Wicked Local Hull, MA
February 27, 2010

If you’re an Aerosmith fan, then change your plans for tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 28, to attend an event at the House of Blues, where at least two members of the band are expected to hit the stage.

Despite all the media reports that Steven Tyler has rejoined Aerosmith, as I reported on my sister site Spotted in Boston earlier this week — Tyler never really left the band.

However, the bandmates have been able to overcome differences they’ve had to the point where they have committed to a European summer tour beginning in Sweden on June 10, which they are calling the “Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock” tour.

But if an overseas trip isn’t in the cards for you, then the next best thing will be to head to the House of Blues on Sunday at 7 p.m. to see The Kramer-Montgomery Blues Band present the Guitar Legends of Rock and Blues, which in addition to featuring Aerosmith bandmates Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, will be fronted by Blues Brother and actor Jim Belushi and blues man James Montgomery, along with David Hull, Barry Goodeau from the band Boston and The Uptown Horns, along with some other special guests.

Ernie and the Automatics will open at 7 p.m. sharp.

Tickets range from $30 to $125.

Most of the proceeds from this event will go to charity……

……For readers of The Hull Sun who live further North, you may wish to check out a similar configuration of this all-star line-up set to perform tonight, Saturday at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, New Hampshire.

Complete article:  (here).

Aero Force One
February 26, 2010

“Think you’ve got the chops to keep up with Joey Kramer? Hit Hard gives you the chance to prove it! See if you have the rhythm to match the Kramedog! Step up to the kit with Aerosmith’s Joey Kramer and put your skills to the test.

Hit Hard gives you fifteen levels of Joey’s favorite beats to compete on as you rock for your spot at the top. Check out the interactive leader board for scores from iPhones and iPod Touches from around the globe. To drum up the competition, we will be giving away exciting prizes to the person who holds the highest score for the Joey Kramer ‘Hit Hard’ iPhone App at the end of each month. Put your beats to the test as you go up against other entrants for the spot at the top! Check out JoeyKramer.com for all the information about upcoming prizes and application updates! Apple is not a sponsor of, or responsible for conducting, the promotion.

Think you’ve mastered the skins? Now’s the time to Hit Hard!”

Click here for Official Contest Rules and Prize Listings

Aero Force One
February 24, 2010

Aerosmith, America’s Greatest Rock Band, Returns to Europe; First European Show — June 10th in Sweden — Tickets on Sale March 5th

First European Show – June l0th in Sweden – Tickets on Sale March 5th

Aerosmith – the biggest, most enduring and thrilling band in rock history will make a spectacular return to the UK and Europe this summer with the COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK TOUR! spawning what will be the ultimate music event of the new decade.

“Back by popular demand with more spit and fire than ever before, we’re coming across the pond and parting the waters as we go,” says Steven Tyler.

“Aerosmith is going to be rocking in the UK and Europe this summer,” adds Joe Perry. “Enough BS – we’re coming and everything is going to be set at eleven.”

Band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer will hit Europe for the first time in three years to deliver a fistful of knockout, heart pounding, headline summer rock shows:

• Sweden – Rock Festival – June 10th
• UK – Download Festival – June 13th
• UK – London 02 Arena – June 15th
• Romania – Bucharest – June 18th
• Greece – Athens Olympic Stadium – June 20th
• Holland – Nijmegen Goeffert Park – June 23rd
• Belgium – Graspop Festival – June 25th
• Spain – Barcelona St Jordi Arena – June 27th
• France – Paris Bercy Arena – June 29th
• Czech Republic – Prague 02 Arena – July 1st
• Italy – Venice Festival – July 3rd

For more than 30 years Aerosmith, four time Grammy winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (2001), recipients of 12 MTV VIdeo Awards and countless other awards have performed electrifying sold out concerts around the world for decades along with selling well over 150 million albums.

Drummer Joey Kramer says, “Aerosmith is back! Bigger, better and stronger than ever! So look out Europe, ‘cuz we’re comin’ to get cha.”

Guitarist Brad Whitford added, “I’m not sure who is happier, the band or the fans. Can’t wait to get started. We’ll see you this summer.”

The Sweden Rock Festival is the band’s first European date and they can not wait to uncork the tour in Solvesborg on June 10th.

Aerosmith and their shared passion and commitment to continue to rock the world will play ten other European shows including what is set to be a phenomenal and unforgettable return to the main stage at Donington Park for the first time in 16 years, where they join Download Festival co-headliners Rage Against The Machine and AC/DC on June 13th.

The tour then hits London’s 02 arena before making its way across mainland Europe playing shows including Bucharest, Athens, Barcelona and Paris before finally finishing up in Venice on July 3rd.

VIP experience packages (which may include opportunities to meet band members, backstage tours, early entry passes, premium seating and/or merchandise) are available through www.AeroForceOne.com. Fans without internet access can call +1 508-791-3807 in the US 9am – 5pm EDT.

Watch video:  (here)

Blabbermouth.net, NY
February 24, 2010

As reported last week, the feud between singer Steven Tyler and the other members of Aerosmith seems to have cooled down, with the band’s participation in several European summer festivals announced last week. Drummer Joey Kramer confirmed to The Pulse of Radio that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are back on solid ground: “Well, nothing’s been officially announced yet,” he said. “We did definitely have a meeting, and things in Aero-land are very copacetic at the moment, and we are gonna announce this week what our plans are gonna be.”

Kramer gave no hint of what this week’s announcement might entail, but it seems likely to be the official confirmation of a summer tour and possibly an album.

In addition to their recently announced appearance at this June’s Download Festival in the U.K., Aerosmith has been advertised as performing on June 10 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, June 27 in Barcelona, Spain and early July in Venice, Italy.

There’s no word on whether the band will re-launch the U.S. trek with ZZ Top that was scrapped midway through last summer, which began a troubled six-month period for the group.

Tyler injured himself in a fall from the stage on that tour last August, forcing the band to cancel the remaining dates. Tyler subsequently announced his intention to take a two-year break from Aerosmith and focus on a solo project, which in turn led the rest of the band to publicly discuss getting a new frontman.

Tyler entered rehab in December for an addiction to painkillers, and his management and attorneys threatened legal action if Aerosmith went forward with finding a new singer.

MyFoxNY.com
February 23, 2010

Drummer Joey Kramer from Aerosmith visited Good Day NY to talk about “Hit Hard,” his new memoir.

Kramer writes about the gritty side of rock and roll. Kramer shared details about his fight against depression, his cocaine habit and watching his father die and how he overcame those hard obstacles.

Book Summary

Joey Kramer has been rocking with Aerosmith since the band began in 1970. Kramer and his partners have sold over 150 million albums, and today their multigenerational, global audience is bigger than ever. In addition to the Grammys and the twenty-one multi-platinum albums, Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. The band has been the subject of several documentaries, including a film dedicated to Joey Kramer and his lasting influence called “It’s About Time.”

Watch video:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
February 23, 2010

According to concert promoter Live Nation, Aerosmith will perform at Palau Sant Jordi in Bareclona, Spain on June 27.

In addition to their recently announced appearance at this June’s Download Festival in the U.K., Aerosmith has now revealed that it will also perform on June 10 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden and in early July at the Heineken Jammin’ Festival in Venice, Italy…..

Complete article:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
February 23, 2010

Aerosmith, Green Day, Pearl Jam and Skunk Anansie are the first confirmed bands for this year’s Heineken Jammin’ Festival, set to take place July 3-6 at San Giuliano Park in Mestre, Venice, Italy.

The acts’ participation in the event was announced today at a press conference in Mestre attended by Massimo Cacciari (mayor of Venice), Gianluca Di Tondo (marketing director of Heineken Italy), Roberto De Luca (CEO of Milano Concerti / Live Nation Italy) and Massimo Venturini (president of Municipalità Mestre Carpenedo)…..

Complete article:  (here).

Glens Falls Post-Star, NY
February 23, 2010

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor-director Peter Fonda is 70. Musician Johnny Winter is 66. Actress Patricia Richardson (”Home Improvement”) is 59. Guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is 58…..

Aero Force One
February 21, 2010

Check it out! Joey Kramer will be on Imus In the Morning/Fox Business Channel Live on Tuesday, February 23rd. Be sure to tune in at 8:30am ET to hear what Joey’s got to say!

Following that, Joey Kramer will be appearing on Good Day New York/WNYW-TV at 9:50am ET to dish out even more information. Be sure to check back for video from these events!

Examiner.com
February 21, 2010

Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?

Clever, eclectic – the title of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s forthcoming book is as colorful as he is.

Aerosmith drummer, Joey Kramer, released his autobiography, Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top, in 2009….

Due out in late-spring, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? is a guaranteed roller coaster ride; particularly with all of Tyler’s struggles as of late.

Steven Tyler’s book is due out June 10 in Chicago and everywhere.

Andina – Agencia Peruana de Noticias
February 19, 2010

Lima, Feb. 19 (Andina).- Legendary rock band Aerosmith may perform in Peru for the first time ever as long as the negotiations with Peruvian businessmen are completed.

After vocalist Steven Tyler had agreed with his band-members to retake his leadership, Aerosmith announced the recording of a new album as well as a new world tour which will also bring them to Latin America.

According to Peru21, businessman Jorge Ferrand said that their visit to this side of the continent was almost a reality.

“We’ve been told that Aerosmith will make a tour on Latin America which is why we will bring them. We are still negotiating for them to come, we would love if they do. The show is planned for May, but they just told us that it could be for September. If they come, Steven Tyler will be here too.”

Ferrand added that “about the venue, we haven’t decided it yet, but we want a big arena and it could be the one at San Marcos University. But first, we have to complete the negotiations”.

Relations between Tyler and the rest of the band have been tense for months, maybe even years. Things came to a head in August when the band was forced to cancel a tour after Tyler fell of the stage mid-song and guitarist Joe Perry apparently confirmed that the band were looking for a new frontman.

Billboard
by Gary Graff, Detroit
February 18, 2010

Aerosmith will be adding more European dates to its summer itinerary to follow up the booking at this year’s Download Festival in England.

Effectively signaling a settling of differences with frontman Steven Tyler that had the other band members threatening to seek another singer — temporarily, according to guitarist Joe Perry — Aerosmith will precede its June 13 Download date with an appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 10 in Solvesborg. A U.K. spokeswoman for the band tells Billboard.com that other European dates will be announced shortly.

“There’s no Aerosmith without Steven Tyler,” notes Download promoter Andy Copping of Live Nation U.K. “There’s no point in entertaining anything other than (with) Steven Tyler.” Copping adds that an Aerosmith without Tyler “was never part of the conversation” with the group’s representatives.

The group has also been offered tour dates in South America, but nothing has been announced yet. No North American shows have been mentioned, and there’s also no word on if and when Aerosmith plans to resume work on the new album it was recording in Brendan O’Brien, which was sidelined by Tyler and Perry’s health issues.

Tyler has been in rehab since late December for an addiction to painkillers. Perry has been touring with his Joe Perry Project to support his latest album, “Have Guitar, Will Travel,” while drummer Joey Kramer has been promoting his autobiography, “Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top.” Guitarist Brad Whitford is gearing up for an Experience Hendrix tour that starts March 4 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Blabbermouth.net, NY
February 17, 2010

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s band, The Joe Perry Project, will play a one-off headlining show at the 100 Club in London, England on April 13.

Tickets, priced at £32.50, go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 19 at LiveNation.co.uk.

The Joe Perry Project will support Bad Company (featuring original vocalist Paul Rodgers), on a U.K. tour in April. The dates are as follows:

April 01 – Birmingham, UK – LG Arena
April 02 – Manchester, UK – Arena
April 04 – Sheffield, UK – City Hall
April 05 – Cardiff, UK – CIA
April 07 – Newcastle, UK – Arena
April 08 – Glasgow, UK – Clyde
April 10 – Brighton, UK – Center
April 11 – London, UK – Wembley Arena

Complete article:  (here).

The Wire
February 16, 2010

Harpist James Montgomery still loves to play. He talks with The Wire about jamming with legends, hanging with Kid Rock, and bringing Boston greats with him to Rochester…..

…..He’ll showcase yet another high-profile collaboration on Friday, Feb. 19, when Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer joins the James Montgomery Blues Band at the Rochester Opera House in Rochester. Opening the show will be Ernie and the Automatics, a band featuring two former members of Boston—guitarist Barry Goudreau and drummer Sib Hashian.

Montgomery and the Aerosmith crew go way back. He formed the James Montgomery Blues Band in 1970 while attending Boston University, and signed a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records shortly after graduating. Around the same time, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. The two groups, along with the J. Geils Band, helped establish a widely respected hard rock scene in Boston in the early ’70s.

For Montgomery, those years were filled with nightly house parties, hanging out with rising area stars like Steven Tyler, Bonnie Raitt and Livingston Taylor.

“There was a group of us that hung out in Cambridge together,” he says. “There was a real sense of community and camaraderie, and all of those people have remained friendly to this day…..”

…..Now a resident of Newport, R.I., Montgomery is keeping busy in a variety of contexts. He is the director of the DeviBlue Foundation, which provides health care to blues musicians. He and Kramer have united to form the Kramer/Montgomery Blues Band, which will be more active in March and April. In Rochester, Kramer will take the stage as a guest performer.

“He’s one of the best drummers in rock and roll. He plays such a variety of grooves,” Montgomery says. “Most rock drummers can’t really play a shuffle. They think they can, but they can’t. But Joey is one of the most versatile rock drummers I’ve ever played with.”

During the concert at the Opera House, the band will play songs by both the James Montgomery Blues Band and Aerosmith. The concept of the show, Montgomery says, is to include representatives from some of the most successful acts ever to emerge from Beantown—Aerosmith, Boston and his own band.

“It’s gonna be great fun,” he says. “The goal was to put together a real Boston show for Rochester, to come up with arguably three of the four biggest bands that came out of Boston in the blues-rock genre.”

The show begins at 8 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992. Tickets are $35 to $39. Visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Complete article:  (here).

Blabbermouth.net, NY
February 16, 2010

Aerosmith, one of the biggest and most influential bands in rock history, has been confirmed as one of the headliners of this year’s Sweden Rock Festival festival, set to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden.

Aerosmith — Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer — will return to Europe for the first time in three years in what promises to be a sensational show on Thursday, June 10.

The Sweden Rock Festival is the first of several European Aerosmith dates, their first live appearances this year, and it looks set to be one of the highlights of 2010.

Vocalist Steven Tyler said: “Swedish audiences are like no other. We’re all very excited.”

Added guitarist Joe Perry: “This is the first show of our European tour. We can’t wait to uncork our tour here in Sweden and I am sure the cork will hit the ceiling.”

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Aerosmith (US)
Aldo Nova (CAN)
Alestorm (UK)
Anvil (CAN)
Bachman & Turner (CAN)
Behemoth (PL)
Bigelf (US)
Billy Idol (UK)
D-A-D (DK)
Danzig (US)
Fates Warning (US)
Gary Moore (UK)
Guns N’ Roses (US)
Jorn (N)
Magnum (UK)
Mastodon (US)
Mother’s Finest (US)
Nazareth (UK)
Opeth (S)
Rick Springfield (AUS/US)
Ratt (US)
Raven (UK/US)
Sabaton (S)
Saga (CAN)
Slayer (US)
Steel Panther (US)
Stratovarius (FIN)
Suicidal Tendencies (US)
U.D.O. (D)
Unisonic (D)
W.A.S.P. (US)
Watain (S)
Y&T (US)

Last year’s festival was attended by 35,200 people, but in 2010 the maximum number of visitors will be limited to 33,000.

For more information, visit www.swedenrock.com.

Aero Force One
February 16, 2010

Check it out… Brad Whitford’s birthday is coming up on February 23rd and AF1 wants to do something special for you And Brad! AF1 wants you to send in all of your birthday wishes so that we can pass them all along to Brad.

We’ve got an extra special treat for those of you rockin’ out in the snow with us up here in the Northeast… One lucky well-wisher will receive a pair of tickets to see Brad perform alongside the James Montgomery Band and special guests!

As you may know, Brad will be playing with the band on February 27th in Keene, NH and the next night in Boston. So which show will you get tickets to? How about both?! That’s right… you win and you get to take in two amazing shows! In addition to that, we’ll be throwing in a $20 AF1 gift card! We’ll randomly select a second winner to receive a $20 AF1 gift card as well!

All you’ve gotta do is send your Happy Birthday wishes to CustomerService@aeroforceone.com with the subject line “Happy Birthday Brad.” Wishes are due in by Monday, February 22nd, 2010. Simple enough, right? Don’t miss out on this awesome prize!

For Official Rules, click here.

MotorcycleUSA.com
February 16, 2010

New Hampshire-based Dirico Motorcycles has hit the lottery. No, they didn’t pick the six magical digits to riches, but Dirico has been contracted by GTECH to build three of its Pro-Street motorcycles with an Aerosmith “Dream On” theme for the Ohio Lottery who has an Aerosmith promotion in the works. The motorcycles will be decked out with the Aerosmith logo and each of the band’s signatures to add to its collectible motorcycle status.

Dirico’s Pro-Street muscle cruiser is powered by a Screamin’ Eagle 103 cubic-inch Twin Cam B engine mated to a Baker RSD 6-speed transmission. The frame is a custom design from the mind of Dirico’s co-owner and chief engineer, Mark Dirico and is hand-built for them by Rowe Machine. A 21-inch tall custom billet wheel leads the way while a 240mm Metzeler keeps the rubber side down on the rear.

Getting Aerosmith onboard for the promotion was easy. Dirico Motorcycles happens to be partly owned by none other than Steven Tyler, the Aerosmith frontman himself. Tyler started up the venture a couple of years ago along with longtime friends Dirico and Stephen Talarico.

GTECH is an accomplished international gaming and technology services company. It has incorporated the bikes of Dirico Motorcycles, USA in other lottery promotions it created and managed for state lotteries. New Hampshire used two Dirico Motorcycles as prizes in an Aerosmith “Dream On” instant lottery game it launched back in September, 2009. The state of Colorado is also rolling-out their own “Dream On” lottery promotion.

Kerrang!
February 15, 2010

Rage Against The Machine and Aerosmith will join AC/DC as headliners of the Kerrang!-sponsored Download festival, which is set to take place at Donington Park in Leicestershire between June 11 and 13…..

……In recent weeks, there has been much speculation as to whether legendary Boston rockers Aerosmith are actually still together. However, frontman Steven Tyler hopes that this festival announcement will put paid to internet rumours of any alleged band infighting.

“In the early days of Aerosmith we were infected with the vibe coming out of the UK with The Yardbirds, Blues Breakers, Pretty Things and the Stones and we wanted what they had bad,” says Steven Tyler. “So baby, we’re coming home! Rock ‘n’ Roll can be pure sex and we can’t wait ‘til Download!”

Stay tuned to Kerrang! Dot Com for another exclusive announcement at 12:30 this evening…

Tickets for Download 2010 are on sale now from www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Weekend tickets cost £145, optional extras are priced as follows: camping tickets (three days) £25, camping tickets (five days) £35, family camping (three days) £25, family camping (five days) £35, car park passes £15 advance or £20 on the day, campervans £40 and lockers £11.

Complete article:  (here).

ExperienceHendrixTour.com

Experience Hendrix, fourth edition, biennial concert tour featuring an all-star line up of music greats paying homage to the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix launches March 2010 with special performances across the country.

Featured artists who will be performing music written and inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Include some of the best known and most respected artists in contemporary rock and blues including Joe Satriani, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Doyle Bramhall II, Ernie Isley, Living Colour, Double Trouble’s Chris Layton, along with bassist Billy Cox……

Tour kicks off March 4th – Arlington Theatre – Santa Barbara, CA – 8:00 pm

Complete article:  (here).
Tickets and Tour Schedule:  (here).

JoePerry.com
February 11, 2010

“Check it out as the Joe Perry Project rocks the House of Blues in Orlando, FL with a blazing version of ‘Let The Music Do The Talking.’ This video footage is from the Project’s performance on December 2nd, 2009. Be sure to check them out on tour soon!”

Watch video:  (here).

Boston Music Spotlight
February 12, 2010

The House of Blues will welcome an all-star lineup featuring some of the best of rock and blues at the end of the month for a special benefit concert. Dubbed, “Legends of Rock N’ Blues”, the show take place on Sunday, February 28 with an impressive lineup topped by Jim Belushi, Aerosmith members Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer/Santana drummer Michael Carabello. Barry Goudreau of Boston, Johnny A, The Uptown Horns, the James Montgomery Band and Ernie and the Automatics round out the bill for the series kick-off show.

Tickets, which range in price from $30 to $45, are now on sale through Ticketmaster. A limited amount of VIP tickets, which include a meet and greet session with the artists, are available for $125. All process from the event will benefit the The International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) and DeviBlue charitable organizations. IHOBF is dedicated to bringing the arts to schools and communities through programs that increase public awareness of African American contributions to American culture. DeviBlue, a non-profit founded by James Montgomery, provides healthcare for musicians.

The event will serve as a kick off for the Powerhouse Breakout Artist Series, a new ongoing program that will be presented at the House of Blues Foundation Room on the last Sunday of each month. Each month a different Breakout artist will be showcased and introduced by an established artist.

OC Weekly, CA
February 11, 2010

Monday, 11/23/2009 – Anaheim, CA

The Joe Perry Project made a quick stop to the Mouse House Monday night to a ready-to-rock crowd. Many fans, mainly of Aerosmith fame, came out to rock out to the bands guitarist, Joe Perry. A few surprises from Joe Perry’s solo gig by playing a few Aerosmith tunes, such as “Dream On” and “Walk This Way.” Opening up for the Joe Perry was local OC band, the Silent Treatment. All photos by Chris Victorio.

More photos:  (here).

JoePerry.com

     Fri.  3/26/10        7:30pm     Beau Rivage Theatre     Biloxi, MS           $43.15-$59.20    Onsale Now      Get Your Tix                                                                                                                                                       here!

     Sat. 3/27/10        7:30pm     Gold Strike Casino         Robinsonville, MS

More info:  (here).

Aero Force One

The Michigan Lottery will be launching their Aerosmith scratch game on February 15th…. The Aerosmith scratch game in Oregon will be launching on March 2nd….

More info:  (here).

Aero Force One
February 7, 2010

Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford are hitting up the North East this February. Check out the below schedule to find out where you can see them perform!

    

2/19/10 Rochester Opera House Rochester, NH	James  Montgomery Band with special guest  Joey Kramer from Aerosmith!!.  This Show Is Very Hot – Joey always Kicks A**.  Opening the shiow is Ernie and the Automatics featuring 2 former members of the group Boston!!!
2/27/10 Colonial Theatre Keene, NH	Guitar Legends Of Rock And Blues Joined By Blues Brother Jim Belushi!! Guitarists, Brad Whitford Barry Goodreau (former member of the group  Boston), Johnny A, And George McCann join the James Montgomery Band Featuring Seth Pappas And David Hull (from The Joe Perry Project And The Uptown Horns (Rolling Stones, James Brown) – And They Are Joined By Blues Brother Jim Belushi!!  This Show Is Huge.  The Last Time We Played Here We Sold Out In Advance So Buy Now!!  Big Big Show!!  Ernie And The Automatics  (with 2 former members of the group  Boston) will open. Buy Early!!
2/28/10 House Of Blues Boston, MA	The Kramer / Montgomery Blues Band presents Guitar Legends Of Rock And Blues With Brad Whitford, Barry Goodreau (former member of the group Boston), Johnny A, George McCann, And The James Montgomery Band With David Hull (from The Joe Perry Project) And Seth Pappas, And They Are Joined By The Uptown Horns (from the Rolling Stones And James Brown) And Blues Brother Jim Belushi!!  It does not get Bigger Than This!.  Much of the proceeds will benefit 2 great charities and Ernie And The Automatics  (with 2 former members of the group Boston) Will Open at 7 P.M. Sharp.  This Will Be The Biggest Blues Guitar Event Of The Year At The House Of Blues!!!  Buy Early – Tickets Are Cheap!!  We just want to raise $$ for 2 good causes!

MSNBC.com
February 5, 2010

The Who take the field when the teams catch a breather on Sunday; see past MVPs on the NFL’s big stage:

Aerosmith (2001)

The height of the pop boom saw old school (Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige, Tremors featuring the Earthquake Horns) meet new (’N Sync, Britney Spears, Nelly). A back-and-forth medley between Aerosmith and ‘N Sync — including ”Jaded,” ”I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing,” ”Bye Bye Bye,” and ”It’s Gonna Be Me” — was outshone only by a finale performance of Aerosmith’s ”Walk This Way,” which featured all the singers.

Complete article:  (here).

CheapTrick.com
February 5, 2010

(2/4/10 – Photo By John Bionelli)

“After the CT show in Toronto, Robin and Rick stopped by to visit with Joe Perry backstage at the Joe Perry Project/Motley Crue show.”

Boston Herald, MA
By Inside Track
February 4, 2009

That Aerosmith frontman (for now) Steven Tyler is back home on the South Shore after completing a stint in rehab on the Left Coast for a pain killer addiction. Tyler, whose attorney has called for the entire band to meet Tuesday to discuss Aerosmith’s future, was spotted last night supping at the Ming Dynasty in Marshfield….

Complete article:  (here).

MelodicRockConcerts.com
February 1, 2010

January 29, 2010 – After nearly 30 years of playing to sold-out crowds, Mötley Crüe knows a thing or two about what its audience wants to see and hear in a show. And between the ample pyrotechnics, stunning screams and rebellious lyrics, the band delivered it all to the 10,000 fans who packed into the MTS Centre in Winnipeg to witness a stop of the band’s Dead of Winter tour. With support from the Joe Perry Project and Airbourne, the bill was a rocker’s paradise…..

The Joe Perry Project was up next, and expectations were understandably high for the Aerosmith guitarist’s side project. Starting off with a rousing version of “Let the Music Do the Talking”, Joe Perry’s signature playing style – reserved yet indulgent – became evident. Joined on stage by German singer Hagen Grohe, drummer Marty Richards, and long-time collaborator David Hull, Perry led his band through a mix of established Aerosmith hits, new solo material, and deep cuts from the past.

One such deep cut, “Rockin’ Train” was drawn out several minutes with added soloing from Perry and Hull. Followed up by a downright bluesy “Train Kept a Rollin’”, the musicianship on display was top notch. But what else but perfection should a fan expect from a true guitar hero like Joe Perry? The audience sang loudly for a finale of “Walk This Way”; simultaneously capping off an excellent set and building excitement for the evening’s big act…..

Complete article:  (here).

More photos:  (here).

Aero Force One
February 1, 2010

Here’s another one from the early days. For the Walk This Way Book it was broken up and intermingled with other people’s memories of this story. Thought you might like to see it the way I originally wrote it.

It must have been the winter of ’71-’72. It seems most of my most profound early memories of the band happened during the winter.

One day Brad and I decided to go down to Wurlitzer’s, Boston’s main music store, and do some errands. I was always ready to go there. Since I was about 12 or 13 the place was like Disneyland to me. There were always new guitars, amps, accessories and tons of other stuff to check out. Not only that, but a lot of times when I didn’t have any money, there was a great guy there named Billy Murray who would throw me free strings and stuff.

We hadn’t had a gig in at least a month and things were getting tight. Not only that, but we had no place to rehearse. Rent was due on the apartment and the phone refused to ring.

We were hanging around the counter when a friend of ours walked up. His name was Scott Baerenwald and he played for a band called Reddy Teddy, one of the local contenders. He asked us what was up and we told him that we didn’t have a place to work. He told us that his brother was the assistant manager at a place called the Fenway Theater, which was basically right down the street. It sounded far fetched, but Brad and I decided to call the other guys and head over there.

“Just ask for Swine” he said.

“Swine?” I wanted to make sure I had that right. No sense in calling somebody a pig because you didn’t hear their name right.

We all converged at the Fenway a little while later. It’s just a small place, about 1500 seats but it had a big stage and a balcony and everything told us it was the kind of place we wanted to play in.

We wandered in the front door and somehow found our way into a little wood paneled office and face to face with two of the toughest looking people I had ever seen.

Steve Baerenwald, A.K.A. “Swine,” stood about 6’5.” His long red hair was tied straight back. His narrow piercing eyes were only the beginning of a vibe that said he’d seen his share of mud and blood. He was decked out in the classic post hippie denims that all the bikers wore. He introduced us to his boss, John O’Toole. John had the look of a longshoreman. The no-shit face behind his big, bushy mustache gave him a nasty look that made Swine seem like the ice cream man. He had short hair and wore straighter clothes than his partner and he just looked plain mean.

“So I hear you’re looking for a place to practice.”

“Yeah.”

“Well it’s fifty a day plus fifty for the engineer to run the sound system.”

We just stood there watching another opportunity blow away like a fart in the breeze. He may as well as asked us each to cut off a left nut and throw it on the desk. Actually, that would have been easier because at least we each had one of those. He didn’t have to wait for a reply. Our sad stunned faces had “No deal” written all over them.

After letting the value of the favor he was about to do us sink in, he said: “Well I’ll tell you what. I don’t have anybody in here this weekend. You can set up for the next three days and if I like you maybe we can work something out.”

Bam! Just like that we had our first taste of the warm, flip side of John’s personality. He was putting us back into business and right from that moment a second stage booster kicked in. In the space of two hours we went from having no prospects to playing in the kind of place we had dreamed about. It was only rehearsing but so what. The stage even had a lighting system!

After thanking both of them we left to get the gear. As we walked out we noticed this ratty lookin’ little guy sitting in the corner.

“Oh that’s just Prew” said John.

“Who?”

“Prew.”

“Prew?”

“Yeah, Prew!!”

Prew smiled, his single front tooth catching the light. I was never quite sure what Prew’s job was and didn’t really want to know. I don’t remember him saying anything as we filed out.

The Fenway was on a tight budget to say the least. As far as we could see, nothing was happening there outside of John, Swine and Prew hanging out in their den. There wasn’t even any heat. We set the gear up on the stage but had to keep the big curtain closed to keep in what warmth there was. I seem to remember it being about 50 degrees in there. The only heat came from the amps and a lot of jumping around.

Every day before we left 1325 we’d pile on the layers. Then we’d all pile into Steven’s black Volkswagen, two in the front, and three in the back with guitar cases on our laps.

“Man, there’s too many of us for this little thing. We’re gonna blow the fuckin’ engine. Can’t you guys take the train?”

Somehow we all wound up cramming into that little car. I remember trying the train once or twice but after waiting at the trolley stop in the freezing wind chill of the Boston winter while watching the car disappear down Comm Ave, I decided it was worth whatever it took to get in that back seat.

We were getting a really good set of original material together and the rehearsals at the Fenway Theater allowed us to polish it to the point where we were ready to play it for whoever would listen. We’d get there early and go all day. Every once and a while Steven or somebody would disappear and then come back wide-eyed talking about John taking out his big buck knife and shoveling premium blow up their nose. It wasn’t long before we were all sneaking up there.

“You guys are pretty f@#kin’ good,” he said one day. “Listen. Cactus is playin’ here this weekend. Why don’t you come, I’ll give ya free tickets.”

I don’t quite remember what stage of their career Cactus was in but nonetheless, they were a big band and the tickets were free so we decided to go. We packed all the gear down under the stage, ready to share our new found turf with one of the name acts of the day.

The night of the show came and snow was predicted. I remember it was really coming down when we got to the theater that night. I brought some pot and a couple of hits of speed. We marched up to the balcony and took possession of the first row. I leaned back, put my feet up on the rail and fired up the first joint. We hung out for a while and then started to notice that time was going by and nothing was happening. Not only that, but there were only about 60 or 70 people there. I was just getting off on the speed when Prew ran up and said: “Hey you guys, John wants to see you in his office right now!!”

We jumped up and ran down to see what was happening.

“Bad news, the f@#kin’ band can’t get here cause of the weather so they canceled. You guys are going to have to play.”

Their bad news was our good news. We told John we were ready to do it. He whipped out his big buck knife and we knew what was coming next. One by one he told us to lay down on the couch with our heads hanging over the edge as he packed all 10 gaping nostrils with a gigantic hit of cocaine from his private stash.

We were more than ready, now, to hump the gear up the tiny staircase to the stage. Before long we were ready to play. The lights went up, the curtain opened and we were off. We laid into “Movin’ Out,” Mama Kin,” “One Way Street,” and everything else we knew, original or not. There may have only been 60 or 70 people there but they were rockin’. They loved everything we played and showed no sign that they were disappointed that the band they had bought tickets for didn’t show up. I remember how it felt to feed on all that positive energy and how it helped us to sense it and squeeze every bit of energy out of our music. It was a whole new experience but it felt like we had done it many times before.

John was knocked out.

“I wish Frank could have heard “that” he bellowed.

“Who?”

“Ya know, Frank Connelly, the guy I told you about.”

He had mentioned Frank Connelly before, each time with a look of admiration.

“Who is he anyway?” Somebody asked.

“Who is HE!!?? Are you shittin’ me? He’s the guy who put the f@#kin’ Beatles on at Boston Garden! He owns the friggin’ Carousel Theater!” The Carousel was a place just outside of town where all the bands played when they came through: Hendrix, Zeppelin, etc.

After that night it was obvious to everybody that John was going to try to get Frank to come hear us. “He’s never managed anybody before. If he manages you…”

One day we were on the stage rehearsing, hacking away at the arrangements when suddenly the curtain opened and the stage lights came on. John appeared in the aisle downstage and told us to play some of our songs. We had an idea of what was happening but, because of the lights, couldn’t see who was out there in the seats. We played for about half an hour, just enough time to go through some of our best stuff, and then stopped with nothing coming back but eerie silence. We put the mics, guitars and sticks down and made our way up to John’s den. He sat there at his desk with nothing on it but some papers. He told us to read them. They were management contracts! Our mouths fell open as we read the last pages (it guaranteed each of us some tremendously large amounts of income for the first couple of years). It said that if we didn’t make some horrendously large amounts of money in the first couple of years we were free and clear. Somehow we knew we’d be able to pay the rent from now on. And no more stealing meat at Star Market.

Out came the Buck knife.

-TH

BruinsRaffles.org

The Boston Bruins Foundation, in collaboration with Dirico Motorcycles, presents a truly one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle. 

Dirico Motorcycles is the merged talents of music innovator Steven Tyler and master inventor Mark Dirico.  They have joined creative forces to build this custom Dirico motorcycle which embodies the celebrated history of the Boston Bruins.  The motorcycle will feature custom Bruins themed paintwork, authentic signatures from Steven Tyler, and the signatures of the following sixteen prominent current and former Bruins players:

Zdeno Chara	Cam Neely
Johnny Bucyk	Ray Bourque
Milt Schmidt	Terry O'Reilly
Gerry Cheevers	Phil Esposito
Rick Middleton	Brad Park
Tim Thomas	Patrice Bergeron
Marc Savard	Milan Lucic
Derek Sanderson	Ken Hodge

These attributes make this bike a priceless collectible which any lucky participating Bruins fan has the opportunity to win and call their own.  The motorcycle will be raffled of during the course of the season, beginning on January 2, 2010 and ending on April 11, 2010 at midnight.  Proceeds generated by the raffle will support the Boston Bruins Foundation.

The estimated value of this prize is $33,000.00.  All federal, state and local income taxes and fees, including motor vehicle registration fees, are the sole responsibility of the winner.  Pickup and transportation arrangements will need to be made with the Boston Bruins Foundation.

Raffle Info

Entry Deadline/Time
4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM

Drawing Date/Time
5/1/2010 12:00:00 AM

Price per Ticket
$5.00

More info:  (here).

Billboard.com
by Gary Graff, Detroit
January 31, 2010

Amidst continuing reports of other singers being approached to front Aerosmith, Steven Tyler and his handlers are taking steps to reassert his position in the band.

Tyler’s Los Angeles-based attorney, Skip Miller, fired off a letter to Aerosmith manager Howard Kaufman last week, independently obtained by Billboard.com, requesting that Aerosmith’s management “immediately cease and desist from engaging in acts and conduct to the harm and detriment of your own client, Aerosmith, and our client who is one of its members.” Miller subsequently told Billboard.com that on behalf of Tyler he’s called a meeting of Aerosmith’s “shareholders” on Feb. 9 to discuss the band’s future, including recording a new album and touring this year of Europe and South America. The four-page letter also states that “we reserve all of our legal rights and remedies in this matter, including, without limitation, pursuing legal action for damages and other appropriate relief.”

“Steven Tyler does not want lawsuits,” said Miller. “We do not want to go in that direction. The direction we want is Aerosmith, with Steven Tyler, touring in Europe, touring Latin America, releasing a new album…This is the direction it’s all intended to go. It’s just amazing to me current management would be taking any other position.”

Aerosmith’s management declined comment. Miller says he has not yet received a response from Kaufman or any of Aerosmith’s other representatives. As for what the next step will be if Aerosmith continues with its search for a new singer, Miller said “we’ll cross that bridge if and when we come to it. I hope we don’t. I don’t think we will.”

Tyler is currently undergoing therapy for a painkiller addiction brought on by orthopedic problems. The location of his treatment is unknown, but recent public appearances — singing karaoke at a bar in Palm Springs, Calif., and signing autographs and singing over the public address system at a Home Depot — led to speculation he’s at the nearby Betty Ford Center.

Miller says the Jan. 27 letter was prompted by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s recent comments in the Canadian press about replacing Tyler and by a meeting earlier in January attended by Kaufman, Tyler’s music attorney John Branca and Tyler’s new manager Allen Kovac of 10th Street Entertainment. Kaufman, according to Miller, “said point blank he didn’t think Steven should be part of Aerosmith, flat-out said the band would be better off without Steven — which, in my opinion, is a very questionable management decision by a fiduciary.”

Miller’s letter argues that “the animus and negativity you have expressed towards Mr. Tyler has created an inability to protect both Steven as an individual and the band as a whole. This behavior directed towards a person committing to rehabilitation and recovery is detrimental and hurtful on both a personal and professional level. This is a time Steven has dedicated to transform his life.” Miller pointed to Tyler’s Dec. 22 statement, in which the singer “confirms his desire to be a part of Aerosmith” and accuses Kaufman of “playing band members off against one another instead of seeking to solidify their relationships and unify them for the overall good of the band…Contrary to all common sense, you are seeing to bring about the replacement of Steven Tyler. Aerosmith without Steven Tyler is like the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger, or U2 without Bono. While this management strategy may get the band on the road a few months sooner, it ultimately could destroy Aerosmith.”

Miller added that, “Can you imagine the manager of the Rolling Stones calling for the replacement of Mick Jagger? It’s just absurd…Tyler is very unique, distinctive. Steven is Aerosmith, along with the others. He’s the guy the public knows. He’s the singer. I’m blown away that the current manager would even suggest something like (replacing him).”

Both the letter and Miller said that Tyler has been writing songs for a new Aerosmith album and will be ready to perform at the proposed European and South American dates later in the year. Aerosmith had started to record a new album — its first since 2004’s “Honkin’ on Bobo” and first of all-original material since 2001’s “Just Push Play” — with producer Brendan O’Brien in late 2008 but put it on hold due to health concerns, including Tyler’s bout with pneumonia, and to prepare for a tour last summer with ZZ Top that was aborted after Tyler fell from the stage on Aug. 5 in Sturgis, S.D. Perry, meanwhile, is touring to promote his latest solo album, “Have Guitar, Will Travel,” while Brad Whitford is gearing up for an Experience Hendrix tour in March and drummer Joey Kramer is promoting his autobiography, “Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top.”

The Tyler camp actions come at a time when rumors are further ramping up about who might sit in for Tyler. A Perez Hilton weekend report claims that Billy Idol, who’s been widely reported as under consideration, had to skip a scheduled meeting with Perry due to a cold, while other published reports maintain that Chris Cornell and Paul Rodgers have both been approached. Lenny Kravitz, another rumored candidate, has publicly stated he’s not interested.

CheapTrick.com
January 31, 2010

Boston Show: 1/30/10

GaryCherone, Rick Nielsen, Joey Kramer

“Guests such as Timothy B. Schmit, Gary Cherone, and Joey Kramer at last night’s show!
Also a nice interview with Rick in the Boston Herald.”