Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
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