Aerosmith Was Awesome
Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 12:01AM Shocker and spoiler alert: Aerosmith live was awesome. I saw them Tuesday night at Riverbend in Cincinnati.
I didn't get "Nobody's Fault,""Draw the Line" or "Last Child" (which is criminal) but they did give me "Big 10 Inch Record," which was just rare enough to confuse the soccer moms at the show. [Full setlist] There was no big banner drop at the beginning, no pyro, but definitely a wind machine and massive video screen. I've always preferred bands that just get on stage and play hard versus a lot of extra theatrical nonsense. After all, I paid for rock, so that's what I want! Of course, there was the obligatory wasted four minutes on "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" which every soccer mom (and dad) drunkenly sang along to, but I sort of glared during it, and that was my right. I was relieved to hear tunes like "Rats In The Cellar" and "No More, No More" to reinforce my love for the band. Other highlights for me included "Kings and Queens" (I swear, more confused looks!) and of course, "Dream On." During "Dream On," Joe Perry climbed on top of Steven Tyler's white grand piano, which was cool. Also, Joe wore a sequined jacket, which I thought would look good on me. My favorite Brad Whitford, always criminally underrated, did not get enough time in the spotlight. Maybe he likes it that way. Tom Hamilton finally looks well and Joey Kramer alternated between smiles and grunts while slamming the drums. It's the most physical job during a live show after all. Miraculously, I wasn't surrounded by morons. By and large, the folks around me seemed to be pretty big fans and were definitely excited to be at the show. But not once did I get beer splashed on me or burned by a wayward cigarette. It was nice not ducking and weaving and worrying about my hair catching fire! Also, the show was crazy packed and it was super hot - I was thankful I had a pavilion seat for the shade during the earlier part of the night.
Slash opened and that was great too! I'm always amazed at how good Myles Kennedy sounds live and you really can't argue with classic Guns n' Roses hits played live in the summer. True to my word, I didn't buy any overpriced merchandise, but I did get some expensive concessions. It was just too hot to go without beverages. Darn you, LiveNation!
Reader Comments (7)
Very cool they played monkey on my back and Big 10 inch. I saw Opening night and loved it too. Gotta admit I loved hearing Eat the Rich, Mama Kin, Rats, Chip Away and Kings & Queens were huge highlights for me. I thought freedom fighter was cool too.
Liv Tyler sang a little with dad on Livin on the Edge from sidestage, which was a treat but I woulda fathered seen slash come out and jam. Boston got a rreal treat with slash jamming and train with drop. Wow!!! To me, train is a signature live song so I was crushed they didn't play it in the encore.
Couldnt agree more on not wasting money on high priced tickets or VIP. Its all a scam by devil, live nation. I bought walk up seats for $80 and was very happy.
I hope everyone gets to see this tour this summer!!
Aerosmith used to be known for being pretty hit or miss, BK, but now they tend to nail it live VERY consistently.
Agree with ya on the prices, however, as I've said before, if you've never seen 'em point blank, it's worth it just to feel the talent just bolting out of these guys up close and personal.
DJ, cut the soccer moms, etc., a break. Most of the people who attend an Aerosmith concert know what's up with 'em. And if they are only familiar with their 80's dreck, well at least they get a taste of what's real.
Aerosmith aren't just inspiring, their awe inspiring!
p.s. I saw Aerosmith multiple times in 1975 (w/Terrible Ted and Nazareth, then in 1976 when Aerosmith had the unfortunate experience of having to go on stage after Lynyrd Skynyrd burned the stadium to the ground), and also in 1982 (after Crespo replaced Perry and they were AMAZING!), as well as in 2007 (right after Tyler had the throat surgeries and they were EVEN MORE AMAZING w/ Crue having the unfortunate experience of having to open for them, realizing they were about to get shown up every which way 'til Sunday).
AC/DC did 3 encores and Angus was breathing oxygen between each one. I'll give Whitford and Hamilton props, though... AC/DC were SO hot at the time, those 2 could be seen off to the side backstage beaming from ear to ear, enjoying the show.
Aerosmith were fighting on stage between songs, with Perry taking up to 3 or 4 guitar changes during several songs, it required Whitford to do all the heavy lifting. Tyler even quipped, at a certain point after the conclusion of one particular number, "Let's thank Mr. Perry for playing during that number."
It was only a matter of months 'til Aerosmith called it quits.