Boston Herald, MA
October 30, 2008

Aerosmith has generally left the politics to bands like U2 and the Dixie Chicks, but axeman Joe Perry says national security and economic woes have prompted him to split from the rest of the entertainment world and throw his support behind John McCain.

“We pretty much stay out of it, but seeing so many people come out for Obama, I just felt like ‘What the hell, I might as well raise my hand for this side,” Perry said from his Duxbury home.

The Bay State rockers have done a few fund-raisers for the Kennedy family over the years, but Perry’s endorsement of McCain marks a first for the platinum-selling guitarist/songwriter. A lifelong Republican, he said he was inspired to come forward because of ringing McCain endorsements from Rudy Giuliani and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“I’ve been a hardcore Republican my whole life,” he told the Herald. “My mother and father drilled into me from the very start that if you work hard and be positive, you’ll get what you’re working for. I guess I’m living proof of that.”

Of criticism about McCain’s age, Perry said: “My mother’s in her 80s and she does aerobics. My manager’s 70 and he’s right there. That doesn’t bother me.”

And despite lopsided polls, he urged his fans to get out and vote.

“I’m an optimist. It ain’t over till its over,” he said. “I think that he’s got a chance.”

Of the rocker’s endorsement, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said: “Joe Perry is an icon of rock-and-roll and a great American. John McCain absolutely appreciates his support.”

Aero Force One
October 29, 2008

Won’t Get Fooled Again and Again and Again………

People have been asking me if I am still depressed over the Red Sox losing to Tampa Bay in the playoffs and I say “No I’m not.” They just won 2 World Series championships, the Pats won 3 Super Bowls and the Celtics raised their 17th banner to the (new) Garden rafters last night. It’s good to be a sports fan in Boston at the moment. Speaking of the Patriots they are surprising everybody right now and we like it. I’ll get back to you on the Bruins later in the season.

Brad seems to be enjoying himself out on the Hendrix tour. Now if Hendrix were there that would really be something. It just goes to show you how much of an impact Jimi had in such a short period of time. What did he have, about 3 years as a solo artist? People want to hear these songs. Former band members Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox are aboard delivering the goods every night. Brad is having such a blast that he has decided to stay for the whole tour. His son Graham came up and played in NYC and rumor has it he will again in Vegas and LA. Check out some of the clips on the internet and then go see them live.

The same night Brad was rocking at the Orpheum I got the extreme pleasure of seeing Steven perform with members of the Thayer Academy band in Braintree, Mass. Steven was there as part of the Celebration weekend and also to christen the brand spanking new music hall that was built. Steven’s daughter Chelsea is an alumnus there and she flew back from college to sing with her Pappy on this night. She was the highlight of the evening singing the 1961 Etta James classic “At Last.” She brought it on home this night and was a tough act to follow but her old man didn’t do such a bad job. Steven came out and sang “Smile.” I actually thought he sang it better on this night than with Chris Botti. The band was a bunch of 17 and 18 year olds that just cooked. The guitarist Colin (sorry didn’t catch your last name) was just unbelievable. He had the poise of a 30 year old in a 17 year old’s body. They also performed “Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand),” which is an Aerosmith classic from the “Night in the Ruts” album, originally done by the Shangri-Las in the awesome year of 1964. Steven came on to put a cap on the great Celebration Day by singing, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” with the Atlantic Orchestra. Steven’s Dad Vic was in attendance and got to see his son and granddaughter perform together.

Speaking of Chelsea, she appears in a Nintendo commercial with her sister and fellow heartbreaker Liv. Be on the lookout for it.

Joe and clan took in the Who show at the Gahden last Friday night. It was the 3rd time Joe has seen the Who this year and this show had to be the best. Before the show Joe, Billie and family went backstage and chatted with the Who’s manager Bill Curbishley and then with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. Roger seemed very interested in Tony and Adrian’s band “Tab the Band” and asked, “What’s it like going into the family business?” Pete was chatty and remembered the boys from last summer’s show in London.

Well that’s it for now folks. Rumor has it the amplifiers should be buzzing and the drums thumping in the early part of next year.

See you on the Road!

Juan B.

Larger photos:  (here).