The Kansas City Star, MO
December 31, 2008

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Anthony Hopkins is 71, Actress Sarah Miles is 67, Rock musician Andy Summers (the Police) is 66, Actor Ben Kingsley is 65, Actor Tim Matheson is 61, Singer Donna Summer is 60, Actor Joe Dallesandro is 60, Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 57…..

Aero Force One
December 29, 2008

Watch video:  (here).

Bedford Minuteman, MA

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA – December 12, 2008

Watch video:  (here).

Washington Post
December 22, 2008

There’s a new game in town and it’s called Second Life, but it’s nothing to do with Linden Lab or its virtual alternate universe. Instead, it’s all about songs. Songs you once heard, but probably haven’t moshed to for years. Songs like Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and David Bowie’s “Suffragette City,” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and KISS’s “Detroit Rock City.” They’ve all been enjoying a kind of “second life” in recent years courtesy tap-and-strum rhythm rockers like Activision’s Guitar Hero and MTV’s Rock Band.

The Associated Press poked around Nielsen SoundScan and found that the songs listed above as well as others released on Guitar Hero III and Rock Band in late 2007 experienced upswings in download sales that ranged anywhere from 15% to 843%.

While sales of physical CDs continue to slump, NPD reported last Thursday that music video game sales doubled in 2008, clocking in at around $1.9 billion. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, an expansion to the series released this summer packing 41 of the band’s songs, saw first week sales that more than tripled first week sales of its last studio album, Honkin’ on Bobo…..

Complete article:  (here).

Aero Force One

Yo, Ho, Ho! Listen Up! It’s BACK…the 5th (Annual) Aero Force One All-Out, Anything Goes, Holiday Blow-Out Bonanza Extravaganza Contest!

Winner gets themselves:
* A Guitar Hero: AEROSMITH game kit complete with guitar controller autographed by Aerosmith!
* $100 gift card to the AF1 online store
* A Steven Tyler Artist Series Harmonica
* A 2009 Aero Force One Fan Club Membership!

Check out the details…. (here).

Aero Force One
December 23, 2008

Check it out:  (here).

Inquirer.net, Philippines
December 25, 2008
By Clarence Yu

Aerosmith’s Joe Perry pays homage to his idol Chuck Berry with his own recording of “Run Rudolph Run,” and it’s about time.

According to Aerosmith’s official fan website, AeroForceOne, “Joe has always loved Chuck Berry’s and Keith Richards’ version of this song and has wanted to record it for years now. He also wants to share it with all the fans right here at AF1.”

A diverse list of artists who have covered the song include Bryan Adams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Grateful Dead and Billy Idol, a testament to the long lasting recognition of the song first made popular by Chuck Berry in 1958.

Perry is reputed to be an ardent admirer of Berry, and it shows in his previous guitar work on songs like “My Girl” off Aerosmith’s Pump (1990) and the axeman often employs Berry’s trademark double-stop licks on his own guitar solos.

The recording, available for free download at AeroForceOne, follows the tradition of a swinging, rockabilly beat as previously recorded by Keith Richards. Perry’s voice is ice cool in its lack of emotion, and it is obvious that the recording was engineered to sound like a classic ‘50’s rock and roll song: high on the reverb, with a lot of bar chords, heavy on the crash drum cymbal, with bits of piano flourishes.

Perry adds his own mark on the song with his signature buzz sounding solos throughout the song. An accompanying video recorded for the song can be viewed at YouTube.

While the song may only be of interest to die-hard Perry and Aerosmith fans, much can be said about Perry’s gesture of making the song free for download. The legendary guitarist has nothing more to prove, and in making this his gift to his fans, it shows a tender side of Perry that he rarely reveals in the rock arena. It can be viewed then as a simple gift from a human being using his God-given talent. Which is, in essence, part of the true spirit of Christmas. Download it now.

December 25, 2008

(Ornament at AF1 here)

Bravewords.com
December 22, 2008

In a new video, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton issues 2008 Happy Holidays greetings to the band’s fans. Check out the clip at AeroForceOne.

In other Aerosmith news, as previously reported, guitarist Joe Perry’s version of ‘Run, Rudolph Run’ – which he recently recorded in the Boneyard – is available for free download at this location.

AeroForceOne – the official fan club of Aerosmith – adds: “Joe has always loved Chuck Berry’s and Keith Richards’ version of this song and has wanted to record it for years now. He also wants to share it with all the fans right here at AF1.”

Aero Force One
December 22, 2008

Watch video:  (here).

BostonHerald, MA
December 20, 2008

Aerosmith doesn’t quite fit between “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night.” But neither does Chuck Berry, and he managed to duck walk his way through maybe the best Christmas tune of the rock era with “Run Rudolph Run.”

In a tribute to Berry, and as a Christmas present to Aerosmith fans everywhere, axeman Joe Perry has recorded a version of the song that can be downloaded free at www.aeroforceone.com.

“It’s my favorite Christmas song,” Perry told the Herald yesterday from his home in Duxbury. “I went down to Skippy White’s every Christmas to buy a new 45 of it because I always managed to wear it out or lose it each year.”

Perry’s never made a secret of his love for Chuck Berry – or of Keith Richards, who Perry says does the second best version of “Run Rudolph Run.”

Recorded at his home studio, the Boneyard, with engineer Paul Santo on drums and keyboards, “Run Rudolph Run” was put together during breaks from Aerosmith writing sessions. The band is trying to wrap up preproduction on its latest album before a February 1st gig in Caracas, Venezuela. Then the Boston bad boys hope to finish recording the album before a world tour beginning in early summer.

“(Finishing the album) is at the top of our list right now,” Perry said. “I come out of the basement with something every day, and we have a pretty good pile of stuff to work through.”

A fresh YouTube clip of the song and its recording sessions will be up in the next 24 hours, Perry said.

“If you look at the video closely you can see an ice bag taped to my knee,” he said, referencing his recent surgery. “But don’t worry. I’ll be 100 percent by next year.”

Watch video here:  (YouTube.com/JoePerryTv).

Aero Force One
December 20, 2008

Earlier this week, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry took some time in the studio to record his favorite Christmas song, Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run.” The track is available for free download through the end of the year at www.aeroforceone.com. A video shot in the studio (which shows Joe Perry’s ongoing recovery from knee surgery via an ice pack on his knee), will be available on the website and YouTube this weekend.

“This is my favorite Christmas song and one I’ve always wanted to cover,” Perry said. “I was in the studio working anyway and when I couldn’t find my copy of the CD, I decided to just give the song a try. Four hours later, we had the song and decided to give it away. I hope everyone enjoys it and this makes the holidays a little happier this year.”

Perry recorded “Run Rudolph Run” at his Boston home studio with Boneyard studio engineer Paul Santo on drums and piano on the track. Perry says he would like to re-release the track next year with monies raised going to charity. Meanwhile, look for Perry and Aerosmith to return to the road again in 2009.

Perry adds, “I’m doing well and we’re all looking forward to getting back on the road.”

You can check out the video on Joe Perry’s You Tube Page:  (YouTube.com/JoePerryTv).

Bedford Minuteman, MA
December 18, 2008

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds (left), Electronic Systems Center commander, and Tom Hamilton (right), bassist for the rock group Aerosmith, clap to the Air Force song at the conclusion of the Heroes’ Homecoming celebration Dec. 12. The event officially welcomed home more than 45 Hanscom Airmen that have been deployed over the past six months and paid tribute to their families. (Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)

Bedford, Mass. - Family, friends and fellow Air Force personnel on Friday welcomed back 42 airmen who have returned from deployment over the past six months.

“We are all so busy in our missions that we need this opportunity to show gratitude to those who serve on the frontlines of freedom,” Col. David Orr said before the ceremony. “We are all in the business of supporting it, but they lived it. I want to thank all the airmen and their families for all their efforts and sacrifices.”

Heroes Homecoming occurs twice a year and recognizes the airmen, who sacrifice their personal lives for the freedom of the country.

The airmen’s families and two New England Patriots cheerleaders led the returning airmen into the hangar. Former New England Patriot quarterback Steve Grogan and Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton were also on hand for the ceremonies.

“I came out to support the troops because what they are doing is extremely important,” said Grogan. “They are performing an important job that so many people take for granted. My little part is coming out and saying ‘Thank you.’”

For Hamilton, this ceremony touched a little closer to home.

“My father was in the Air Force in the early ‘60s and fought in World War II,” said Hamilton. “I was glad to be here today because this is something that has touched my life. I love the irony and the inspiration…..”

Complete article:  (here).

Photos courtesy Hanscom Air Force Base:  (here)

Aero Force One
December 18, 2008

“Check out Joe Perry’s version of “Run, Rudolph Run.” He recently recorded it in the Boneyard. Joe has always loved Chuck Berry’s and Keith Richards’ version of this song and has wanted to record it for years now. He also wants to share it with all the fans… at AF1.”

Watch/Download at AF1:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 17, 2008

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry recently sent a video message to Noel Lee, founder of Monster Cable, Brisbane, the world’s leading manufacturer of audio, video and stereo speaker cabling products, for his 60th birthday and to also celebrate Monster Cable’s 30th anniversary. Check out the clip at AeroForceOne…..

Watch:  (here).

Business Wire (press release), CA
December 16, 2008

BOSTON–(Business Wire)–From your rock n’ roll loving Baby Boomer aunt and barbeque crazed cousin, to your jazz buff brother and armchair quarterback nephew, we’ve got the perfect celebrity-themed holiday gifts that will bring a smile to even the hardest to please loved one and will make a long-remembered impact on those who seem to have everything. Oh where does this wondrous store reside ??!!…. on celebrity fan web sites powered by Boston-based celebrity services company Paid Inc. (OTCBB:PAYD). Paid Inc. celebrity services has assembled an eclectic mix of gift ideas culled from a wide array of celebrities that are certain to meet the criteria of thoughtful, unusual and personal. All items are available in time for holiday delivery and they are also sure to bring their lucky recipients continued joy long after the season has passed……

- Aerosmith’s Official “Aero Force One” striped knit scarf and embroidered logo beanie cap, available on Aerosmith’s official fan site — Hard rocking Aerosmith fans will be blown away by these heart warming gifts. ($12.99-27.99 at www.aeroforceone.com)

- Aerosmith Lead Guitarist Joe Perry’s special recipe Rock Your World™ hot sauce and barbeque apron set – Get ready for ribs served with a side of Joe Perry’s hot guitar riffs. ($15.99 at www.aeroforceone.com)……

Complete article:  (here).

Jezebel.com
December 15, 2008

[New York, December 14. Image via INF]

CityFile.com, NY

“Spotted . . . Steven Tyler dressed in leopard pants outside the Trump International Hotel . . . ”

New York Post – Page Six, NY
December 15, 2008

“Steven Tyler at Philippe helping a young woman into her coat and walking her through the rain under his umbrella to a cab, not realizing that she was Gillian Hearst-Simonds, the daughter of Patty Hearst . . . “

Scarlet Scuttlebutt, NJ
December 15, 2008

” . . . A good night for those in attendance became a great one when the annual surprise guest was introduced. Last year, it was Roger Daltrey of The Who. But this year’s mystery man – brought on stage by Paul O’Neill, who founded the band in 1996 along with former ’80s glam rock band Savatage guitarists Chris Caffrey of Mahwah and Alex Skolnick – topped that and then some.

When Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler came running out, the already stoked crowd was whipped into a frenzy. Tyler delivered, too, crooning longtime favorites “Sweet Emotion” and “Dream On” with Phoebe, Caffrey, Skolnick and even O’Neill rocking right beside him. . . . “

Flickr.com
December 14, 2008

Steven Tyler guests at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert, Izod Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

Photos:  (here)

YouTube.com
December 14, 2008

Steven Tyler performed on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at the Izod Arena in New Jersey.

Watch “Sweet Emotion” – (here).

Watch “Dream On” – (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 14, 2008

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was the special surprise guest for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on December 12 and the Izod Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 13. According to Kevin Alba of MetalAsylum.net, “halfway through the [Izod Arena] set, [Trans-Siberian Orchestra] mastermind Paul O’Neill told the audience not to leave until the last note of the night was played because there was a huge surprise in store. When the time came, Paul O’Neill came back out and introduced Steven Tyler who came out and sang ‘Sweet Emotion’ and ‘Dream On’ with TSO backing him up as the crowd went completely wild.”

Commented Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery (also of Savatage): “[Playing with Steven Tyler at the Nassau Coliseum and Izod Arena] was extra special for a ton of reasons. Mainly because Aerosmith is one of my all time favorite bands and it was surreal to be standing onstage and performing these songs with Steven.

“The Nassau Coliseum venue is very special to me, I saw my very first concert ever there when I was 11 years old. It was KISS and Judas Priest. My best friend’s dad drove us there, I still go sit in the seat that I watched the show from each time I walk in this building.

“I have played there four times now. Three headlining with TSO. I first played there with Savatage on the ‘Hall of the Mountain King Tour’ opening for Dio and Megadeth on New Year’s Eve 1987/8.

“The Izod venue, or as we all called ‘The Metalands,’ as kids is even more special. I grew up in Northern New Jersey so I must have seen 100 shows there. I had always dreamed of just playing there. Each time I walk in there to play with TSO, I walk up to the upper level and just sit in the seats and think about the shows I had seen in the past. Aerosmith, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, The Grateful Dead, Springsteen, Bon Jovi, John Cougar, Def Leppard, Ted Nugent, Triumph, Pink Floyd, Scorpions, Ozzy, Metallica, Journey… the list goes on. Headlining our fifth show there and having Steven Tyler as a special guest was so incredible!

“So… tie all of this history together. This will sit forever in my mind as some of the greatest moments of my life and career! Steven was so amazing!

“Thanks to everyone at the shows for the incredible crowd response, to Paul O’Neill for making all of the magic happen and to Steven Tyler for the priceless memories!”

Aero Force One
December 14, 2008

Watch video:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 14, 2008

Yo, Ho, Ho! Listen Up! It’s BACK…the 5th (Annual) Aero Force One All-Out, Anything Goes, Holiday Blow-Out Bonanza Extravaganza Contest!

Winner gets themselves:
* A Guitar Hero: AEROSMITH game kit complete with guitar controller autographed by Aerosmith!
* $100 gift card to the AF1 online store
* A Steven Tyler Artist Series Harmonica
* A 2009 Aero Force One Fan Club Membership!

Check out the details below…

‘Twas the Holiday Season but things were not quiet as a mouse ‘cuz AF1 and Aerosmith were there – they were Rockin’ the House!

Get Yourself ready for the 5th installment of the spectacular (and cleverly titled) Aero Force One All-Out, Anything Goes, Holiday Blow-Out Bonanza Extravaganza Contest!

AF1’s comin’ with a sack full of prizes and we’re revved up and ready to stuff your stocking with some amazing prizes! So here’s what you gotta do if you wanna win…but relax, ‘cuz we’ve made this contest super simple and easy…

Rule #1: Your contest entry has to have something to do with the holiday season…i.e. New Year’s, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Christmukkah, whatever it is you choose to celebrate.

Rule #2: Do we really need to say it?! Your contest entry’s gotta include Aerosmith! Here are some ideas to help get you going. The 12 Days of Aerosmith (you write it!), Aerosmith ornament, wreath, holiday card, menorah, snow man (you design it!). You can do it in paint, draw it with crayons, build it with mac & cheese, or knit it on a sweater!!! You can freestyle a poem inspired by Dr. Seuss or Dr. Dre. Send sugar cookies with candy cane Aerosmith logos. Or…add mistletoe to that Aerosmith tattoo on your arm. As we said, anything goes, just as long as we don’t get in trouble for it!

Now for the Prizes!!!

1st place prize – A Guitar Hero: Aerosmith bundled game kit complete with: (1) guitar controller autographed by Aerosmith 1st Place Winner also receives a Steven Tyler Artist Series Harmonica, a $100 gift card to the AF1 online store + a 2009 Aero Force One Fan Club Membership!

2nd place prize - $100 Gift Card to the AF1 store and one (1) 2009 Aero Force One Membership

3rd place prize - $50 Gift Card to the AF1 store and one (1) 2009 Aero Force One Membership

How You Enter (The Contest)
Jot Down, Type Up and then send to AF1 by way of email, FAX, snail mail, messenger pigeon, etc. your contest entry. Remember – entries can be in written form (poem, song, speech, story, etc.) or consist of photo or video evidence. Email your contest entry to Contests@Aeroforceone.com with the subject line “2008 Holiday Contest” or send your entry via snail mail to:

Contests at Aeroforceone c/o PAID Inc.
4 Brussels St.
Worcester, MA 01610.

Include your name, age, email address, physical address, and phone numbers where you can best be reached. AF1 crew will select one winner at random. It’s that simple. One entry per person. Entry’s are due by Monday, December 29, 2008 12pm EST. Winners will be notified by Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by 12pm EST.

Good Luck and have a Rockin’ Holiday Season and New Year!

Your AF1 Crew!

Click (here) to read the contest rules…

Flickr.com
December 13, 2008

Steven Tyler guests at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at the Nassau Colliseum in New York on Friday, December 12, 2008

More photos:  (here)

YouTube.com
December 13, 2008

Steven Tyler performed on Friday, December 12, 2008, at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at the Nassau Colliseum in New York.

Watch “Dream On” – (here).

Watch “Sweet Emotion” – (here).

GoErie.com, PA
December 11, 2008

“….This year also saw the release of “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Edition” (games and bundles range $50 to $90) for Xbox 360, Playstations 2 and 3 and the Nintendo Wii, in which players can rock out to the greatest hits of Aerosmith’s Grammy-winning career….”

Complete article:  (here).

AF1 Forum
December 11, 2008

November 29, 2008, LAX

Los Angeles photos:  (here).

Manhattan photos:  (here).

Boston Globe, MA
December 10, 2008

” . . . Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer was in Via Matta for dinner Monday . . . ”

Boston Herald, MA
December 10, 2008

” . . . Tracked Down: Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer and his galpal doing some holiday shopping at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham . . . “

SmugMug.com

More photos of Steven Tyler at Thayer Academy Performing Arts Center Opening Night Gala have been posted at SmugMug.com. The photos were taken by Christopher D. Bernstein, CDB Photos, on October 18, 2008.

View photos:  (here).

The.Jack.Gill.Show
December 8, 2008

“…..By the way, I met Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. Guy has a pretty bone-shattering handshake….”

More info:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 5, 2008

You have to be a Member to get in…
To access this, you have to join as one of the member levels below

Platinum Level 2008
Gold Level 2008

Already a Member? Lucky You!
Log In Here

AutoShowPlanet.com
December 6, 2008

Back in September of 2007, Steven Tyler, best known as the lead singer for Aerosmith, launched a custom motorcycle company along with his cousin, Stephen Talarico, and cycle designer Mark Dirico. The trio called the company Red Wing Motorcycles. That high-flying moniker may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it turns out that the…

Continue reading:  (here).

RossHalfin.com
December 5, 2008

“A photo of two Handsome and Powerful Men out in Los Angeles, looking for love…”

AutoInsane.com
December 4, 2008

“We’re back from press day at the New England International Auto Show in Boston today and have some kick ass pictures to share before heading for home.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith was on stage today at the auto show’s press luncheon. Tyler announced that his motorcycle company, Redwing Custom Cycles, was changing its name to Dirico Custom Motorcycles. The company has run into trademark issues using the Redwing name and thus to avoid lawsuits has come to take a new identity. The name comes from one of the three owners in the company, Mark Dirico. The third owner is Stephen Talarico- Tyler’s cousin.

At one point, a reporter from Boston Television Station WCVB Channel 5 asked Tyler what his thoughts on the automaker bailout situation was- and if he thought GM should get a bailout. The entire room groaned at the uselessness of the question.

In true form, Tyler rocked the New England Motor Press Awards Luncheon- even staying on stage to hand out awards to automaker representatives. A celebrity appearance was really cool considering how strangely quiet and scarce the show floor was.

Ezra Dyer, NEMPA President and Automobile Magazine columnist, seemed to enjoy the company on stage announcing the award winners. Automaker reps were all smiles being photographed with the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame member.

Dirico Motorcycles is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. That just so happens to be just a short drive from our offices so expect more information out of us on Dirico soon.”

More Rockin’ Photos:  (here).

WCVB-TV/DT, Boston, MA
December 4, 2008

Steven Tyler is launching a new line of bikes.

Watch video:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 4, 2008

By Chona Camomot, Globe Staff – (Boston Globe, MA)

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler takes his motorcycle love to the New England Auto Show and unveils a line of custom bikes he helped design.

Watch video:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 4, 2008

7pm EST to 8pm EST

More info:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 2, 2008

Rockpages.gr

It was another difficult and tiring day at work…The thought of relaxing at home was literally non existent as lots of interviews were scheduled for the same evening with small intervals in between sufficient enough to focus on your “target”. But, when Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith is on the other side of the line, then you forget all these tiny “details” and enjoy every minute out of the 15 in total that we had with the bassist of the legendary band. A big “thank you” to Jay Messina and Danielle Freedman for everything that they did for the arrangement of this exclusive interview.

Interview: Sakis Nikas, George Anasontzis

Tom Hamilton: Hi guys! How are you doing?

Rockpages.gr: We are fine, Tom!

Tom Hamilton: Nice talking to you…I am feeling great…let’s start he interview!

Rockpages.gr: How does it feel to be part of the American pop culture? I mean Aerosmith is more than a band…

Tom Hamilton: Well, thank you! Bands like The Beatles, The Stones, Zeppelin, The Who…all these huge bands had a great impact in the pop culture –as you said- of our country. I really enjoy the fact that we are part of this pleasant group of people…it surely feels great to have written some songs that have stood the test of time and influence in a big way the lives of so many people around the world. Aerosmith started with nothing! Absolutely nothing…we carried on despite all the big obstacles and we made progress as time went by…We are rewarded for our hard work…that’s for sure. But, every time we prepare ourselves for a world tour, we can’t wait to go to other countries outside of the States…We get an amazing feedback from our fans abroad…last year we went to Russia and India and it was phenomenal! In a way, I feel like I am representing America…

Rockpages.gr: Yeah, but you still haven’t been to Greece…

Tom Hamilton: Yeah, I know…Can’t wait to visit your beautiful country! I gotta tell you that last year we toured more outside the States than ever before. So, hopefully in our next tour, we will come to Greece! We are planning on doing many shows in the summer of 2009. We’ll see…

Rockpages.gr: So, is there a European tour in the works?

Tom Hamilton: Well, nothing’s booked as we speak, but that’s the idea. Last year, the reaction that we got from our fans in Europe was outstanding! So, we are thinking of returning there and give our fans what they need…I am optimistic that the next time around in Europe, we will visit more countries, including Greece!

Rockpages.gr: Tom, you’ve been in the band right from the beginning. How did it feel when you had to step down in 2006 in order to follow a health treatment?

Tom Hamilton: I had cancer two years ago…it was a strange feeling! The band had a tour that has been booked for a long time, so we had to find a replacement…it was a very strange feeling! But there wasn’t much thinking to do…it was the cancer that I had to fight and nothing would be more important than my health. The rest of the guys knew that and they were really really supportive! I had to follow the doctors’ orders if I wanted to return to the band healthy and in great shape. But, it was difficult…because this band means everything to me and I had to be patient…

Rockpages.gr: Aerosmith is one of the very few bands of the 70s that still get a considerable amount of airplay in TV and on radio. Do you think that the good public relations and the clever management moves are as important as the proficient musicianship?

Tom Hamilton: Yeah…(pause) I think that it is a good assessment…For instance, we are working on putting online some interesting pieces…I mean video and audio…on our website for our fans. But, I agree…it is important to communicate with the media. Sometimes, when you read the press you stay in touch with the reality. You know what I mean? We could have easily been absorbed in our small worlds! Aerosmith has been in the music business since the early 70s and someone could ask: “Why should Aerosmith do press”? But, that’s not true! We must remain true to our fan base and one of the ways to communicate with them and let them know what we are up to is through the media. In addition to all that, I must say that I really love the spontaneity of the internet…the fact that you could log on to a chat room in our forum and talk to your fans! That’s great! When I was a teenager I waited to see a picture of my favorite band in a magazine or a newspaper…and this could take days or even weeks! Now, we play on the other side of the world and the same night all our fans can check photos of our show on our official site. Hopefully, one day in the future we can do something similar with our songs…maybe, our fans can get a taste of our upcoming album by logging on some exclusive areas of our website. We still have one album to do with Columbia and then we will think if we want to continue by signing a regular contract or carry on all by ourselves. After all, the music business is rapidly changing!

Rockpages.gr: When should we expect your next studio album?

Tom Hamilton: Oh, I don’t know! (laughs) The band is kinda working individually for the time being. So, we haven’t gathered as a group to listen to everyone’s ideas…but that will happen soon. We’ll probably do that in the next month or two and hopefully when we tour next year we will have a studio album out to support! I am pretty optimistic about it! I’ve been in my studio recording riffs and making a pile of cool sounds which I think they could be useful to the band.

Rockpages.gr: So, we won’t have a “Chinese Democracy” case?

Tom Hamilton: (laughs) No, I got a feeling that we are gonna get to the finish line before Axl. (laughs) But, I’ll tell you this…when “Chinese Democracy” comes out I will be the first to come out and buy it! I have a tremendous respect for the guy and I think he is a superb singer! I really admire the fact that he is a perfectionist, although he certainly takes his time!

Rockpages.gr: Tom, what’s your favorite Aerosmith record and why?

Tom Hamilton: Let’s see…I have to say the “Rocks” album is my all-time favorite one. Every time the band entered the studio to cut a new album, we were better and better! I feel that with this album we reached our peak! It’s not just the songs on that album that makes it so special for me…we also had a lot of fun recording “Rocks’! We had a warehouse where we used to practice outside of Boston and we decided to do the tracks there…so we used a remote recording studio and the outcome of our practices in that warehouse is the “Rocks” album. We finished that record really quickly and it still stands the test of time! Great stuff…pure inspiration!

Rockpages.gr: Tom, we have read that you’d like also to be an actor. So, how come we didn’t see you in the “Armageddon” film?

Tom Hamilton: (laughs) Oh God! That would be pretty funny! I did take some acting coaching, but I don’t want to be in a movie just because I am a member of a famous band. If I will be in the Big Screen, I will have to be well-trained for it! If I wanted to see my name in the credits of a movie, be sure that I could have easily done so…just a word from the management or a good PR –like you said in a question before-could make the “trick”. I don’t want to go down this path. I want to make it on my own…

Rockpages.gr: Do you have a favorite actor?

Tom Hamilton: My favorites come from the past…Robert De Niro, Kevin Spacey, Al Pacino…

Rockpages.gr: Do you like Liv Tyler’s playing?

Tom Hamilton: Yeah, she’s good…she is a very talented person.

Rockpages.gr: Thank you, Tom! It was an honor…

Tom Hamilton: I thank you guys for the opportunity to talk to my Greek fans and I am looking forward to see you all in Greece really soon!

To read the original article, click:   (here).

WickedLocal.com, Duxbury, MA
November 4, 2008

Joe Perry casts his vote, accompanied by his son, Roman
at Duxbury Middle School Tuesday morning.
(Chris Bernstein/Staff)

Duxbury – Scenes from the polls in Duxbury on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Reed Robins .Blog, NY
November 25, 2008

Hubert Sumlin @ B.B.Kings Club….

“My buddy… invited me to join him and his pals for an evening of blues tonight at B.B King’s Blues club located on 42nd street in NYC’s Times Square…..

The program was Hubert Sumlin and friends. Hubert Sumlin is known for playing with Howlin’ Wolf, and James Cotton.

HUBERT SUMLIN
Featuring:
Sp. Guests

BRAD WHITFORD (Aerosmith)
JIMMY VIVINO
RICH PAGANO
JOHN SEBASTIAN
DAVID JOHANSEN
JAMES “The Worm” WORMWORTH
BRIAN MITCHELL
MIKE MERRITT

+ A special stage introduction by JANIE HENDRIX

* This show is dedicated to Mitch Mitchell (July 9 1947 – November 12 2008)
2008-11-25
8:00PM

As mentioned above, Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister was there to introduce the band. That was nice. She is somewhat pilloried in the fan community for Hendrix, because of Experience Hendrix’ way of doing business. That said, I got a mostly earnest vibe from her.

She talked about how the then younger group of players, including people like Clapton and Hendrix, cited Hubert as a big influence. Also Mitch Mitchell, mentioned above, was Jimi Hendrix’ drummer.

The performance itself was quite uneven to me. Here are a few impressions:

BRAD WHITFORD: Killer blues guitar player. Great tone, really overdriven, sort of a Stevie Ray Vaughn sound. He played with an impetuousness which really felt passionate. Best blues player on stage.”

Continued:  (here).