Scene and Heard

Aerosmith brought the Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock Tour to Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Thursday evening playing  a two hour set to an excited crowd that filled the pavilion and a good part of the lawn area.

The Boston band was formed in 1971 and released their first album, simply title “ Aerosmith” in 1973. With a  music style rooted in blues based hard rock , they soon became known as “The Bad Boys of Boston”. Lead by the swagger and raw whine of vocalist Steven Tyler, many considered them an American version of the Rolling Stones.

Their fame was built in the seventies with the release of platinum selling albums “Get Your Wings” and “Toys in the Attic”.  Early shows were filled with high energy , glam and heavy metal with legendary ballads such as “Dream On” allowing you brief moments to catch your breath. The band paid its dues with heavy touring that lead to induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Now forty plus years later, surviving many breakups and squabbles, the latest between guitarist, Joe Perry and Tyler over rumors that Tyler will be a judge on American Idol next season without consulting the band. Prompting Perry to discuss auditioning a new singer and saying “ This may be the last time we go on the road”

Heavy drug use and numerous rehabs slowed the band to near extinction. However renewed success came with by releasing an Aerosmith Guitar Hero video game. Their more recent  songs have been tied to movies and videos appealing to a younger audience and scoring big hits with much slower pop ballads barley resembling the original style of the band.

The show began with a strong version of “Eat The Rich” highlighting Tyler’s vocals and a strong wall of sound from guitarists Perry and Brad Whitford. It was followed by their classic  cover “Train Kept a Rolling” it soon became evident that the years of touring and problems do not affect the energy and musical abilities of the band.

The set list included many of the more recent hits, and left off the early rockers but added surprises such as Joe Perry’s guitar dual with his guitar hero video clone. Joey Kramer’s drumming and Tom Hamilton’s bass continued to keep the music on track while Tyler pranced across the stage and down the catwalk in his skin tight zebra striped bell bottoms, aviator sunglasses and fedora hat . Tyler’s voice is still strong and although he limited any extra screams he can still hit the high notes. He often joined Perry to share a microphone and the spotlight. Whatever differences the two have offstage isn’t a factor in the music. It’s clear this band is on a mission to prove it’s once given title of “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”

The set covered music from all eras, ending with classics “Dream On” and “Walk This Way”

Sammy Hagar opened the show mixing his hour long set with songs from his solo career with hits from his former bands, Montrose, including “Bad Motor Scooter” and several Van Halen songs, highlighted by “Best of Both Worlds and “Why Can’t This be Love” . His nonstop rock and roll set kept the audience on their feet for the entire show. As he finished he stated,” The only bands I would open for are Aerosmith and Stones”. He left no doubt that the next time you see him he will be the top bill.