One of America’s most iconic classic rock bands, Aerosmith, announced a new summer world tour during a secret showcase concert at one of the Sunset Strip’s most legendary nightclubs, the Whiskey A Go-Go. The clandestine event, held only for a hastily invited select private audience, took place on an unusually hot Los Angeles afternoon, April 8th.
Sweaty fans and a small army of press members, packed tightly around the stage, waiting patiently for the much anticipated performance to begin. Just after 1PM, the band was announced and Aerosmith took the stage, sans their rhythm guitarist, Brad Whitford (who had previous commitments with the Experience Hendrix Tour). The stripped down group featuring all the other original members, including, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, lead guitar Joe Perry and lead vocalist Steven Tyler immediately launched into a fierce jam session of some of their most classic rock songs.
Tyler, looking all the part of a legendary rock star was his usual animated self, dancing, flailing and emoting every lyric from the well known set list. The crowd gyrated and screamed in adulation, as cameras, video cameras, and cell phones lit up the room recording every millisecond of the action. After tearing through a short set, the band announced their co conspirator for the world tour Slash, and he joined the band for a two song performance. Slash is a regular at the Whiskey, jamming there often. But, as Joe Perry commented during their performance, “the first time we played here (and the last time) was December 3, 1973. It was the first time formally here but also the first time in California. The first time west of the Mississippi was right here! That was then and this is now. And look what happened,” he said as he pointed towards Slash before screaming “Let’s rock!”
Then the show ended with a monumental jam, featuring the classic, “Train Kept a Rollin,” which was originally recorded by American Blues singer, Tiny Bradshaw, in 1951. The song later became a classic rock anthem with the Yardbirds version in 1965, and an Aerosmith staple after they recorded their version in 1974. One of the best rock blues song ever written, it is the perfect vehicle for a dueling lead guitar rock jam. Slash and Joe Perry faced off in, what was undoubtedly an historic moment, in the venue known for its extensive contribution of live moments of brilliance throughout modern American rock history.
Set List
Draw the Line
Same Old Song And Dance
Pink
Walk This Way
Featuring Slash:
Mama Kin
Train Kept a Rollin’
