Oakland Tribune, CA
December 31, 2009

Today’s Birthdays:

TV producer George Schlatter (80), actor Sir Anthony Hopkins (72), actor Tim Considine (69), actress Sarah Miles (68), rock musician Andy Summers (67), actor Ben Kingsley (66), rock musician Peter Quaife of the Kinks (66), producer-director Taylor Hackford (65), fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (63), actor Tim Matheson (62), pop singer Burton Cummings of the Guess Who (62), singer Donna Summer (61), rock musician Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith (58)…….

Aero Force One
December 29, 2009

I know, I know! “What’s goin’ on with the band?” “What the hell are you guys up to?” Well it all boils down to Steven wanting to go solo for a while and the other four of us wanting to continue. I’m not getting into what and what not’s been in the press lately. I’d like a day off from all that if you don’t FREAKIN’ mind.

Some weeks ago we finished four shows that were still left on the plate for this year. As we’re getting close to the end of the year I found myself replaying my mental videos of those gigs.

The first one was in San Francisco. It was basically a huge party put on by one of our most massive companies. They may be a corporate monolith but when they decide to reward their employees with a party the lid is basically off the budget. They rented an island off of San Francisco and turned it into soiree central. The place was set up like a permanent venue even though it was only going to be used for this one night. What the hell? We have a history of wretched excess. Why not play for a big corporation enjoying theirs? Considering that it was a party for their employees I guess it’s kind of cool.

A little while before the show we went over to a tent to do a meet and greet with some of the revelers. On the way back I thought I heard someone say that Roger Daltry was playing nearby on another stage that was set up for the party. We headed in that direction and found ourselves in his trailer where he and his band-mates were getting ready for their show. We had met before in Japan a few years back so, even though we hadn’t had time to become close friends there was still a happy re-union atmosphere. We spent a few minutes catching up. Simon Townshend was there. I asked when they would be coming to Boston and then gave him some advice about where to find some cool duds if they want to go out and spend a few quid.

I had a new tech named Mike who usually works for Joe Walsh when the Eagles tour. He had some unexpected time off and came to work for me on our remaining gigs. We had some time for a sound check earlier in the afternoon and everything was tight. We don’t always do sound checks because the sound can vary so much when the venue fills up with people. Some of us almost consider them bad luck but this time it was productive as I got to simplify my set-up a bit.

Steven was off on his own somewhere so we didn’t see him until show-time. As everyone already knows there had been some difficult vibe issues but once we got up on to the stage waiting to go on, I felt us morphing into show mode. It was exhilarating to sense the everyday crap melting away and being replaced by that feeling of diving off a cliff as one, knowing how good that water was going to feel.

We hadn’t played in a while and when that happens a really good show usually pops out – especially if the crowd is really into it which they were. The party atmosphere was thick and juicy so we just fed on it. There were even a few tender moments between us guys in the band. The audience sees some of it but a lot happens just between us.

The next day we saddled up and went to Hawaii. We had a show to make up on Maui and another one over in Honolulu. I love the long flights. I get my stack of magazines and books and space out for a few hours. I’d do that every day but it’s a little harder to get away with it.

Honolulu Airport. Photo by: John Bionelli

So, a little while later we’re at the hotel sucking in that island atmosphere. My body doesn’t even bother getting jet lag anymore. Have you ever heard the sound track from “South Pacific”? My parents used to play it all the time when I was a little kid. There’s a song on it called “Bali Hai” which was my favorite. I could hear its mysterious melody emerging out of my memory as I stood outside gaping at the volcanic mountains reaching up to the massive orange clouds as the sun went down. I wonder if Robert Plant was thinking about that song when he wrote the vocal to “Immigrant Song.” Check it out sometime.

We had a few days off before the first gig which was great for me because I was still recovering from my throat thing back in July. Crap, I wasn’t really planning on bringing that up but I guess I did. Here’s the quick version. I went in for a routine check in the end of June and the doctor discovered a spot he didn’t like. I could tell something might be wrong when he paused with his scope and didn’t say anything for a few seconds. He sent me for a scan which confirmed what he was thinking and then there I was in the process once again. Only this time he sent me to a guy who got it out without a lot of the collateral damage I might have had to deal with. It went well but it put me in a healing process that was still not completely finished when it was time to do these last four gigs. The hell with it. Time to rock.

Photo By: Amanda Ayre

So a few days later we were on our way to Honolulu to play the arena we played the last time we were there decades ago. We jumped into some puddle jumpers and buzzed over there. I spent the time remembering the first time we were there. We definitely thought we were hot shit to be playing in Hawaii back then. It was probably the tour when we promoted Get Your Wings. Back then the world was a little less threatening so we were met on the tarmac by hula girls dancing to our new album which was blasting out of a pair of big speakers over by the luggage truck. As we each got to the bottom of the stairs we got a lei and a kiss. Different world. The only way to get felt up at the airport now is when you’re going through security.

So here we were back in Honolulu wondering if we were at the end of everything. Things have been tough lately. I’m not coming from just my side here. The uncertainty is cruel to all sides in this case. It definitely wasn’t cruel on stage that night though. We buzz-sawed through the set without mercy. It was such a relief to be somewhere where difficult stuff could be forgotten for a while. If there’s one thing that we all share, it’s the idea that when we’re up there the show is all that matters. The discord just doesn’t fit. There’s no place for it.

Photo by: Amanda Ayre

The end of the night came too fast and there we were in our separate little airplanes headed back to Maui in the middle of the night. I was with Brad and a couple of our tour management guys. The excitement of being onstage was still with us. We talked about our impressions of the gig at the top of our lungs because the engines on our funky little plane were so loud. Pretty soon voices gave way to the roar and everybody sat back into their own fatigue and reflection. Feelings of exhilaration and regret banged together in my head as I stared at the darkened shape of the mountains below us.

We had a couple of days off before the Maui gig. One day a few of us went out sailing on an authentic Polynesian sailing canoe. It’s a bit ironic that it’s called a canoe because it’s so big. There were at least six of us and there was still room. The thing was based on ancient designs but for some reason it had a really modern shape to it. One of the guys with us was native Hawaiian and did a really good job of telling us all these stories that have been passed down for centuries. It blew my mind that hundreds of years ago a whole flotilla of these would set sail for Tahiti which is at least a couple of thousand miles away. They had people who knew how to navigate by the stars with no technology whatsoever except the mysterious knowledge they had learned from their ancestors. Somehow they’d hit the bulls-eye.

We stopped to do some swimming and one of the guys disappeared for a few minutes. Suddenly he pops out of the water with an octopus. I’m thinking, “whoa, when’s Spider Man going to show up?”. The thing was totally evil looking and cute at the same time. It was so small you could hold in your two hands. When it was out of the water it lost its shape and turned into a dark green blob. It tried to show us how badass it was by spewing brown ink all over the place. At least I think it was ink. After a couple of minutes our guide decided to get it back in the water before it got too stressed out. We headed back to the shore and as we got close I wondered how the guys were going to land the boat without us all getting thrown onto the beach in the huge waves but they did it.

I swear the second we were back on land I started thinking about the gig. I’m not great at awkward stuff. I tend to worry about it which is something I need to get over. Mostly I was looking forward to it. We were doing it as a make-up show. We were supposed to do it a year ago but some logistical stuff went wrong and we had to cancel it so some lawyers decided to sue us. That’s never happened before. We never cancel gigs unless we absolutely can’t play. I think people on the islands were really frustrated because not as many bands play there as they do on the mainland so when a show goes down its even more of a disappointment. It was a big disappointment for us too because, as I mentioned earlier, it’s a cool feeling that people so far from where we’re from want to hear us play.

I know this is a weird place to pause but I’ll have to finish this little thing later. I hope everybody has an awesome New Year. Make those resolutions! Put ‘em in your head and let them grow. They’ll happen someday!

More later,
TH

Aero Force One
December 29, 2009

Brad Whitford stopped by the 21st annual Christmas Jam hosted by Warren Haynes to join in on the star-studded event in Asheville, North Carolina.

Brad joined musicians from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule & more to perform Drivin’ n’ Cryin’s “Underground Umbrella” as part of the Christmas Jam Band’s eight song set. Edwin McCain and Ron Holloway then joined Brad and the rest onstage to play Aerosmith’s “Last Child.”

Many more stars passed across the stage as the Jam Band continued to display both it’s own technical prowess and ability to attract A-list musicians. Brad got back into the thick of it to close out the set with the blues-rock classic “Born Under a Bad Sign” alongside Warren Haynes.

Brad’s final showing of the eight-hour event came during Gov’t Mule’s finale performance. Joined by the band as well as Fred Eltringham, Whitford & co. dished out a little rock with “Train Kept A Rollin’” before capping the night off with Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.”

For a complete recap of the 21st annual Christmas Jam, visit JamBandsOnline.com.

The Daily Press, Ontario, Canada
December 29, 2009

“…. After living through the ’70s, having some kind of brain matter left is an amazing feat.”
      – Aerosmith’s Joe Perry says turning 60 is no big deal….

Complete article:  (here).

IShootShows.com
By: Todd Owyoung
December 28, 2009

“As a music photographer, every gig presents a new challenge and an opportunity to make great images, but as 2009 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at some of the best tours, festivals, and events of the year.

In 2009, I photographed 73 concerts and events, and the year was packed with a ton of great tours. These are my picks for the top ten best gigs to photograph in 2009.

Aerosmith – Steven Tyler singing right into one’s lens is not something that is easily forgotten, and kind of a gimmie for this list. But I’ll take it. The one adjective that comes to mind for this show is simply ‘electrifying.’ Aerosmith’s tour opener in 2009 was pure love.”

(Photo by: Todd Owyoung)

Complete article:  (here).

STL Today, MO
By Kevin C. Johnson
December 28, 2009

11. Aerosmith, 3 Doors Down, June 10, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

“It will apparently take more than a heavy downpour with lightning to derail the first stop on Aerosmith’s world tour…Boston’s bad boys definitely delivered during the high-energy 90-minute show.”

Complete article:  (here).

Digital Production, Middle East
December 21, 2009

1. Yasalam Concert Series – Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, UAE, November

Easily the biggest concert series of the year, the Yasalam F1 Concerts showcased first-rate headliners Beyonce, Jamiroquai, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith. Staged beneath the massive arch of Yas Island’s Ferrari World, the gigs were truly world-class and confirmed Abu Dhabi’s arrival as the region’s top destination for live events.

Complete article:  (here).

411Mania.com
by Michael Melchor
December 26, 2009

“……Steven Tyler apparently spent the holidays in rehab, fighting with an addiction to painkillers from injuries sustained over the last decade from performing.

The easy joke to be made here is, ‘That would explain all the drama he and the band had with each other a couple of months ago.’ But then, it sinks in…it really would explain all the drama he and the band had with each other a couple of months ago.

No, not in a ‘Oh, I get it – Tyler was high off his ass the whole time’ sense. More like, if he was addicted to painkillers because he was hurt…and he needed a break…and the band didn’t understand why he wanted some time off because he didn’t want to explain that he had become an addict…then it all makes perfect sense. Okay, except for the ‘Brand Tyler’ remark. That one, you got me.

Tyler says now that, ‘ I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates’. Sounds to me like, now that he has his head on a little straighter and is overcoming the addiction, that he’s Back In The Saddle again. So, we can probably put the Aerosmith controversy to rest now……”

Watch video of ‘Dream On’ from MTV’s 10th Anniversary Show, 12/3/91 (Steven Tyler descends to the stage seated at his piano. Somewhere, Shawn Michaels is jealous as hell.):  (here).

Houston Press, TX
December 24, 2009

Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, July 17: “Make all the Guitar Hero jokes you want. Whatever it is that’s kept ZZ Top and Aerosmith in the public eye for almost four decades they’ve never forgotten that eventually it all circles back around to the stage. And never been unable to deliver when it does.” –Chris Gray

Complete article:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 24, 2009

Wish Tom Happy Birthday – You Could Get the Gift!

Check this out… in celebration of Tom Hamilton’s birthday, Yes, it’s Tom’s birthday (12/31 for anyone who doesn’t know), AF1 wants You to send Tom Happy Birthday Wishes! AF1 will compile them and give them All to Tom.

And Oh, Yeah! of course we got a cool prize for one lucky person. Check it out – AF1 will randomly select one person to win a very special item from Tom’s personal archive collection. And if that wasn’t cool enough – he’ll even autograph it for ya! What is it? Well, you’ll have to wait to find out!

Send your Happy Birthday Wishes to CustomerService@aeroforceone.com with the subject line “Happy Birthday Tom.” Happy Birthday Wishes are due in by Tuesday, January 5, 2010. Pretty easy huh? So watcha’ waitin’ for – get those Birthday Wishes in Now!

Happy Birthday Tom!

Official Rules

MSN.com
December 23, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steven Tyler has entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an addiction to painkillers the Aerosmith frontman has taken to cope with 10 years of performance injuries.

Tyler said he’s eager to return to work with his band mates.

“I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith. I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of,” the 61-year-old rocker said in a statement released Tuesday.

The band canceled a summer tour in August after Tyler fell off the stage during a performance in South Dakota and broke his left shoulder.

Dr. Brian McKeon, who is treating Tyler, said in a statement that orthopedic injuries over the past decade have left the singer with severe chronic pain that will require surgeries on his knees and feet.

Tyler checked into rehab last year to recover from several foot surgeries and physical therapy. Tyler said the procedures were to correct longtime foot injuries resulting from his physical performances with Aerosmith.

The singer for the blues-rock band was known for heavy drug and alcohol abuse in the 1970s and early 1980s, but completed rehabilitation in 1986, after which Aerosmith enjoyed a successful revival.

Rolling Stone
December 22, 2009

Rolling Stone can confirm that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has entered a rehab facility to treat an addiction to prescription painkillers. “With the help of my family and team of medical professionals I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford,” the singer said in a statement.

Tyler also addressed, in an exclusive statement to Rolling Stone, his bandmates’ recent allegations that he demanded a two-year break from the group. “I wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumored two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false and I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled,” Tyler said.

Tyler’s daughter Liv also issued a statement expressing her support for her father. “He is a courageous man,” she said. “We love him and are so proud that he is getting help to balance his pain management, not just for himself but for his family, friends and fans.”

The physician treating Tyler at the New England Baptist Hospital, Dr. Brian McKeon, noted that Tyler’s addiction stems from difficulties with pain management. “Over the past 10 years, Steven Tyler has suffered orthopedic injuries and has been in severe chronic pain which will require further surgeries on his knees and feet,” McKeon said. “Managing and controlling his pain has been challenging and despite our use of alternative therapies and the creation of custom shoes built by a team of engineers from Timberland, Steven’s pain has progressed. The balance between managing his pain and avoiding addiction is tenuous and difficult and his bravery in persevering through rigorous touring is admirable. As with many athletes, Steven put his performance first as he struggled with acute pain for years.”

Rolling Stone will have more news on Tyler’s condition and the state of Aerosmith as information becomes available.

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 21, 2009

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry was interviewed on this past Saturday’s (December 19) edition of the “Maximum Threshold” show. The program is now available for streaming using the audio player (here).

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler joined Perry onstage in New York last month while the latter was touring with Joe Perry Project, telling the crowd that he wasn’t quitting Aerosmith. “[Tyler] walked into the club right at the encore because he didn’t really know what songs we had played up ’till them,” Perry told Gazer. “But we had ‘Walk This Way’ left [to play] and I thought I would give the fans a treat and have him come and sit in with my band. He came in, he sang and he left. I looked around afterwards, because we played one more song, and I went back looking for him and he was gone. They said he just walked off the stage and left.”

Joe Perry’s fifth solo album, “Have Guitar, Will Travel”, will be released in Japan on December 23. The Japanese edition of the album will include two bonus tracks — “Dream On” (Aerosmith) and “Revolution” (The Beatles).

“Have Guitar, Will Travel” was released in the U.S. on October 6 via Roman Records. The hard-driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry’s trademark rock and blues ferocity. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry’s state-of-the-art home studio, where Aerosmith’s “Honkin’ On Bobo” and “Just Push Play” were recorded, “Have Guitar, Will Travel” is entirely written and produced by Perry.

Joe Perry interviewed on “Maximum Threshold” (click on player to launch audio):  (here).

Aero Force One
December 17, 2009

     Sat. 2/06/10
     7:00pm Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel Providence, RI $25-$35
     Onsale Now
     Get Your Tix (here)!

All Upcoming Tour Dates:  (here).

Billboard.com
December 18, 2009

Nothing beats the live concert experience — and no one knows that better than these 25 road warriors who rocked more faces (and made more money doing it!) than others this decade. Watch videos of each of the stars live in action, and relive your moment in the front row.

14. Aerosmith
Total Gross: $292,201,481 Number of Shows: 320
Total Attendance: 4,646,827 Number of Sell-Outs: 61

Setlist Essential: “Cryin’”

Videos and complete list:  (here).

JoePerry.com
December 16, 2009

The Joe Perry Project performed the song “Slingshot” on the December 11, 2009 episode of CBS-TV’s “Late Show With David Letterman”. You can watch his appearance at this location. (Note: Perry’s performance begins around the 38-minute mark.)

JamBase
December 16, 2009

Brad Whitford

Words by: Fred Mills | Images by: Willa Stein

Warren Haynes Presents: The 21st Annual Christmas Jam :: 12.12.09 :: Asheville Civic Center :: Asheville NC

Lineup
Gov’t Mule, Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, moe., George Porter Jr., Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall and Adam Deitch with William Bell.

With Special Guests
Brad Whitford (Aerosmith), Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Craig Sorrells, Jeff Austin, Mike Barnes, DJ Logic, Jackie Greene, Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Ed Roland and Kevn Kinney, plus The Xmas Jam Band featuring Fred Eltringham, Audley Freed, Ron Holloway and Robert Kearns.

Article continued:  (here).

More photos:  (here).

Aero Force One
December 14, 2009

Purchase Joe Perrys latest solo album “Have Guitar, Wiil Travel” and receive a free bottle of Mango Tango Sauce! If thats not enough, as a special treat [AF1 will] send you a Free download of Joe’s version of “Run Rudolph Run,” recorded 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. This offer won’t last long so get your Album and 2 free holiday gifts from Joe to you!

Track Listing
1. We’ve Got A Long Way To Go 4:34
2. Slingshot 4:20
3. Do You Wonder 5:14
4. Somebody’s Gonna Get (Their Head Kicked In Tonite) 4:10
5. Heaven and Hell 7:19
6. No Surprise 4:53
7. Wooden Ships 4:56
8. Oh Lord (21 grams) 3:27
9. Scare The Cat 4:47
10. Freedom 3:50

Purchase at AF1:  (here).

Top40-Charts.com
December 14, 2009

BOSTON, MA. (Top40 Charts/ Paid, Inc.) – -Joey Kramer’s gritty, soul-searching book, ‘Hit Hard: a Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top,’ debuted on June 30, 2009 – five days after King of Pop Michael Jackson died right before his planned reemergence on the world stage. Although many missed the book’s launch amid the avalanche of coverage surrounding Michael Jackson, the early release has been a regional best seller and is well on its way to achieving national best-seller status. In support of and in collaboration with the book’s publisher, Harper Collins/HarperOne, PAID, INC. has been providing marketing support for ‘Hit Hard’ to help drive the book sales that will propel it to become a national best seller……

Complete article:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 14, 2009

According to Roger Friedman of Showbiz411.com, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has changed managers again. The frontman has left Union Entertainment Group — which represents Nickelback, Cinderella, Lynch Mob, Hinder and Lynam — and has signed with Allen Kovac of 10th Street Entertainment (Motley Crue, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Drowning Pool).

Before signing with Union Entertainment Group, Tyler was being represented by the Boston rockers’ longtime handlers, HK Management (headed up by Howard Kaufman and Trudy Green), who have managed Aerosmith since 1999…..

Complete article:  (here).

Asheville Citizen-Times, NC
December 12, 2009

.
The 21st Annual Christmas Jam got under way Saturday night at the Asheville Civic Center with the first performances by DJ Logic, Warren Haynes with Jackie Greene and Jeff Austin, Collective Soul’s Ed Rowland, and the Christmas Jam Band with Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford. (12/12/09 – Stephen Miller)
.

Photo Gallery:  (here).

Asheville Citizen-Times, NC
December 12, 2009

ASHEVILLE – Just over 2 1/2 hours into the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, tonight at the Asheville Civic Center, a parade of stars has already taken the stage, from Haynes himself to William Bell to local hero Edwin McCain – and the headliners are yet to come.

Bell, 70, has been writing and recording hits since his Stax Records days, and his songs are favorites of sampling artists today, including Kanye West. He and Haynes dueted on “Everyday Will Be a Holiday” and he was joined by Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford for Bell’s “Born Under a Bad Sign,” made famous by Eric Clapton with Cream.

In his tailored black suit, red tie and matching pocket hankerchief and black Fedora, Bell was easily the best-dressed man on stage.

The Christmas Jam band rocked the house earlier, a near-capacity crowd of more than 5,200, organizers said.

Still to come are the four headline acts: Ani DiFranco, moe., Counting Crows and Haynes’ own Gov’t Mule. DiFranco was to go on at 9:10, moe. at 10:10, Crows at 11:25 and Mule at 12:30, promising to play until at least 2 a.m. But Bell played past 9:30.

Anything goes at the 21st annual Christmas Jam, as always.

Also as always, proceeds go to support Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing for low income families.

Photo Gallery:  (here).

JoeyKramer.com
December 10, 2009

Check out this video as Joey Kramer gives the scoop during his Winning Authors event at Mohegan Sun! Don’t forget to check out the recap of the event below.

Joey Kramer Hosts Winning Authors Event at Mohegan Sun

Joey Kramer would like to thank everyone that came out to Mohegan Sun for the Winning Authors event to celebrate his book, “Hit Hard.” The event was a huge success with over 300 people attending the intimate live discussion at the Cabaret Theatre. Led by Eddie Trunk, also host of VH1’s acclaimed “That Metal Show,” the crowd both observed and contributed to a highly enjoyable experience.

The event kicked off with a screening of “It’s About Time” – the film dedicated to Joey’s lasting influence both within Aerosmith and the entire rock and roll world. After a standing ovation, fans were treated to an hour long question-and-answer session allowing guests insight into the experiences recounted within “Hit Hard” and Joey’s catharsis in writing it. Twice Joey’s dialogue was interrupted as the audience rose to its feet and applauded in response to his honesty in relation to his personal struggle with drug and alcohol addiction and battle with depression.

“Having been able to find my own sanity within the insanity that has been such a prevalent condition of the Aerosmith experience for over forty years” is an accomplishment representative of the transformative experience which Joey believes truly saved his life. For him, sharing this information and passing on the value of his life changing, and ultimately life saving transformation was the driving force behind turning “Hit Hard” into a reality.

Following the discussion, Joey gave back to all the faithful supporters as he personalized and signed copies of “Hit Hard” for all in attendance. The line flowed out the door of the Shops at Mohegan Sun as fans waited with excitement. From ages 8 to 80, all were represented as supporters passed through to get their own copy of “Hit Hard” signed.

Watch video:  (here).

RTT News

CBS has announced that the Joe Perry Project will appear live on the Late Show with David Letterman on Friday.

The legendary Aerosmith guitarist will play tracks from his band’s new album, Have Guitar, Will Travel, which hit stores on October 6. Perry and company recorded the album’s 10 songs in his private studio, The Boneyard……

Complete article:  (here).

Asheville Citizen-Times, NC
December 7, 2009

ASHEVILLE – Warren Haynes roars into the Asheville Civic Center with his annual Christmas Jam concert this weekend, a star-filled show that has become the city’s biggest ticketed entertainment event of the year.

With many stars already announced (including Ani DiFranco, Counting Crows, the band moe., Stax Records soul legend William Bell, Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and Haynes’ own group Gov’t Mule), fans are wondering just what surprises might be revealed before Saturday night’s show.

“There are some people I’m working on,” Haynes said in an interview from his New York home. “But I feel like we have a great show in store now. If I can make it better, I’m excited to do that. The collaboration possibilities are exciting. So many genres of music are represented. I am curious to see how they will wind up on stage together.”

The jam looks good to Martin Anderson, music director at WNCW-FM/88.7, which again will broadcast a Friday night “pre-jam” show from The Orange Peel.

“This jam has about as much talent and popularity as any of the past ones, though any comparisons are purely subjective,” he said. “Every jam is diverse and different, and it’s in that wild diversity that the real magic happens.”

As usual, the Grammy-winning, Asheville-raised guitarist is donating the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity, to be used for the construction of affordable housing. Through the years, Habitat has given $816,393, said spokeswoman Ariane Kjellquist. “It’s our single largest house sponsorship,” she said…..

Article continued:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 8, 2009

American television and radio host Larry King introduced Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s band, The Joe Perry Project, when they played at the Land Shark Tailgate Stage on the AT&T Grand Plaza on Sunday, December 6, prior to the Dolphins-Patriots game. Perry and his band performed a series of songs from his fifth solo CD, “Have Guitar, Will Travel”, released in October this year, that included the album’s first single, “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go”. In addition to experiencing Perry’s trademark rock and roll-based ferocity, fans were treated to an exclusive rendition of Aerosmith’s unforgettable number one hit single “Walk This Way”, featuring leading singer/rapper and producer T-Pain, who made a special guest appearance with Perry live on stage.

Watch video footage of the event at:  (MiamiHerald.com).

Getty Images
December 7, 2009

Musician Joe Perry visits ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ at the Ed Sullivan Theater on December 7, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage)

More about Joe’s appearance on David Letterman:  (here).

DayLife.com
December 6, 2009

T-Pain and Joe Perry pose after they perform on the Landshark stage prior to the start of the at Dolphins game at Landshark Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Miami, Florida.

Joe Perry performs on the Landshark stage prior to the start of the at Dolphins game at Landshark Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Miami, Florida.

More photos:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 5, 2009

American television and radio host Larry King will introduce Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s band, The Joe Perry Project, when they play at the Land Shark Tailgate Stage on the AT&T Grand Plaza on Sunday, December 6, prior to the Dolphins-Patriots game, with a live performance starting at 12 noon. Perry and his band will perform a series of songs from his fifth solo CD, “Have Guitar, Will Travel”, released in October this year, that will include the album’s first single, “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go”. In addition to experiencing Perry’s trademark rock and roll-based ferocity, fans will be treated to an exclusive rendition of Aerosmith’s unforgettable number one hit single “Walk This Way”, featuring leading singer/rapper and producer T-Pain, who will make a special guest appearance with Perry live on stage.

“I’ve tailgated up north a few times and it’s hard cooking sausage with your fingers frozen,” says Perry. “I’m looking forward to getting some ribs going in Miami and to being able to feel my fingers, which is always sure to help my performance.”

“Have Guitar, Will Travel” will be released in Japan on December 23. The Japanese edition of the album will include two bonus tracks — “Dream On” (Aerosmith) and “Revolution” (The Beatles). The hard-driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry’s trademark rock and blues ferocity. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry’s state-of-the-art home studio, where Aerosmith’s “Honkin’ On Bobo” and “Just Push Play” were recorded, “Have Guitar, Will Travel” is entirely written and produced by Perry.

Aero Force One
December 4, 2009

Brad Whitford will be taking part in ‘Experience Hendrix’, the all-star tribute concert celebrating Jimi Hendrix’s legacy as the most influential electric guitarist in rock history.

The prestigious lineup includes Joe Satriani, Billy Cox of Gypsys and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Sacred Steel featuring Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ernie Isley, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas from Los Lobos, Doyle Bramhall II, Living Colour, Legendary Howlin’ Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin and Chris Layton of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble performing music written by and associated with Jimi Hendrix. 

Tour date & ticket information can be found right HERE! 

 

Date	City / State	Venue
March 5, 2010	Los Angeles, CA	Gibson Ampitheater
March 6, 2010	Las Vegas, NV	Hard Rock – The Joint
March 7, 2010	Mesa, AZ	Ikeda Theater
March 9, 2010	Friant, CA	Table Mountain Casino Events Center
March 10, 2010	San Francisco, CA	Warfield
March 12, 2010	Reno, NV	Silver Legacy Casino
March 14, 2010	Denver, CO	Paramount Theater
March 16, 2010	Kansas City, MO	Uptown Theatre
March 17, 2010	Minneapolis, MN	Orpheum Theater
March 18, 2010	Chicago, IL	Chicago Theatre
March 20, 2010	St. Louis, MO	The Fox Theatre
March 21, 2010	Milwaukee, WI	Riverside Theater
March 23, 2010	Akron, OH	Civic Theater
March 24, 2010	Montclair, NJ	Wellmont Theater
March 25, 2010	Red Bank, NJ	Count Basie Theater
March 27, 2010	Atlanta, GA	The Fox Theatre

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 2, 2009

The Miami Dolphins have announced that co-founding member, principal co-songwriter, lead guitarist and co-producer of Aerosmith, Joe Perry, will be the main act at the Land Shark Tailgate Stage on the AT&T Grand Plaza with his band, The Joe Perry Project, on Sunday, December 6, prior to the Dolphins-Patriots game, with a live performance starting at 12 noon. Perry and his band will perform a series of songs from his fifth solo CD, “Have Guitar, Will Travel”, released in October this year, that will include the album’s first single, “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go”. In addition to experiencing Perry’s trademark rock and roll-based ferocity, fans will be treated to an exclusive rendition of Aerosmith’s unforgettable number one hit single “Walk This Way”, featuring leading singer/rapper and producer T-Pain, who will make a special guest appearance with Perry live on stage.

“I’ve tailgated up north a few times and it’s hard cooking sausage with your fingers frozen,” says Perry. “I’m looking forward to getting some ribs going in Miami and to being able to feel my fingers, which is always sure to help my performance.”

“Have Guitar, Will Travel” will be released in Japan on December 23. The Japanese edition of the album will include two bonus tracks — “Dream On” (Aerosmith) and “Revolution” (The Beatles). The hard-driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry’s trademark rock and blues ferocity. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry’s state-of-the-art home studio, where Aerosmith’s “Honkin’ On Bobo” and “Just Push Play” were recorded, “Have Guitar, Will Travel” is entirely written and produced by Perry.

Look To The Stars
December 2, 2009

SanDisk Corporation, the global leader in flash memory cards, has announced that its new philanthropic effort is getting a little musical help from Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.

For every SanDisk slotRadio card purchased now through January 31, 2010, SanDisk will donate $1 to the GRAMMY Foundation to help support their GRAMMY in the Schools music education programs for high school students. Perry is working with SanDisk to help raise money for the GRAMMY Foundation and build awareness of the programs it offers to expose young people to careers in music and to recognize excellence in music education.

Perry is the co-founding member, principal co-songwriter, lead guitarist and co-producer of Aerosmith. He also just released his fifth solo CD “Have Guitar, Will Travel,” to critical acclaim on October 6. The Joe Perry Project is currently touring the nation in support of his new album.

“Even though technology has made music a lot more accessible, it sometimes gets in the way of the artist – fan relationship,” says Joe Perry. “But SanDisk’s slotRadio card and player takes the cumbersome technology out of the way because it’s so easy to use. And the fact that part of the proceeds are going to the GRAMMY Foundation and helping to bring music back into the schools is something that I can’t say enough about. It’s great to be a part of this.”

Aero Force One
December 2, 2009

Premier Guitar
Gary Guzman

If only one monkey can wreak havoc and cause a commotion, just imagine what three monkeys can do! In the world of amplifiers, the three monkeys in question would be Brad Whitford, guitarist from Aerosmith; Ossie Ahsen of the famed Blockhead Amplifier Company; and Greg Howard, guitar tech for Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Green Day and many others. These three have joined forces to build amplifiers with original designs and classic rock-based original sounds. 3 Monkeys’ goal is simple: to create the best dynamic tone possible. They have already achieved that with the first amp they created, the Orangutan, and just did it again with their new Grease Monkey amp.

Nuts, Bolts and Monkeys

The Grease Monkey amplifier is designed for higher gain, and is built for players who want an aggressive sound while retaining dynamic range and extreme touch sensitivity. It is a 30-watt amplifier with four EL84 tubes in the power section and three 12AX7 tubes for the preamp. It is hand-built, with custom-wound transformers and hand-wired military-spec components. It also has selectable preamp gain response, which is a signature feature that allows for high or low gain settings at the flip of a switch. It is a non-master volume amp with zero negative feedback.

The amp has a unique, retro kind of look and features a powder-coated aluminum chassis, a control panel with chickenhead knobs, and braided silver piping. The black tolex covering is standard, although other colors are available by request so you can customize the look to your liking.

The front panel is simple and straightforward. Besides the power and standby switches, there are controls for Bass, Treble and Volume, which controls the loudness and gain of the preamp. There are a couple of cool tone-shaping controls on the amp that expand the variety of tones even further. The first is a Cut control that varies the presence in the power amp section, similar to what is found on the Vox AC30. It can also be switched out of circuit by turning the knob counter-clockwise. Also, a unique Shape function lets you select either Bright input, Normal input or Low input.

The Grease Monkey’s simple back panel consists of an AC input, fuse and three speaker outputs—one 16ohm jack and two 8-ohm jacks. An Input Gain switch lets you toggle from high or low gain.

Getting Greasy

So enough of the specs—let’s get down to what you really want to know. How does this amp sound? Well, in one word: massive. The Grease Monkey should really be called King Kong! I wasted no time in plugging a Les Paul in and powering it up, and this thing can get loud. Using humbuckers with the high gain channel, pure rock tone poured out of the speakers. In the live room of my studio, I had every snare drum in the room rattling, as well as some of the ceiling tiles! Guitarists who want to stay married or remain in good terms with their neighbors may want to use an attenuator with the Grease Monkey.

The chords that were ringing out were clear, tight and powerful. The highs never got too piercing or brittle. I did notice that the bass control also cuts the low-mids from the tone, but I was able to dial in a nicely balanced tone rather quickly.

The Grease Monkey has excellent dynamics and it’s amazing how nicely it cleans up when rolling off the guitar’s volume. With some amps getting a completely clean tone this way can be quite difficult, but it wasn’t a problem at all with the Grease Monkey. With the consistent volume and plenty of clean headroom, you can go from clean to dirty just by adjusting the volume on your guitar. That’s a definite plus for those guitarists who don’t want to bother with a footswitch or other pedals. In a live situation, you’d be able to control your clean and dirty tones from any spot on stage by just using your guitar’s controls.

The Shape control offers three distinct tones. I found that it was easier to initially have a clean sound on the amp to fully understand what the three shapes can do. You can clearly hear the difference between bright, normal and low inputs. Between the three shapes, there is a wide variety of tone that is suitable for many styles of guitar playing.

The Grease Monkey definitely has multiple personalities, and it can sound like a different amp entirely when switching from a Les Paul to a Strat. You can really take advantage of the amp’s Input Gain switch while swapping out guitars. The low gain setting felt better with my Strat, and I was able to get some really nice bluesy tones out of it. My favorite setting was with the Strat’s neck pickup and shape #2 on the amp.

The Final Mojo

Before trying out this amp, I heard it described as a cross between a Vox and a Marshall. It may have tones similar to those amps, but a Vox AC30 can’t roar like the Grease Monkey and a Marshall won’t clean up as nicely as this amp does. Whether you’re playing with a clean or dirty sound, there are plenty of warm overtones and nice harmonics coming out of the Grease Monkey.

It’s always nice to have tonal options in an amp. With the Cut control, two gain structures, three voicings in the Shape control as well as different combinations of volume and pickups

Blabbermouth.net, NY
December 1, 2009

RollingStone.com reports: In the new issue of Rolling Stone, the magazine goes inside the rift that threatens to tear Aerosmith apart, as Steven Tyler has openly stated he wants to take two years off to work on “Brand Tyler,” leaving the remaining members of the band to ponder recruiting a new lead singer for their upcoming 40th anniversary. In “Aerosmith in Turmoil: Behind the Story”, Rolling Stone interviews Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford and longtime A&R rep John Kalodner to get their take on the state of Aerosmith, the hunt for a new singer and whether Tyler’s sobriety is to blame.

The roots of the band’s fallout stem back to when Tyler fell off the stage during a concert in Sturgis, South Dakota, this past summer, but Whitford tells Rolling Stone “there’s been a serious lack of commitment on [Tyler's] part for a while. We’ve been trying to make an album for a few years and he’s been the guy that suddenly one day he just doesn’t show and the next thing we know he doesn’t want to work, he doesn’t like the producer, whatever.”

Read the entire report from RollingStone.com.

Blabbermouth.net, NY
November 30, 2009

According to Interbridge.com’s The Late Night TV Page, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry will guest on CBS-TV’s “Late Show With David Letterman” on Friday, December 11…..

…..Joe Perry’s fifth solo album, “Have Guitar, Will Travel”, will be released in Japan on December 23. The Japanese edition of the album will include two bonus tracks — “Dream On” (Aerosmith) and “Revolution” (The Beatles).

“Have Guitar, Will Travel” was released in the U.S. on October 6 via Roman Records. The hard-driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry’s trademark rock and blues ferocity. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry’s state-of-the-art home studio, where Aerosmith’s “Honkin’ On Bobo” and “Just Push Play” were recorded, “Have Guitar, Will Travel” is entirely written and produced by Perry.

Complete article:  (here).