one point, Sunday traffic leaving the province was backed up all the way to North Tryon, more than 10 kilometres from Confederation Bridge.
July 23, 2007
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith greets the crowd in Charlottetown.
(Photo by: Bill van Asperen/CBC)
There was expensive parking, rain leading to mud, long lineups for concessions and washrooms, but in the end there was Aerosmith for 30,000 people in Charlottetown Saturday night.
Before Aerosmith was done, Blast on the Beach featured 10 hours of music, including acts such as Cheap Trick, 54-40, Serena Ryder and Christa Borden. The official tally for ticket sales was 30,615, more than twice as many as saw the Black Eyed Peas last summer, which at the time was the biggest event ever on P.E.I.
At times, patience wore thin with the long lineups created by such crowds at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
"Two hundred forty dollars each for a ticket, $70 each for a room at UPEI," said one fan, "but they've got to realize you can't stand in a lineup for 45 minutes for food or a washroom."
The P.E.I. government paid $350,000 to bring Aerosmith to town, and many Islanders were keen to take advantage of the economic opportunity of music fans from across the Maritimes crowding into the city. Hotels were booked to capacity. Even the provincial under-15 girls basketball team found a way in, collecting $20 for parking spots at nearby Holland College.
The lineups began to disappear at dusk, when Aerosmith finally hit the stage.
Following the concert, police were busy keeping order on the streets. As the Charlottetown Driving Park emptied, Sleepy Hollow Jail filled up. Fifty-four people were arrested for public intoxication.
"That's extremely high, but with that many people, who knows?" said Charlottetown Const. Gary Clow.
"Normally we might put eight to 10 people in jail on an average Friday or Saturday night, but this is extremely high. But like I say, we had 30,000 people."
RCMP were also kept busy over the weekend managing the heavy flow of traffic into and out of the province. At one point, Sunday traffic leaving the province was backed up all the way to North Tryon, more than 10 kilometres from Confederation Bridge.
Blast at the Beach: Which way did you walk?
The Guardian, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
July 23, 2007
By this point, you’ve all most likely heard at least a few impressions of how things went down at Saturday’s Blast at the Beach at the CDPEC. Some have been positive, I’m sure, while many, I’ve been hearing, have been negative. But what I’d like to remind people in this intro to my recap of the 35,000-strong, 10-hour-long extravaganza, is that when you have an outdoor event of this magnitude, not everyone is going to have the same experience whatsoever.
A regular show at a typical small indoor concert venue with a few hundred people is one thing — wherein most everyone can take in a similar experience of the event. But a mega-concert, such as what took place on Saturday in Charlottetown, is another thing altogether: And thus, we all need to bear in mind that ol’ grain of salt advice when taking in anyone’s feedback.
(And now you all know what I’m going to say, of course: Have a salt shaker ready at hand as you read the rest of this column.)
It was 1:35 p.m., when the first distorted guitar chord echoed across the CDPEC and on into the surrounding Charlottetown area. And from that point onward the lower east end of the city would be enveloped in the sounds of rock, R and B, folk, pop, and more rock, rock, rock, for the rest of the day and night.
That first guitar chord was struck by none other than Charlottetown’s Brett Doyle, of home-front heroes Intoxicado — a band which, in rampaging onto the city’s original rock scene in just a matter of a few months, received over 12,000 votes in a local radio contest to garner a sweet Blast at the Beach opening slot.
The rain was indeed coming down in sheets at that point — and for the next couple of hours that followed — as folk rock artist Serena Ryder soothed those soaked souls with her tremendous voice, and another Canadian up-and-comer singer, Wil, gave it his all for a brief 20-minute set.
The hot looks, moves and sounds of Ciara then lit up the stage for 40 minutes of trying her best to wow all those who thought she was the one piece of the Blast puzzle that didn’t really fit.
As different colours of grey, red and brown mud began to cake further and further up crowd members’ feet, ankles and legs (and some their entire bodies and heads, of course), national rock standbys 54/40 then kicked out the hits, followed by Christa Borden and then much-anticipated classic rock gurus, Cheap Trick.
And it was in the early evening that I embarked on my personal wild-goose-chase quest to try to nab an interview with Steven Tyler. For after many e-mails and phone calls to concert organizers, nothing was panning out. So, I decided to try to get guerrilla style about it, and took matters into my own hands.
But, as you may have guessed, I quickly learned one very important detail that seemed to grow with intensity the further I prodded into it: No one gets near Aerosmith. And, what continuously reverberated as a chorus was this: “They are doing absolutely no interviews.”
So, despite successfully infiltrating the backstage area by befriending some really cool guys from Christa Borden’s band, as you are gathering, in all my “Crazy” work to get a Tyler interview, I only ended up being “J-J-J-Jaded.”
“Good evening, Charlottetown!” yelled Steve Tyler to his roaring crowd, finally getting what they were waiting for at about 9:30 p.m. “We heard there’s only 30,000 people on this island, but there’s 35,000 here tonight — what the f—’s goin’ on?” screeched the sadly misinformed, media-inaccessible, demon of screamin’.
And for the next hour and a half, Aerosmith really did rock out one hell of a show.
At a point about 40 feet from the stage, in a packed-in-tight sea of raging fans, I just had my world solidly rocked — to hits like Livin’ on the Edge, Sweet Emotion, and Cryin’.
And so you see — this was my experience. One huge rock show, in which I got up pretty close to see an amazing 37-year-old classic world-class band, with a regular-priced admission ticket, and enjoyed the rest of the acts throughout the wet day with my rain poncho and clothes that I didn’t care if they got destroyed by mud.
But, if you paid over $200 for a VIP ticket, hated the long waits for the food and drinks you paid for, had a crappy line of view for the show (why wasn’t the VIP section up near the front like everyone expected it would be?), weren’t exactly prepared for the rain, or had too much to drink to have a good time, like many of those around that day and night, then you would have quite the opposite experience.
I guess it all comes down to a few words inspired by these rockers of “Walk this Way”: It all depends on what way you walk, baby.
July 23, 2007
By this point, you’ve all most likely heard at least a few impressions of how things went down at Saturday’s Blast at the Beach at the CDPEC. Some have been positive, I’m sure, while many, I’ve been hearing, have been negative. But what I’d like to remind people in this intro to my recap of the 35,000-strong, 10-hour-long extravaganza, is that when you have an outdoor event of this magnitude, not everyone is going to have the same experience whatsoever.
A regular show at a typical small indoor concert venue with a few hundred people is one thing — wherein most everyone can take in a similar experience of the event. But a mega-concert, such as what took place on Saturday in Charlottetown, is another thing altogether: And thus, we all need to bear in mind that ol’ grain of salt advice when taking in anyone’s feedback.
(And now you all know what I’m going to say, of course: Have a salt shaker ready at hand as you read the rest of this column.)
It was 1:35 p.m., when the first distorted guitar chord echoed across the CDPEC and on into the surrounding Charlottetown area. And from that point onward the lower east end of the city would be enveloped in the sounds of rock, R and B, folk, pop, and more rock, rock, rock, for the rest of the day and night.
That first guitar chord was struck by none other than Charlottetown’s Brett Doyle, of home-front heroes Intoxicado — a band which, in rampaging onto the city’s original rock scene in just a matter of a few months, received over 12,000 votes in a local radio contest to garner a sweet Blast at the Beach opening slot.
The rain was indeed coming down in sheets at that point — and for the next couple of hours that followed — as folk rock artist Serena Ryder soothed those soaked souls with her tremendous voice, and another Canadian up-and-comer singer, Wil, gave it his all for a brief 20-minute set.
The hot looks, moves and sounds of Ciara then lit up the stage for 40 minutes of trying her best to wow all those who thought she was the one piece of the Blast puzzle that didn’t really fit.
As different colours of grey, red and brown mud began to cake further and further up crowd members’ feet, ankles and legs (and some their entire bodies and heads, of course), national rock standbys 54/40 then kicked out the hits, followed by Christa Borden and then much-anticipated classic rock gurus, Cheap Trick.
And it was in the early evening that I embarked on my personal wild-goose-chase quest to try to nab an interview with Steven Tyler. For after many e-mails and phone calls to concert organizers, nothing was panning out. So, I decided to try to get guerrilla style about it, and took matters into my own hands.
But, as you may have guessed, I quickly learned one very important detail that seemed to grow with intensity the further I prodded into it: No one gets near Aerosmith. And, what continuously reverberated as a chorus was this: “They are doing absolutely no interviews.”
So, despite successfully infiltrating the backstage area by befriending some really cool guys from Christa Borden’s band, as you are gathering, in all my “Crazy” work to get a Tyler interview, I only ended up being “J-J-J-Jaded.”
“Good evening, Charlottetown!” yelled Steve Tyler to his roaring crowd, finally getting what they were waiting for at about 9:30 p.m. “We heard there’s only 30,000 people on this island, but there’s 35,000 here tonight — what the f—’s goin’ on?” screeched the sadly misinformed, media-inaccessible, demon of screamin’.
And for the next hour and a half, Aerosmith really did rock out one hell of a show.
At a point about 40 feet from the stage, in a packed-in-tight sea of raging fans, I just had my world solidly rocked — to hits like Livin’ on the Edge, Sweet Emotion, and Cryin’.
And so you see — this was my experience. One huge rock show, in which I got up pretty close to see an amazing 37-year-old classic world-class band, with a regular-priced admission ticket, and enjoyed the rest of the acts throughout the wet day with my rain poncho and clothes that I didn’t care if they got destroyed by mud.
But, if you paid over $200 for a VIP ticket, hated the long waits for the food and drinks you paid for, had a crappy line of view for the show (why wasn’t the VIP section up near the front like everyone expected it would be?), weren’t exactly prepared for the rain, or had too much to drink to have a good time, like many of those around that day and night, then you would have quite the opposite experience.
I guess it all comes down to a few words inspired by these rockers of “Walk this Way”: It all depends on what way you walk, baby.
Biggest Bayfest ever is talk of the town
Sarnia Observer, Canada
July 23, 2007
A little bit of country and a lot of rock proved the perfect ingredients for a massively successful Bayfest this year.
A solid 70,000 people packed Centennial Park over a four-day period for the ninth annual music festival, featuring headliners Nickelback, Aerosmith, Toby Keith and Def Leppard.
"It was definitely the biggest we knew that going into it," said organizer Michele Stokley, who's already been bombarded with feedback from fans.
"All people are talking about is how well everything went," she said.
"People who have seen these bands at other shows have said that this one really stood out."
And fans aren't the only ones impressed with Sarnia Bayfest.
Stokley said the band members were very receptive to the venue, especially Steven Tyler.
Aerosmith's frontman was enjoying the crowd so much that he threw two extra songs into the Thursday night set.
"His assistant called me the next day and said he really felt welcomed here," Stokley said.
The rock star even called in to a Sarnia radio station on his way to the airport for a 20-minute impromptu on-air chat.
From a safety standpoint, things went smoothly other than a few arrests for public intoxication, said Staff Sgt. Dave McCabe of the Sarnia Police Service.
"The vast majority of the crowd was well behaved," he said. "Other than a few people acting out."
Cleanup and tear-down has already begun, with two transport trucks on hand to pack away the new $300,000 stage. That alone is expected to take two days.
In the meantime, Stokley is focusing on post-Bayfest debriefings and getting fan feedback, before the planning begins all over again.
"Next year will be our 10th anniversary," she said. "So we've got to try and top this one."
July 23, 2007
A little bit of country and a lot of rock proved the perfect ingredients for a massively successful Bayfest this year.
A solid 70,000 people packed Centennial Park over a four-day period for the ninth annual music festival, featuring headliners Nickelback, Aerosmith, Toby Keith and Def Leppard.
"It was definitely the biggest we knew that going into it," said organizer Michele Stokley, who's already been bombarded with feedback from fans.
"All people are talking about is how well everything went," she said.
"People who have seen these bands at other shows have said that this one really stood out."
And fans aren't the only ones impressed with Sarnia Bayfest.
Stokley said the band members were very receptive to the venue, especially Steven Tyler.
Aerosmith's frontman was enjoying the crowd so much that he threw two extra songs into the Thursday night set.
"His assistant called me the next day and said he really felt welcomed here," Stokley said.
The rock star even called in to a Sarnia radio station on his way to the airport for a 20-minute impromptu on-air chat.
From a safety standpoint, things went smoothly other than a few arrests for public intoxication, said Staff Sgt. Dave McCabe of the Sarnia Police Service.
"The vast majority of the crowd was well behaved," he said. "Other than a few people acting out."
Cleanup and tear-down has already begun, with two transport trucks on hand to pack away the new $300,000 stage. That alone is expected to take two days.
In the meantime, Stokley is focusing on post-Bayfest debriefings and getting fan feedback, before the planning begins all over again.
"Next year will be our 10th anniversary," she said. "So we've got to try and top this one."
Rock this way
The Guardian, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
July 22, 2007
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry rock the house, heading Aerosmith at the Blast at the Beach concert held at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre Saturday night. A huge crowd of over 30,000 was on hand for the concert.
(Photo by Heather Taweel)
Despite uncooperative weather, Aerosmith was a big success at Saturday night's Blast at the Beach rock concert in Charlottetown.
The crowd of approximately 35,000 people cheered wildly from the time the band opened with "Love in an elevator" to the encore song, "Walk This way."
The veteran U.S. rockers played all their old favourites before the appreciative crowd, which didn't let a light rain ruin their evening.
Lead singer Steven Tyler even let the "f-word" slip when he expressed amazement that so many fans came to P.E.I. to see them perform.
Use of the "f-word" by rock acts has been a hot-button issue on Prince Edward Island since the recent Festival of Lights concerts in Charlottetown when it slipped off the tongue of a number of rock singers.
But when Tyler asked the crowd, "What the f--- is up with that," no one seemed to mind the use of the expletive. Everyone roared and cheered with enthusiasm.
Concertgoers began herding into the Charlottetown Driving Park and Entertainment Centre at a steady pace from the moment the gates were opened to the public at 12:30 p.m. Saturday until well into the headline acts.
But as the concert lineup drew nearer to Aerosmith, who was scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., the lineups to get into the event got heavier, blocking the flow of traffic on Kensington Road in front of the CDPEC.
Upon entering by the Civic Centre doors, each person was frisked by security before being allowed onto the concert grounds.
A significant amount of alcohol and marijuana was confiscated from people through this process, security officials said Saturday.
Many tried to smuggle the intoxicants into the event in everything from backpacks, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford
to cigarette packages, and
even on their person.
But overall, everyone remained orderly and were accommodating to the rules, security officials told The Guardian.
Once inside the venue, people scoped out their preferred viewing spots - many people setting down tarps and garbage bags to protect them from the slick mud that covered the grounds.
The weather wasn't ideal, and many were unhappy with the mud and dampness.
But when Aerosmith took the stage, no one seemed to mind anymore.
"It was amazing," said concertgoer Laura Janey. "The rain the mud - whatever. It was totally worth it."
Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton
Photo Gallery: (here).
July 22, 2007
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry rock the house, heading Aerosmith at the Blast at the Beach concert held at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre Saturday night. A huge crowd of over 30,000 was on hand for the concert.
(Photo by Heather Taweel)
Despite uncooperative weather, Aerosmith was a big success at Saturday night's Blast at the Beach rock concert in Charlottetown.
The crowd of approximately 35,000 people cheered wildly from the time the band opened with "Love in an elevator" to the encore song, "Walk This way."
The veteran U.S. rockers played all their old favourites before the appreciative crowd, which didn't let a light rain ruin their evening.
Lead singer Steven Tyler even let the "f-word" slip when he expressed amazement that so many fans came to P.E.I. to see them perform.
Use of the "f-word" by rock acts has been a hot-button issue on Prince Edward Island since the recent Festival of Lights concerts in Charlottetown when it slipped off the tongue of a number of rock singers.
But when Tyler asked the crowd, "What the f--- is up with that," no one seemed to mind the use of the expletive. Everyone roared and cheered with enthusiasm.
Concertgoers began herding into the Charlottetown Driving Park and Entertainment Centre at a steady pace from the moment the gates were opened to the public at 12:30 p.m. Saturday until well into the headline acts.But as the concert lineup drew nearer to Aerosmith, who was scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., the lineups to get into the event got heavier, blocking the flow of traffic on Kensington Road in front of the CDPEC.
Upon entering by the Civic Centre doors, each person was frisked by security before being allowed onto the concert grounds.
A significant amount of alcohol and marijuana was confiscated from people through this process, security officials said Saturday.
Many tried to smuggle the intoxicants into the event in everything from backpacks, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford
to cigarette packages, and
even on their person.
But overall, everyone remained orderly and were accommodating to the rules, security officials told The Guardian.
Once inside the venue, people scoped out their preferred viewing spots - many people setting down tarps and garbage bags to protect them from the slick mud that covered the grounds.
The weather wasn't ideal, and many were unhappy with the mud and dampness.
But when Aerosmith took the stage, no one seemed to mind anymore.
"It was amazing," said concertgoer Laura Janey. "The rain the mud - whatever. It was totally worth it."
Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton
Photo Gallery: (here).
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Blast at the Beach
Aero Force One
July 21, 2007
Aerosmith - Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
July 21, 2007
Aerosmith - Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Aero Force One
July 21, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Blast at the Beach - July 21, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
July 21, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Blast at the Beach - July 21, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Last Child
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The tour stops here
The Guardian, Canada
July 21, 2007
Like the song from the 1984 comeback album ‘Done With Mirrors’ says, Aerosmith is ready to ‘Let the Music Do the Talking.’
With more than 30,000 fans expected to pack the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre for today’s 10-hour concert, the P.E.I. capital’s population will literally double for a day.
While the concert gates open at 12 p.m., some who purchased their tickets through Aerosmith’s website were told in an e-mail from the band's website they could get in before 11 a.m.
The P.E.I. band Intoxicado kicks the music off at 12:30 p.m. Following that it will be, in order, Serena Ryder, Wil, Ciara, 54-40, Christa Borden, Cheap Trick and then the main event.
Aerosmith is expected to take the stage around 9 p.m.
Concert promoter David Carver, a native of Charlottetown, is the man that made it all happen.
Carver said he’s been chasing Aerosmith for the past 18 years.
“Once I started out in this business, Aerosmith was one of five bands I wanted to book and be able to die happy," Carver said in an interview this week from the concert production office inside the Civic Centre.
Well, three down, two to go. The other acts on his dream list, which he’s booked successfully in the past, are Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. He won’t say who the remaining two are, but he promises next year’s show will be bigger than today’s.
Whether that show takes place on P.E.I. or somewhere else in the Maritimes he has yet to decide.
Aerosmith is on a 36-city world tour and Charlottetown is their 27th stop. The U.S. rock legends are coming off a concert in Sarnia, Ont., on Thursday night. Earlier this month, the band had stops in Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, France and England, among many dates.
Charlottetown is one of only three Canadian dates on Aerosmith’s schedule this year. The band will play at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto on Sept. 18.
Carver said he’s been in contact with Aerosmith’s agent, Dan Weiner, every three months for basically the past two decades. Persistence finally paid off.
He got a call from Weiner in January.
“He called up and said they were looking for new markets, playing in places they’ve never been to. They were playing (Thursday) in Sarnia and I knew right then that I had them."
Carver got off the phone with Weiner and called Tourism P.E.I.
Of the approximately 30,000 tickets sold, 25,000 of them were sold off-Island, meaning there could be as many as 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles heading into Charlottetown today.
Charlottetown police say they will have every available officer on duty and the private security firm Carver hired will have more than 200 members inside the venue.
Dan Barry, who’s co-ordinating the security detail, said all concertgoers will enter through the main doors of the Civic Centre and will go through a screening process prior to exiting the doors at the rear of the building and onto the field at the CDPEC.
Bobby Dunn, general manager of Charlottetown Transit, says the buses will be operating from 12 p.m. right through to midnight, picking up and dropping people off every half hour, at the top and bottom of each hour.
“We can load, on some of the buses, 70 people at a time, and the regular transit is operating right through until 7 p.m. anyway and the University Avenue route goes to 11 p.m.," Dunn said.
July 21, 2007
Like the song from the 1984 comeback album ‘Done With Mirrors’ says, Aerosmith is ready to ‘Let the Music Do the Talking.’
With more than 30,000 fans expected to pack the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre for today’s 10-hour concert, the P.E.I. capital’s population will literally double for a day.
While the concert gates open at 12 p.m., some who purchased their tickets through Aerosmith’s website were told in an e-mail from the band's website they could get in before 11 a.m.
The P.E.I. band Intoxicado kicks the music off at 12:30 p.m. Following that it will be, in order, Serena Ryder, Wil, Ciara, 54-40, Christa Borden, Cheap Trick and then the main event.
Aerosmith is expected to take the stage around 9 p.m.
Concert promoter David Carver, a native of Charlottetown, is the man that made it all happen.
Carver said he’s been chasing Aerosmith for the past 18 years.
“Once I started out in this business, Aerosmith was one of five bands I wanted to book and be able to die happy," Carver said in an interview this week from the concert production office inside the Civic Centre.
Well, three down, two to go. The other acts on his dream list, which he’s booked successfully in the past, are Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. He won’t say who the remaining two are, but he promises next year’s show will be bigger than today’s.
Whether that show takes place on P.E.I. or somewhere else in the Maritimes he has yet to decide.
Aerosmith is on a 36-city world tour and Charlottetown is their 27th stop. The U.S. rock legends are coming off a concert in Sarnia, Ont., on Thursday night. Earlier this month, the band had stops in Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, France and England, among many dates.
Charlottetown is one of only three Canadian dates on Aerosmith’s schedule this year. The band will play at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto on Sept. 18.
Carver said he’s been in contact with Aerosmith’s agent, Dan Weiner, every three months for basically the past two decades. Persistence finally paid off.
He got a call from Weiner in January.
“He called up and said they were looking for new markets, playing in places they’ve never been to. They were playing (Thursday) in Sarnia and I knew right then that I had them."
Carver got off the phone with Weiner and called Tourism P.E.I.
Of the approximately 30,000 tickets sold, 25,000 of them were sold off-Island, meaning there could be as many as 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles heading into Charlottetown today.
Charlottetown police say they will have every available officer on duty and the private security firm Carver hired will have more than 200 members inside the venue.
Dan Barry, who’s co-ordinating the security detail, said all concertgoers will enter through the main doors of the Civic Centre and will go through a screening process prior to exiting the doors at the rear of the building and onto the field at the CDPEC.
Bobby Dunn, general manager of Charlottetown Transit, says the buses will be operating from 12 p.m. right through to midnight, picking up and dropping people off every half hour, at the top and bottom of each hour.
“We can load, on some of the buses, 70 people at a time, and the regular transit is operating right through until 7 p.m. anyway and the University Avenue route goes to 11 p.m.," Dunn said.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Aerosmith rocks Bayfest
Times Herald, Port Huron, MI
July 20, 2007
Holding Up: Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, left, and Joe Perry play to a large audience in Sarnia at the 2007 Rogers Sarnia Bayfest.
(Photo By: Keith King)
Out Loud: Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, right, sings Thursday night while guitarist Joe Perry plays at Bayfest in Sarnia.
(Photo By: Keith King)
Whether they came from Port Huron or from other continents, no effort was too much and no distance was too great for the crazy, cryin' Aerosmith fans who gathered in Centennial Park Thursday for the second night of Rogers Sarnia Bayfest.
"I would go all the way to Japan if I could," said Erica Ciebley, who drove six hours from Pittsburgh.
The rock band filled the park to capacity with about 20,000 fans, who waited expectantly but compliantly for Steven Tyler and the rest of the gang to take the stage.
Shortly after 10 p.m. the lights went down and Tyler appeared on the festival's new 90-foot-wide stage through a cloud of smoke, twirling his scarf-decked microphone stand. He counted off and the band launched into Love in an Elevator.
As he strutted up and down a runway dividing the crowd, fans pumped their fists in rhythm with Joey Kramer's drums.
"Sing it, baby!" Tyler shouted, holding his microphone over the audience on the chorus to Same Old Song and Dance.
The front-and-center crowd mostly was made up of members of the Aerosmith fan club, who were allowed to enter the park before the gates opened at 6 p.m.
Ciebley, 26, has seen Aerosmith 25 times. But even she can't claim the fandom of her friend, Michelle Wright of Buffalo, N.Y., who doesn't even know how many times she's seen the band.
"I lost track at 50," she said.
The two fans met at an Aerosmith show in 2001.
"We met Steven together for the first time," Wright said. "We were all blubbering messes."
Ciebley had Tyler autograph her leg, then she had a tattoo artist make it permanent.
Fellow diehard Tammy O'Brien of Woodstock, Ontario, never had been to Bayfest but was impressed.
"I'm loving it. I'm going to be here next year no matter who's playing," she said. "The venue is so accommodating."
Fans who arrived early to get a good spot had to endure a downpour about 4:30 p.m. Aside from one rogue rain cloud that passed over the park at 8:30 p.m., the weather was cooperative, if chilly.
"We've had our little challenges with the rain," festival co-founder Michele Stokley said, but everything has been running smoothly since the festival started Wednesday with rock band Nickelback. The concert series continues today with country star Toby Keith.
Former Sarnia resident Vicki Yeaman of Beamsville, Ontario, came back for the concert.
"I wish they had this when I actually lived here," she said. "It's put Sarnia on the map for something other than Chemical Valley."
For Connie Lieurance of Fort Gratiot, seeing the band was something she'd wanted to do since she was 15.
"I'm getting a scarf if it kills me," said Lieurance, 33.
She attends Bayfest each year and will be back this weekend.
"I'm bringing my 15-year-old daughter to see Def Leppard Saturday," she said. "It's a family thing."
Stokley already is working on securing bands for 2008.
"They've got the bigger stage," Lieurance said. "I'm going to expect the bigger bands.
"It's going to be really hard to top this year's lineup," she said...
July 20, 2007
Holding Up: Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, left, and Joe Perry play to a large audience in Sarnia at the 2007 Rogers Sarnia Bayfest.
(Photo By: Keith King)
Out Loud: Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, right, sings Thursday night while guitarist Joe Perry plays at Bayfest in Sarnia.
(Photo By: Keith King)
Whether they came from Port Huron or from other continents, no effort was too much and no distance was too great for the crazy, cryin' Aerosmith fans who gathered in Centennial Park Thursday for the second night of Rogers Sarnia Bayfest.
"I would go all the way to Japan if I could," said Erica Ciebley, who drove six hours from Pittsburgh.
The rock band filled the park to capacity with about 20,000 fans, who waited expectantly but compliantly for Steven Tyler and the rest of the gang to take the stage.
Shortly after 10 p.m. the lights went down and Tyler appeared on the festival's new 90-foot-wide stage through a cloud of smoke, twirling his scarf-decked microphone stand. He counted off and the band launched into Love in an Elevator.
As he strutted up and down a runway dividing the crowd, fans pumped their fists in rhythm with Joey Kramer's drums.
"Sing it, baby!" Tyler shouted, holding his microphone over the audience on the chorus to Same Old Song and Dance.
The front-and-center crowd mostly was made up of members of the Aerosmith fan club, who were allowed to enter the park before the gates opened at 6 p.m.
Ciebley, 26, has seen Aerosmith 25 times. But even she can't claim the fandom of her friend, Michelle Wright of Buffalo, N.Y., who doesn't even know how many times she's seen the band.
"I lost track at 50," she said.
The two fans met at an Aerosmith show in 2001.
"We met Steven together for the first time," Wright said. "We were all blubbering messes."
Ciebley had Tyler autograph her leg, then she had a tattoo artist make it permanent.
Fellow diehard Tammy O'Brien of Woodstock, Ontario, never had been to Bayfest but was impressed.
"I'm loving it. I'm going to be here next year no matter who's playing," she said. "The venue is so accommodating."
Fans who arrived early to get a good spot had to endure a downpour about 4:30 p.m. Aside from one rogue rain cloud that passed over the park at 8:30 p.m., the weather was cooperative, if chilly.
"We've had our little challenges with the rain," festival co-founder Michele Stokley said, but everything has been running smoothly since the festival started Wednesday with rock band Nickelback. The concert series continues today with country star Toby Keith.
Former Sarnia resident Vicki Yeaman of Beamsville, Ontario, came back for the concert.
"I wish they had this when I actually lived here," she said. "It's put Sarnia on the map for something other than Chemical Valley."
For Connie Lieurance of Fort Gratiot, seeing the band was something she'd wanted to do since she was 15.
"I'm getting a scarf if it kills me," said Lieurance, 33.
She attends Bayfest each year and will be back this weekend.
"I'm bringing my 15-year-old daughter to see Def Leppard Saturday," she said. "It's a family thing."
Stokley already is working on securing bands for 2008.
"They've got the bigger stage," Lieurance said. "I'm going to expect the bigger bands.
"It's going to be really hard to top this year's lineup," she said...
Sarnia Bayfest, Canada
Aero Force One
July 20, 2007
Aerosmith - Sarnia, Ontario
July 19, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
July 20, 2007
Aerosmith - Sarnia, Ontario
July 19, 2007
(Photos by: Amanda Ayre - AF1)
See more.... (here).
Aerosmith rocks Bayfest
The Sarnia Observer, Ontario, Canada
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith drew a capacity crowd to Bayfest 2007 at
Centennial Park on Thursday.
(Photo: Glenn Ogilvie)
A sold out crowd of 20,000 let out a massive roar as Aerosmith hit the stage last night for what’s being called the biggest show in Bayfest history.
Steven Tyler’s signature wide-mouthed shrieks and rock-star poses had women wailing over the 59-year-old, who proved he’s still got “What it Takes.”
The ageless rockers — Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer — were hidden in a white van as police escorts rushed them backstage just before the show.
Once they hit the stage just after 10 p.m., the boys pumped out classic tunes from their over 30-year career, including “Cryin,’” "Livin’ on the Edge,” “Dream On,” and “Sweet Emotion.”
The crowd rocked as Tyler — dressed in fiery red pants and hot pink top — strutted his way up and down the catwalk, while Perry showed off his blazing guitar riffs during the near two-hour show.
Cellphones lit up the park as fans sang along to the popular ballad, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” followed by Perry’s electric performance of “Stop Messin.”
Outside, piles of fans crowded around the gates to get a glimpse of the wild rock show.
The concert opened with performances from Vancouver-based State of Shock, and Toronto native Suzie McNeil, best known for her fourth place finish on the 2005 reality show, INXS.
Centennial Park was one of only three Canadian stops for Aerosmith, whose 2007 world tour kicked off in April. Charlottetown and Toronto are the others.
Fans of all ages were lined up as early as 10 a.m., including members of the band's official fan club, “Aero Force One.”
“I absolutely love Steven Tyler,” said CaroleAnn Gregory. “I will not pay to see any other band.”
The longtime fan club member travelled from Cambridge for this, her 54th Aerosmith show.
Having been a diehard fan for the past 30 years, Gregory even married the lead singer of a Canadian Aerosmith tribute band.
Other club members flocked from Indianapolis, Michigan and Philadelphia.
Pam Waterfield and her fellow St. Clair High School fans were first in line outside the gates Thursday morning.
“We were going to sleep here but it rained all night,” she said. At age 17, Waterfield called it an opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is the biggest thing to come to Sarnia,” she said. “It’s definitely worth the wait.”
Bayfest continues tonight with country superstar Toby Keith, followed by British rockers Def Leppard on Saturday.
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith drew a capacity crowd to Bayfest 2007 at
Centennial Park on Thursday.
(Photo: Glenn Ogilvie)
A sold out crowd of 20,000 let out a massive roar as Aerosmith hit the stage last night for what’s being called the biggest show in Bayfest history.
Steven Tyler’s signature wide-mouthed shrieks and rock-star poses had women wailing over the 59-year-old, who proved he’s still got “What it Takes.”
The ageless rockers — Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer — were hidden in a white van as police escorts rushed them backstage just before the show.
Once they hit the stage just after 10 p.m., the boys pumped out classic tunes from their over 30-year career, including “Cryin,’” "Livin’ on the Edge,” “Dream On,” and “Sweet Emotion.”
The crowd rocked as Tyler — dressed in fiery red pants and hot pink top — strutted his way up and down the catwalk, while Perry showed off his blazing guitar riffs during the near two-hour show.
Cellphones lit up the park as fans sang along to the popular ballad, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” followed by Perry’s electric performance of “Stop Messin.”
Outside, piles of fans crowded around the gates to get a glimpse of the wild rock show.
The concert opened with performances from Vancouver-based State of Shock, and Toronto native Suzie McNeil, best known for her fourth place finish on the 2005 reality show, INXS.
Centennial Park was one of only three Canadian stops for Aerosmith, whose 2007 world tour kicked off in April. Charlottetown and Toronto are the others.
Fans of all ages were lined up as early as 10 a.m., including members of the band's official fan club, “Aero Force One.”
“I absolutely love Steven Tyler,” said CaroleAnn Gregory. “I will not pay to see any other band.”
The longtime fan club member travelled from Cambridge for this, her 54th Aerosmith show.
Having been a diehard fan for the past 30 years, Gregory even married the lead singer of a Canadian Aerosmith tribute band.
Other club members flocked from Indianapolis, Michigan and Philadelphia.
Pam Waterfield and her fellow St. Clair High School fans were first in line outside the gates Thursday morning.
“We were going to sleep here but it rained all night,” she said. At age 17, Waterfield called it an opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is the biggest thing to come to Sarnia,” she said. “It’s definitely worth the wait.”
Bayfest continues tonight with country superstar Toby Keith, followed by British rockers Def Leppard on Saturday.
Aerosmith a Bayfest blast
London Free Press, Canada
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler promised they'd make it loud and the veteran rockers delivered.
Fresh from rocking Russia, Aerosmith touched down to shake up Bayfest and most of the known world last night.
"We're going to turn it up so loud, you're going to hear our ass in Cincinnati tonight," frontman Steven Tyler promised after just two numbers 'Smithed to perfection in sound and vision.
By then Tyler had lost his sunglasses in the crowd, tossed aside his silly big hat and mixed it up with the floor during the opener Love on an Elevator in case the song's subtleties were lost on us.
Tyler had also shared the love with guitar ace Joe Perry -- who kept his faux aviator's hat firmly in place -- and shy bassist Tom Hamilton on the Aerosmith landing strip, a walkway that reached far out into the sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans.
"Tom Hamilton in the house, Tom Hamilton," Tyler shouted after the bassist -- a quiet dignified sort -- had cheerfully endured Tyler's arms and elongated fingers twitching around as the frontman stood behind him.
That was just the first 10 minutes or so of a powerhouse blast of a concert by stars who arrived in town with a Sarnia police escort from the airport.
The U.S. rock superstars headlined at Day 2 of Rogers Bayfest here at Centennial Park last night. The four-day fest continues tonight with Toby Keith headlining.
Aerosmith was back in North America after playing concerts in St. Petersburg and Russia. Tyler had apparently been attempting some Russian in his stage talk there.
Last night, it was back to good old Aerosmith profanity and crowd-goading, fluttering into the cool night from those enormous lips that seem to have a Dorian Gray deal of their own even as the rest of Tyler's face looks pleasantly ravaged by more than 30 years of rock fun and frolic. It also must be said the man looks darn good in a sleeveless top, flimsy enough and purple enough for Cher.
Perry was outstanding, too -- getting out his blues licks for a mid-set Baby, Please Don't Go. Tyler had out the harmonica for that one, a reminder that after all these years, Aerosmith can still wail the blues.
That followed a fine cover of the Beatles' Come Together, which had Hamilton and guitarist Brad Whitford propelling the tune after muscle-friendly drummer Joey Kramer swooshed into it with mallets.
By mid-set, Aerosmith had visited hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk to me, talk to me," Tyler said before the band launched into Seasons of Wither, another visit to its roots, sounding like Aerosmith's take on Led Zeppelin. Huge storms of guitar had the crowd cheering as it ended.
All in all, it made the Aerosmith cancellation at the John Labatt Centre a while back a cause for regret. It was an undisclosed illness in the band that cancelled that gig.
Nobody was ailing last night, that's for sure.
Maybe Londoners heard a little from Bayfest, but an Aerosmith concert in London would be a cause for some sweet emotion indeed.
Meanwhile, here's one measure of how big Bayfest has become in 2007. There were 15,000 for Nickelback on Wednesday, when it poured. Last night's tickets were all sold days before the concert.
To put that in perspective, official attendance at Bluesfest London last weekend was 14,476 fans over the three days.
British rockers Def Leppard close out Bayfest tomorrow night.
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler promised they'd make it loud and the veteran rockers delivered.
Fresh from rocking Russia, Aerosmith touched down to shake up Bayfest and most of the known world last night.
"We're going to turn it up so loud, you're going to hear our ass in Cincinnati tonight," frontman Steven Tyler promised after just two numbers 'Smithed to perfection in sound and vision.
By then Tyler had lost his sunglasses in the crowd, tossed aside his silly big hat and mixed it up with the floor during the opener Love on an Elevator in case the song's subtleties were lost on us.
Tyler had also shared the love with guitar ace Joe Perry -- who kept his faux aviator's hat firmly in place -- and shy bassist Tom Hamilton on the Aerosmith landing strip, a walkway that reached far out into the sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans.
"Tom Hamilton in the house, Tom Hamilton," Tyler shouted after the bassist -- a quiet dignified sort -- had cheerfully endured Tyler's arms and elongated fingers twitching around as the frontman stood behind him.
That was just the first 10 minutes or so of a powerhouse blast of a concert by stars who arrived in town with a Sarnia police escort from the airport.
The U.S. rock superstars headlined at Day 2 of Rogers Bayfest here at Centennial Park last night. The four-day fest continues tonight with Toby Keith headlining.
Aerosmith was back in North America after playing concerts in St. Petersburg and Russia. Tyler had apparently been attempting some Russian in his stage talk there.
Last night, it was back to good old Aerosmith profanity and crowd-goading, fluttering into the cool night from those enormous lips that seem to have a Dorian Gray deal of their own even as the rest of Tyler's face looks pleasantly ravaged by more than 30 years of rock fun and frolic. It also must be said the man looks darn good in a sleeveless top, flimsy enough and purple enough for Cher.
Perry was outstanding, too -- getting out his blues licks for a mid-set Baby, Please Don't Go. Tyler had out the harmonica for that one, a reminder that after all these years, Aerosmith can still wail the blues.
That followed a fine cover of the Beatles' Come Together, which had Hamilton and guitarist Brad Whitford propelling the tune after muscle-friendly drummer Joey Kramer swooshed into it with mallets.
By mid-set, Aerosmith had visited hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk to me, talk to me," Tyler said before the band launched into Seasons of Wither, another visit to its roots, sounding like Aerosmith's take on Led Zeppelin. Huge storms of guitar had the crowd cheering as it ended.
All in all, it made the Aerosmith cancellation at the John Labatt Centre a while back a cause for regret. It was an undisclosed illness in the band that cancelled that gig.
Nobody was ailing last night, that's for sure.
Maybe Londoners heard a little from Bayfest, but an Aerosmith concert in London would be a cause for some sweet emotion indeed.
Meanwhile, here's one measure of how big Bayfest has become in 2007. There were 15,000 for Nickelback on Wednesday, when it poured. Last night's tickets were all sold days before the concert.
To put that in perspective, official attendance at Bluesfest London last weekend was 14,476 fans over the three days.
British rockers Def Leppard close out Bayfest tomorrow night.
Sarnia, Ontario
Aero Force One
July 19, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Sarnia Bayfest - July 19, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Come Together
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
July 19, 2007
Set List: Aerosmith - Sarnia Bayfest - July 19, 2007
Love In An Elevator
Same Old Song and Dance
Cryin'
Eat The Rich
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Jaded
What It Takes
Come Together
Baby Please Don't Go
Hangman Jury/Seasons Of Wither
Dream On
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Livin' On The Edge
Stop Messin' Around
Sweet Emotion
Draw The Line
~~~~~Encore~~~~~
Walk This Way
Thanks to: Aero Force One.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bad boys to rock Bayfest
London Free Press, Canada
July 19, 2007
Aerosmith is playing Bayfest -- all the tickets are pretty much gone.
Whaddya expect?
Here's the skinny.
The Boston bad boys don't play the London region much and when they do, it's a party. A sold-out party.
Aerosmith hasn't been around here too much in recent years. Last year's sold-out show at the John Labatt Centre in downtown London was cancelled due to an illness in the band.
One clue about the situation arrived recently with the confirmation that American cable TV's National Geographic Channel offers closeups of frontman Steve Tyler's vocal cords in a special to air Oct. 21.
Tyler's throat surgery, necessary after years of shrieking on stage, is part of Incredible Human Machine, an inside look at the mechanical processes of the human body.
At a recent TV publicity session, it was the singer's vocal cords that intrigued writers, who peppered the performer's laryngeal surgeon with questions about the images of Tyler's throat in the special.
That makes tonight's appearance at Sarnia Rogers Bayfest 2007 a big deal. The 20,000 individual tickets for Aerosmith's concert tickets sold out days ago. Some "all-show" passes may still be available. U.S. country star Toby Keith, whose latest album Big Dog Daddy is also his latest hit, headlines tomorrow night. British rockers Def Leppard, who were at the John Labatt Centre in the summer of 2005, have Saturday night's closing spot.
Here's more Aerosmith skinny.
Health is often top of mind with Aerosmith in this decade.
Tyler is terrified of getting too fat to fit into his leather trousers, it is said. The Aerosmith frontman is permanently on a diet because he loves being skinny, and is fearful of putting on weight as he gets older. "I have to watch what I eat because I have this ongoing nightmare that I'm going to put on weight and end up looking like some of the other rock stars of a certain age who bounce around the stage," Tyler, 59, said in an interview with the Sunday Times magazine. "You look at them and think, 'Oh my God, what happened to you? How did you let yourself get like that?' "
More skinny. Aerosmith was a dominating band about 30 years ago, when Toys in the Attic sold more than six million copies. The Boston-area fivesome roared back in the 1980s with more hit records, including Walk this Way with hip-hoppers Run DMC. The band's first musical offering of the 1990s was the 13 million-selling Get a Grip.
When Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, they had already received four Grammys and an Academy Award nomination for best song to go with all the other awards hardware.
"People say rock 'n' roll keeps you young. I definitely think that it does," guitarist Joe Perry, 56, once said. "When we're out there and we're playing and I see people out there my age or older, it doesn't relate to me because I'm feeling like I'm 18."
Maybe that is why the bad boys still keep a-rolling.
If You Go
What: Sarnia Rogers Bayfest 2007, a four-day outdoor rock and country music festival. Nickelback, Aerosmith, Toby Keith and Def Leppard headline.
When: Opened last night, continues tonight (gates open at 6 p.m.), tomorrow (gates at 6 p.m.) and Saturday (gates at 5 p.m.).
Where: Centennial Park in downtown Sarnia
Lineups: Tonight -- Aerosmith, State of Shock, Suzie McNeil; tomorrow -- Toby Keith, Scott Manery & the Barn Burners, Romney Getty, Brock Zeman & the Dirty Hands; Saturday -- Def Leppard, Revolver, The Room, Boy in December, Ending Touch
Details: Tonight, a few $150 (all show passes) may be still available; tomorrow -- $48 and up Saturday, $30 and up. Order online at www.sarniabayfest.com or call 519-337-4474 or 1-866-450-4474.
July 19, 2007
Aerosmith is playing Bayfest -- all the tickets are pretty much gone.
Whaddya expect?
Here's the skinny.
The Boston bad boys don't play the London region much and when they do, it's a party. A sold-out party.
Aerosmith hasn't been around here too much in recent years. Last year's sold-out show at the John Labatt Centre in downtown London was cancelled due to an illness in the band.
One clue about the situation arrived recently with the confirmation that American cable TV's National Geographic Channel offers closeups of frontman Steve Tyler's vocal cords in a special to air Oct. 21.
Tyler's throat surgery, necessary after years of shrieking on stage, is part of Incredible Human Machine, an inside look at the mechanical processes of the human body.
At a recent TV publicity session, it was the singer's vocal cords that intrigued writers, who peppered the performer's laryngeal surgeon with questions about the images of Tyler's throat in the special.
That makes tonight's appearance at Sarnia Rogers Bayfest 2007 a big deal. The 20,000 individual tickets for Aerosmith's concert tickets sold out days ago. Some "all-show" passes may still be available. U.S. country star Toby Keith, whose latest album Big Dog Daddy is also his latest hit, headlines tomorrow night. British rockers Def Leppard, who were at the John Labatt Centre in the summer of 2005, have Saturday night's closing spot.
Here's more Aerosmith skinny.
Health is often top of mind with Aerosmith in this decade.
Tyler is terrified of getting too fat to fit into his leather trousers, it is said. The Aerosmith frontman is permanently on a diet because he loves being skinny, and is fearful of putting on weight as he gets older. "I have to watch what I eat because I have this ongoing nightmare that I'm going to put on weight and end up looking like some of the other rock stars of a certain age who bounce around the stage," Tyler, 59, said in an interview with the Sunday Times magazine. "You look at them and think, 'Oh my God, what happened to you? How did you let yourself get like that?' "
More skinny. Aerosmith was a dominating band about 30 years ago, when Toys in the Attic sold more than six million copies. The Boston-area fivesome roared back in the 1980s with more hit records, including Walk this Way with hip-hoppers Run DMC. The band's first musical offering of the 1990s was the 13 million-selling Get a Grip.
When Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, they had already received four Grammys and an Academy Award nomination for best song to go with all the other awards hardware.
"People say rock 'n' roll keeps you young. I definitely think that it does," guitarist Joe Perry, 56, once said. "When we're out there and we're playing and I see people out there my age or older, it doesn't relate to me because I'm feeling like I'm 18."
Maybe that is why the bad boys still keep a-rolling.
If You Go
What: Sarnia Rogers Bayfest 2007, a four-day outdoor rock and country music festival. Nickelback, Aerosmith, Toby Keith and Def Leppard headline.
When: Opened last night, continues tonight (gates open at 6 p.m.), tomorrow (gates at 6 p.m.) and Saturday (gates at 5 p.m.).
Where: Centennial Park in downtown Sarnia
Lineups: Tonight -- Aerosmith, State of Shock, Suzie McNeil; tomorrow -- Toby Keith, Scott Manery & the Barn Burners, Romney Getty, Brock Zeman & the Dirty Hands; Saturday -- Def Leppard, Revolver, The Room, Boy in December, Ending Touch
Details: Tonight, a few $150 (all show passes) may be still available; tomorrow -- $48 and up Saturday, $30 and up. Order online at www.sarniabayfest.com or call 519-337-4474 or 1-866-450-4474.
Aerosmith sets DTE date in September
Flint Journal, MI
July 18, 2007
Aerosmith's concert Thursday at the Rogers Sarnia Bayfest 2007 in Ontario may be sold out, but fear not, Toxic Twins fans. Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the rest of the band are coming to Clarkston's DTE Energy Music Theatre Sept. 8.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will open the 7:30 p.m. show, part of a short string of North American dates following Aerosmith's first shows outside the continent in eight years.
DTE tickets won't be cheap. Lawn seating is $42.50; pavilion seating goes for $89.50 and $125.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Palace and DTE boxes, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and (248) 645-6666. Details: (248) 377-0100, palacenet.com
July 18, 2007
Aerosmith's concert Thursday at the Rogers Sarnia Bayfest 2007 in Ontario may be sold out, but fear not, Toxic Twins fans. Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the rest of the band are coming to Clarkston's DTE Energy Music Theatre Sept. 8.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will open the 7:30 p.m. show, part of a short string of North American dates following Aerosmith's first shows outside the continent in eight years.
DTE tickets won't be cheap. Lawn seating is $42.50; pavilion seating goes for $89.50 and $125.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Palace and DTE boxes, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and (248) 645-6666. Details: (248) 377-0100, palacenet.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
From Ross Halfin
RossHalfin.co.uk
July 16, 2007
"I've just put up some Aerosmith from the USSR...."
See more.... (here).
July 16, 2007
"I've just put up some Aerosmith from the USSR...."
See more.... (here).
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Sellout number unclear for Aerosmith concert
CBC Prince Edward Island, Canada
July 16, 2007
Aerosmith will play to no more than
33,000 people in Charlottetown,
says fire marshal Dave Blacquiere.
(Claire Greenway/Getty Images)
Tickets are still available for the Aerosmith concert in Charlottetown this Saturday, but organizers are talking to the fire marshal about how many.
There have been 26,000 tickets sold for Blast at the Beach at the Charlottetown Driving Park, which will feature Cheap Trick, Ciara, Christa Borden and Serena Ryder along with Aerosmith.
Concert promoter David Carver told CBC News Friday he didn't know what would constitute a sellout.
"We're still working with that number," said Carver. "We just know tickets are still available."
But for provincial fire marshal Dave Blacquiere, the number is settled at 33,000.
Blacquiere said with the staging, concessions, portable washrooms and the beer tent that will be on the grounds Saturday, any more people than that would break fire code regulations.
"The key thing in that case would be four exits," he said.
"You would have to create a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, whatever the case may be. Or you increase the size of the exit that is available."
Blacquiere said if more than 33,000 people show up for the concert, those people aren't going to get in.
July 16, 2007
Aerosmith will play to no more than
33,000 people in Charlottetown,
says fire marshal Dave Blacquiere.
(Claire Greenway/Getty Images)
Tickets are still available for the Aerosmith concert in Charlottetown this Saturday, but organizers are talking to the fire marshal about how many.
There have been 26,000 tickets sold for Blast at the Beach at the Charlottetown Driving Park, which will feature Cheap Trick, Ciara, Christa Borden and Serena Ryder along with Aerosmith.
Concert promoter David Carver told CBC News Friday he didn't know what would constitute a sellout.
"We're still working with that number," said Carver. "We just know tickets are still available."
But for provincial fire marshal Dave Blacquiere, the number is settled at 33,000.
Blacquiere said with the staging, concessions, portable washrooms and the beer tent that will be on the grounds Saturday, any more people than that would break fire code regulations.
"The key thing in that case would be four exits," he said.
"You would have to create a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, whatever the case may be. Or you increase the size of the exit that is available."
Blacquiere said if more than 33,000 people show up for the concert, those people aren't going to get in.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Aerosmith - Detroit Ticket Presale
Aero Force One
July 16, 2007
Pre-sales for DTE Energy Music Center (Clarkston, MI), will begin in less than 2 days on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at 9am EST!
Tickets for all other venues below are VERY limited - don't wait - check it out!
Date -- Venue -- Location -- Presale Time
09/08/07 -- DTE Energy Music Center -- Clarkston, MI -- Wed., July 18, 9AM EST
09/10/07 -- Allstate Arena -- Chicago, IL -- Get your tickets now!
09/12/07 -- Jones Beach Theatre -- Wantagh, NY -- Get your tickets now!
09/14/07 -- Tweeter Center -- Mansfield, MA -- Get your tickets now!
09/16/07 -- Nissan Pavillion -- Bristow, VA -- Get your tickets now!
09/18/07 -- Molson Amphitheatre -- Toronto, ONT -- Get your tickets now!
09/20/07 -- Mohegan Sun -- Uncasville, CT -- Get your tickets now!
Tickets: (here).
July 16, 2007
Pre-sales for DTE Energy Music Center (Clarkston, MI), will begin in less than 2 days on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at 9am EST!
Tickets for all other venues below are VERY limited - don't wait - check it out!
Date -- Venue -- Location -- Presale Time
09/08/07 -- DTE Energy Music Center -- Clarkston, MI -- Wed., July 18, 9AM EST
09/10/07 -- Allstate Arena -- Chicago, IL -- Get your tickets now!
09/12/07 -- Jones Beach Theatre -- Wantagh, NY -- Get your tickets now!
09/14/07 -- Tweeter Center -- Mansfield, MA -- Get your tickets now!
09/16/07 -- Nissan Pavillion -- Bristow, VA -- Get your tickets now!
09/18/07 -- Molson Amphitheatre -- Toronto, ONT -- Get your tickets now!
09/20/07 -- Mohegan Sun -- Uncasville, CT -- Get your tickets now!
Tickets: (here).
