Canad Inns Stadium
Winnipeg, MB
August 22/09
Few bands can put on a stadium show like AC/DC. The Auzzie rocker’s have had 35+ years to hone their craft and have earned an almost God–like status among their fans.
That God–like aura even seemed to extend to the weather last night as AC/DC brought their Black Ice tour before the Canad Inns Stadium to a sold out crowd of 46,000 rabid Winnipeg fans. Just before the band was about to take the stage, a couple of huge lightening bolts lit up the sky, followed by peals of thunder. The crowd dutifully broke into the chant for Thunderstruck, a crowd favourite from 1990’s album Razor’s Edge – just as if nature’s display was simply part of the band’s special effects.
Thankfully, the inclement weather held off. The stadium lights darkened. The crowd roared. The 3 giant jumbotrons lit up the night, flashing video images of AC/DC and a voluptuous entourage aboard a steaming locomotive, hurtling out of control down a railway track line - thus, setting the stage for diminutive Angus Young, clad in his trademark schoolboy uniform, to hammer through the opening power chords of Rock N’ Roll Train, the lead off tracj from their hugely successfully 2008 release Black Ice.
Boasting one of the most expensive stage settings in rock history, the massive stage structure represented stadium rock spectacle at it’s finest. A huge locomotive complete with steaming smokestack, straddled a wall of stacked Marshall amps that stretched nearly the entire length of the stage. A catwalk jutted out from the center of the stage, extending like a huge tongue almost half way across the stadium. Crowning the stage like bookends, were a massive pair of Angus’ trademark schoolboy hats, complete with red devil horns, perched menacingly overtop the jumbotrons, glowing eerily in the night sky.
Anchoring the AC/DC sound are Angus’ brother Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums. They keep the groove rock solid while the showmen, Angus and burly singer Brian Johnson, sporting his trademark tweed cap, cut off shirt, and clench jawed, banshee wail, work the crowd into a frenzy.
You would never guess watching Angus thrashing his flaming red Gibson SG mercilessly, sweating buckets, and doing his one legged duck walks from one end of the stage to the other, or from seeing Brian Johnson running the length of the catwalk halfway across the stadium – that the lads are fifty-something and sixty-something respectfully.
The Auzzie bad boys strolled, strutted and sneered their way through their well paced 20 song set list, using material culled from the entire gamut of their thirty-five + year history, including early Bon Scott era hits like Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Whole Lotta Rosie to cuts from their landmark album, 1980’s Back in Black such as Hell’s Bells, and You Shook Me All Night Long as well as material from their current smash album Black Ice.
As AC/DC brought the show home, fans were treated to a voluptuous giant size lady of the evening perched atop a steaming locomotive during Whole Lotta Rosie followed by a sizzling extended solo workout from Angus during Let There Be Rock that literally sent sparks flying and left the crowd howling for more.
After a deafening encore, the band returned to wrap the night with Highway to Hell and For Those About to Rock, complete with multiple ear shattering canon explosions and a fireworks display to cap the night, leaving Winnipeg fans “Thunderstruck” in the aftermath.
Irish band the Answer opened the night with a punchy hard rockin’ set.
R L Rheubottom
Set List:
1) Rock n Roll Train
2) Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
3) Back in Black
4) Big Jack
5) Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
6) Shot Down in Flames
7) Thunderstruck
8) Black Ice
9) The Jack
10) Hells Bells
11) Shoot to Thrill
12) War Machine
13) Dog Eat Dog
14) Anything Goes
15) You Shook Me All Night Long
16) TNT
17) Whole Lotta Rosie
18) Let There Be Rock
19) Highway to Hell
20) For Those About to Rock
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rod Stewart Still “Wears It Well”
Rod Stewart
August 17, 2009
MTS Centre
Winnipeg, MB Canada
Rod Stewart has always been a showman’s showman. Knowing how to give the crowd a good time has always been his stock and trade, dating way back to his early days with the Faces and Jeff Beck.
So it was, that anticipation ran high in the MTS Centre as the stage lights dimmed and a video clip of Stewart as “The Rodinator,” going back in time to save the world through rock and roll, played out on the Jumbotron.
The stage was tastefully decorated in pure white from floor to curtain, beautifully setting off the stage lighting. Rod’s backup band took the stage and kicked off with the opening bars of Some Guys Have All the Luck. The 9000+ crowd roared as Rod strutted out from behind the curtain in his trademark rooster haircut, decked out in a baby blue lamé suit and gold shoes, accompanied by his 3 backup singers in matching attire.
Given that many Winnipegers were still stinging from the cancellation of the recent Aerosmith/ZZ Top concert due to Steve Tyler broken shoulder, Rod Stewart probably got marks from the Winnipeg crowd just for showing up. Thankfully, Stewart did far more than simply show up and coast.
He immediately gave notice that he wasn’t there to croon the American Songbook, he was there to rock n’ roll.
Age has not withered Rod Stewart, nor made him any more of a shrinking violet. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer quickly displayed all the hip swivelling, mike swinging, gyrating moves that has made him a top live act for over 4 decades. Though Stewart could easily slide by on his charisma, sex appeal, and showmanship, the superstar has always had the pipes and the songwriting talent to accompany the hoopla and the bombast.
The 64-year-old singer has long had one of the most enviable back catalogues (many of his hits self-penned) in the business.
Recent reviewers who failed to do their homework, have commented that Rod’s voice is not as powerful as it once was. What they didn’t mention, is that in 1999, Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and had to undergo surgery. The operation nearly cost him his voice. Rod literally had to re-learn how to sing.
He paces himself differently than 40 years ago, but given what recently happened to Steve Tyler, I’d say that was a smart thing – a plus not a minus.
Given his age and surgery, Stewart’s voice sounds phenomenal. The Grammy Award winner’s natural bluesy rasp and improvisational style just keep getting better with age.
Rod’s 2nd number was the 1978 Bonnie Tyler hit It’s a Heartache. The majority of young people on the Internet (who never heard of Bonnie Tyler) have erroneously credited the song to Rod Stewart for years anyway. This song was made to order for Stewart’s voice and he made it his own.
The Do Ya Think I’m Sexy hitmaker then dipped into his back catalogue and pulled out his 1989 Isley Brother penned hit This Old Heart of Mine. The song gave his tight 8 piece backing band, which features a couple of sexy females on sax and mandolin/violin, a chance to strut their stuff.
Stewart hammed it up for the crowd, winking, nodding and chatting to fans lucky enough to be sitting stage side while the band performed their solos.
Rod followed this with a rousing sing along version of his 1977 Cat Stevens penned hit The First Cut Is the Deepest.
The superstar then got the crowd rocking, going back to his Faces days with the Chuck Berry penned Sweet Little Rock and Roller and the Sam Cooke classic Having a Party.
He kept the hits rolling with his self-penned 1971’s You Wear It Well and the 1991 fan favourite Rhythm Of My Heart. The latter featured some nice scat gospel singing in the final bars, showcasing all 3 of his female backup singers.
The crowd then got treated to an extended version of his 1989 Tom Wait penned hit, Downtown Train, which featured a lengthy drum solo while the Grammy Award winner went for a costume change.
Rod returned, modishly attired in a white suit. Slowing the pace down, he performed 2 of his most famous ballads, 1975’s Tonight’s the Night and 1977’s ode to Stewart’s beloved Celtic F.C soccer team, You're in My Heart, that had the crowd singing misty eyed at the top of their lungs.
The rooster coifed rocker then cranked up the heat with a track from his 1971 album Never A Dull Moment, the Sam Cooke classic - Twistin' the Night Away.
Given a back catalogue as extensive as Rod Stewart’s, I’m sure it’s difficult to decide which songs to use on tour. It’s a tribute to him, that he can get away with omitting such gems as Reason to Believe, Mandolin Wind, Sailin’, Ain’t Love a Bitch, and I Was Only Joking and still deliver a strong setlist.
But certain songs are a must! At this point, Stewart pulled out all the stops and launched into back-to-back crowd favourites, starting with his smash 1978 self-penned disco era hit Do Ya Think I’m Sexy. Sheer pandemonium ensued!
I guess you liked that one, quipped Stewart – who admitted in the introduction that he was impartial to doing the song.
He finished the segment with yet another crowd pleaser, his majestic ode to youth – 1988’s Forever Young.
Stewart then split for yet another costume change while the band pumped through Tina Turner’s version of John Forgerty’s classic Proud Mary.
Rod reappeared, this time in a western flavoured outfit, and crooned the beautiful Van Morrison penned ballad Have I Told You Lately from his 1992 album Unplugged and Seated album.
In yet another ode to his favourite soul singers, Stewart performed a version of the O’Jays’ 1973 hit Love Train. Rod’s always had a flair for choosing material that suited him and this song was no exception. Fans formed a massive human train that worked its away around the arena during the song.
Winding the show home, Rod hoofed soccer balls to the waiting crowd during his performance of 1978’s bawdy rocker Hot Legs and proved he’s still a got a good leg on him, planting a few of the balls in the upper tiers
He followed up with his 1981 self-penned hit Young Turks and then donned a cowboy hat to finish the set with his 2006 Still the Same... Great Rock Classics of our Time cover of John Fogerty’s 1970 classic Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - a rather bold choice given Stewart’s catalogue of sure-fire hits
Did choosing to close the set with a cover rather than a tried and true hit dampen the crowd’s reaction to the show or hurt Rod’s chances of receiving an encore? Not in the slightest!
The crowd howled for more and Rod obliged, finishing the night with the number that launched his solo career - his signature song, the 1970 classic - Maggie May.
This was Rod Stewart’s 3rd visit to the MTS Centre arena since 2005. Judging by tonight’s concert, he hasn’t worn out his welcome with Winnipeg fans.
The night was opened by Australian duo The Kin. The band, fronted by brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren, delivered a 45-minute set which featured strong harmony vocals and some funky diggery doo playing.
Rob Rheubottom
Setlist
Some Guys Have All the Luck
It's a Heartache
This Old Heart of Mine
First Cut Is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)
Sweet Little Rock and Roller
Having a Party
You Wear It Well
Rhythm Of My Heart
Downtown Train
Tonight’s the Night
You're in My Heart
Twistin' the Night Away
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
Forever Young
Proud Mary
Have I Told You Lately
Love Train
Hot Legs
Young Turks
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Encore:
Maggie May
August 17, 2009
MTS Centre
Winnipeg, MB Canada
Rod Stewart has always been a showman’s showman. Knowing how to give the crowd a good time has always been his stock and trade, dating way back to his early days with the Faces and Jeff Beck.
So it was, that anticipation ran high in the MTS Centre as the stage lights dimmed and a video clip of Stewart as “The Rodinator,” going back in time to save the world through rock and roll, played out on the Jumbotron.
The stage was tastefully decorated in pure white from floor to curtain, beautifully setting off the stage lighting. Rod’s backup band took the stage and kicked off with the opening bars of Some Guys Have All the Luck. The 9000+ crowd roared as Rod strutted out from behind the curtain in his trademark rooster haircut, decked out in a baby blue lamé suit and gold shoes, accompanied by his 3 backup singers in matching attire.
Given that many Winnipegers were still stinging from the cancellation of the recent Aerosmith/ZZ Top concert due to Steve Tyler broken shoulder, Rod Stewart probably got marks from the Winnipeg crowd just for showing up. Thankfully, Stewart did far more than simply show up and coast.
He immediately gave notice that he wasn’t there to croon the American Songbook, he was there to rock n’ roll.
Age has not withered Rod Stewart, nor made him any more of a shrinking violet. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer quickly displayed all the hip swivelling, mike swinging, gyrating moves that has made him a top live act for over 4 decades. Though Stewart could easily slide by on his charisma, sex appeal, and showmanship, the superstar has always had the pipes and the songwriting talent to accompany the hoopla and the bombast.
The 64-year-old singer has long had one of the most enviable back catalogues (many of his hits self-penned) in the business.
Recent reviewers who failed to do their homework, have commented that Rod’s voice is not as powerful as it once was. What they didn’t mention, is that in 1999, Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and had to undergo surgery. The operation nearly cost him his voice. Rod literally had to re-learn how to sing.
He paces himself differently than 40 years ago, but given what recently happened to Steve Tyler, I’d say that was a smart thing – a plus not a minus.
Given his age and surgery, Stewart’s voice sounds phenomenal. The Grammy Award winner’s natural bluesy rasp and improvisational style just keep getting better with age.
Rod’s 2nd number was the 1978 Bonnie Tyler hit It’s a Heartache. The majority of young people on the Internet (who never heard of Bonnie Tyler) have erroneously credited the song to Rod Stewart for years anyway. This song was made to order for Stewart’s voice and he made it his own.
The Do Ya Think I’m Sexy hitmaker then dipped into his back catalogue and pulled out his 1989 Isley Brother penned hit This Old Heart of Mine. The song gave his tight 8 piece backing band, which features a couple of sexy females on sax and mandolin/violin, a chance to strut their stuff.
Stewart hammed it up for the crowd, winking, nodding and chatting to fans lucky enough to be sitting stage side while the band performed their solos.
Rod followed this with a rousing sing along version of his 1977 Cat Stevens penned hit The First Cut Is the Deepest.
The superstar then got the crowd rocking, going back to his Faces days with the Chuck Berry penned Sweet Little Rock and Roller and the Sam Cooke classic Having a Party.
He kept the hits rolling with his self-penned 1971’s You Wear It Well and the 1991 fan favourite Rhythm Of My Heart. The latter featured some nice scat gospel singing in the final bars, showcasing all 3 of his female backup singers.
The crowd then got treated to an extended version of his 1989 Tom Wait penned hit, Downtown Train, which featured a lengthy drum solo while the Grammy Award winner went for a costume change.
Rod returned, modishly attired in a white suit. Slowing the pace down, he performed 2 of his most famous ballads, 1975’s Tonight’s the Night and 1977’s ode to Stewart’s beloved Celtic F.C soccer team, You're in My Heart, that had the crowd singing misty eyed at the top of their lungs.
The rooster coifed rocker then cranked up the heat with a track from his 1971 album Never A Dull Moment, the Sam Cooke classic - Twistin' the Night Away.
Given a back catalogue as extensive as Rod Stewart’s, I’m sure it’s difficult to decide which songs to use on tour. It’s a tribute to him, that he can get away with omitting such gems as Reason to Believe, Mandolin Wind, Sailin’, Ain’t Love a Bitch, and I Was Only Joking and still deliver a strong setlist.
But certain songs are a must! At this point, Stewart pulled out all the stops and launched into back-to-back crowd favourites, starting with his smash 1978 self-penned disco era hit Do Ya Think I’m Sexy. Sheer pandemonium ensued!
I guess you liked that one, quipped Stewart – who admitted in the introduction that he was impartial to doing the song.
He finished the segment with yet another crowd pleaser, his majestic ode to youth – 1988’s Forever Young.
Stewart then split for yet another costume change while the band pumped through Tina Turner’s version of John Forgerty’s classic Proud Mary.
Rod reappeared, this time in a western flavoured outfit, and crooned the beautiful Van Morrison penned ballad Have I Told You Lately from his 1992 album Unplugged and Seated album.
In yet another ode to his favourite soul singers, Stewart performed a version of the O’Jays’ 1973 hit Love Train. Rod’s always had a flair for choosing material that suited him and this song was no exception. Fans formed a massive human train that worked its away around the arena during the song.
Winding the show home, Rod hoofed soccer balls to the waiting crowd during his performance of 1978’s bawdy rocker Hot Legs and proved he’s still a got a good leg on him, planting a few of the balls in the upper tiers
He followed up with his 1981 self-penned hit Young Turks and then donned a cowboy hat to finish the set with his 2006 Still the Same... Great Rock Classics of our Time cover of John Fogerty’s 1970 classic Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - a rather bold choice given Stewart’s catalogue of sure-fire hits
Did choosing to close the set with a cover rather than a tried and true hit dampen the crowd’s reaction to the show or hurt Rod’s chances of receiving an encore? Not in the slightest!
The crowd howled for more and Rod obliged, finishing the night with the number that launched his solo career - his signature song, the 1970 classic - Maggie May.
This was Rod Stewart’s 3rd visit to the MTS Centre arena since 2005. Judging by tonight’s concert, he hasn’t worn out his welcome with Winnipeg fans.
The night was opened by Australian duo The Kin. The band, fronted by brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren, delivered a 45-minute set which featured strong harmony vocals and some funky diggery doo playing.
Rob Rheubottom
Setlist
Some Guys Have All the Luck
It's a Heartache
This Old Heart of Mine
First Cut Is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)
Sweet Little Rock and Roller
Having a Party
You Wear It Well
Rhythm Of My Heart
Downtown Train
Tonight’s the Night
You're in My Heart
Twistin' the Night Away
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
Forever Young
Proud Mary
Have I Told You Lately
Love Train
Hot Legs
Young Turks
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Encore:
Maggie May
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Elvis Remembered
Sunday, August 16, will mark the 32nd anniversary of the passing of
rock and roll’s greatest icon - The King – Elvis Presley. Throughout the world, fans gather to celebrate the life and music of the legendary performer.
Thousands of fans make the pilgrimage each year at this time to see Elvis’ former Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee and join in the annual Elvis Week celebrations.
Others prefer to remember Elvis in more personal ways.
I was a bit too young to appreciate Elvis’ talents when he was at his creative and popular peak in the 50’s and 60’s. When my interest in music began, Elvis was still huge, but the Beatles had become the dominating force on the pop music scene.
Elvis had long since moved away from Sam Phillips and Sun Records to RCA. By this point, he had returned from the army and gone to Hollywood. Colonel Tom Parker had him focused mostly on making movies. He still put out some great records, but a lot of the music he did for his films were filler. Many of the songs tended to be overproduced and lacked much of the raw power of his early records.
As a kid growing up during the height of Beatlemania, Elvis seemed a bit out of step.
Of course, Elvis always went his own way rather than follow the trends of others, but I was too young to appreciate that fact at the time.
But I enjoyed seeing his movies and became more interested in his music when I noticed how many of my British Invasion idols seem to credit Elvis as being one of their main inspirations.
Most of my experience with Elvis’ music had been through the movie soundtracks, heavily orchestrated 60’s pop hits and played to death “oldies” like Don’t Be Cruel and Hound Dog.
Remember, in the 60’s there was no Internet, YouTube, iTunes, VHS, DVDs, MTV or even cable TV available to access an artist’s back catalogue.
But my interest in Elvis gradually began to pique as I listened more carefully to music from his early roots: blues, country, r&b, gospel, and rockabilly. Listening to early Sun records like That’s All Right Mama, Good Rockin’ Tonight, Blue Moon of Kentucky and Mystery Train gave me a much fuller realization of the man’s power, innovativeness, growth and versatility as a performer. I no longer tuned out when one of Elvis’ played to death “oldies” came on the radio. I started to appreciate them for the talent and craftsmanship that went into the songs – as pieces of music history.
The real turning point for me, was watching Elvis’ 1968 Comeback Special, particularly the first half which featured Elvis jamming with his old bandmates from the Sun Record days. Elvis looked great, sounded great and clearly was having a ball. It was at that point, that I finally “got” what Sam Phillips and all the longtime Elvis fans had already known for years.
Watching Elvis belt out Lawdy Miss Clawdy sent chills down my spine. This wasn’t Elvis the actor going through the motions in some B movie role. This was Elvis the performer doing something he loved, putting heart and soul into his performance. This was the Elvis that people saw back in the 50’s. This was the Elvis that took the world by storm, and reshaped musical history.
Elvis shone that day.
I also came to gradually understand Elvis’ human side as opposed to Elvis the movie star or Elvis: The King of Rock and Roll and learned a great deal from studying the man’s experiences in the entertainment industry and his life in general – the good and the bad.
It often happens that people don’t really appreciate an artist’s greatness and impact until after they are gone. I recently had that sad experience when the hugely talented and innovative musician/inventor Les Paul died.
I’m grateful that I came to value Elvis’s remarkable talents before his untimely passing
Thank you Elvis for the great songs, the great movies, the great performances and for the incalculable contribution you’ve made in shaping the music that I’ve come to love.
You’ll always be a part of me.
Rob Rheubottom
rock and roll’s greatest icon - The King – Elvis Presley. Throughout the world, fans gather to celebrate the life and music of the legendary performer.
Thousands of fans make the pilgrimage each year at this time to see Elvis’ former Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee and join in the annual Elvis Week celebrations.
Others prefer to remember Elvis in more personal ways.
I was a bit too young to appreciate Elvis’ talents when he was at his creative and popular peak in the 50’s and 60’s. When my interest in music began, Elvis was still huge, but the Beatles had become the dominating force on the pop music scene.
Elvis had long since moved away from Sam Phillips and Sun Records to RCA. By this point, he had returned from the army and gone to Hollywood. Colonel Tom Parker had him focused mostly on making movies. He still put out some great records, but a lot of the music he did for his films were filler. Many of the songs tended to be overproduced and lacked much of the raw power of his early records.
As a kid growing up during the height of Beatlemania, Elvis seemed a bit out of step.
Of course, Elvis always went his own way rather than follow the trends of others, but I was too young to appreciate that fact at the time.
But I enjoyed seeing his movies and became more interested in his music when I noticed how many of my British Invasion idols seem to credit Elvis as being one of their main inspirations.
Most of my experience with Elvis’ music had been through the movie soundtracks, heavily orchestrated 60’s pop hits and played to death “oldies” like Don’t Be Cruel and Hound Dog.
Remember, in the 60’s there was no Internet, YouTube, iTunes, VHS, DVDs, MTV or even cable TV available to access an artist’s back catalogue.
But my interest in Elvis gradually began to pique as I listened more carefully to music from his early roots: blues, country, r&b, gospel, and rockabilly. Listening to early Sun records like That’s All Right Mama, Good Rockin’ Tonight, Blue Moon of Kentucky and Mystery Train gave me a much fuller realization of the man’s power, innovativeness, growth and versatility as a performer. I no longer tuned out when one of Elvis’ played to death “oldies” came on the radio. I started to appreciate them for the talent and craftsmanship that went into the songs – as pieces of music history.
The real turning point for me, was watching Elvis’ 1968 Comeback Special, particularly the first half which featured Elvis jamming with his old bandmates from the Sun Record days. Elvis looked great, sounded great and clearly was having a ball. It was at that point, that I finally “got” what Sam Phillips and all the longtime Elvis fans had already known for years.
Watching Elvis belt out Lawdy Miss Clawdy sent chills down my spine. This wasn’t Elvis the actor going through the motions in some B movie role. This was Elvis the performer doing something he loved, putting heart and soul into his performance. This was the Elvis that people saw back in the 50’s. This was the Elvis that took the world by storm, and reshaped musical history.
Elvis shone that day.
I also came to gradually understand Elvis’ human side as opposed to Elvis the movie star or Elvis: The King of Rock and Roll and learned a great deal from studying the man’s experiences in the entertainment industry and his life in general – the good and the bad.
It often happens that people don’t really appreciate an artist’s greatness and impact until after they are gone. I recently had that sad experience when the hugely talented and innovative musician/inventor Les Paul died.
I’m grateful that I came to value Elvis’s remarkable talents before his untimely passing
Thank you Elvis for the great songs, the great movies, the great performances and for the incalculable contribution you’ve made in shaping the music that I’ve come to love.
You’ll always be a part of me.
Rob Rheubottom
Friday, August 14, 2009
Steve Tyler’s Injuries Put Stake in the Heart of the Injury Plagued Tour
In a move not entirely unexpected to those following the story, Aerosmith has cancelled all remaining dates on their summer tour. The band issued a statement late Thurs (08/13) saying, "it is with great regret" that the band must cancel the remainder of its tour because of injuries that singer Steven Tyler suffered when he fell off the stage during an Aug. 5 concert in Sturgis, SD.
The 61-year-old Tyler fell backwards while dancing on a stage catwalk, breaking his shoulder and gashing his head.
The tour was cancelled on the advice of the singer’s doctors who recommend Tyler take extended time off to thoroughly heal.
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry said in the statement, "Words can't express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour."
Perry thanked the fans for sticking by them, and hoped that, “we can get the Aerosmith machine up and running again as soon as possible."
Ticket refunds for the remaining Aerosmith tour dates will be available at the place of purchase
The statement closes the curtain on what has to go down as the most injury plagued tour in the history of rock and roll. In a revolving door like fashion, one Aerosmith member after another was put out of action. Joe Perry started the year with a knee injury. Steve Tyler pulled a leg muscle shortly after the tour started. Guitarist Brad Whitford left the tour after suffering a serious concussion. Bassist Tom Hamilton was sidelined due to surgery. When Whitford finally came back to the fold, Tyler suffered the fall that put the stake in the heart of what has proven to be the most cursed rock n’ roll tour since Spinal Tap. Unfortunately, in Aerosmith’s case, the drama was quite real as Steve Tyler and the others band members understood all too painfully well.
No doubt fans are greatly disappointed. But better to heal and live to play another day, than to risk yet another injury that could put Tyler and the band out of action for good.
In the meantime, Aerosmith fans should be able to catch Joe Perry in action soon. Perry has not been sitting at home crying in his beer. He’s been making the rounds, plugging his new album Have Guitar, Will Travel, and has also been putting in some surprise guest appearances. He recently sat in with Jimmy Buffett and with Jane’s Addiction at Lollapalooza recently.
Rob Rheubottom
The 61-year-old Tyler fell backwards while dancing on a stage catwalk, breaking his shoulder and gashing his head.
The tour was cancelled on the advice of the singer’s doctors who recommend Tyler take extended time off to thoroughly heal.
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry said in the statement, "Words can't express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour."
Perry thanked the fans for sticking by them, and hoped that, “we can get the Aerosmith machine up and running again as soon as possible."
Ticket refunds for the remaining Aerosmith tour dates will be available at the place of purchase
The statement closes the curtain on what has to go down as the most injury plagued tour in the history of rock and roll. In a revolving door like fashion, one Aerosmith member after another was put out of action. Joe Perry started the year with a knee injury. Steve Tyler pulled a leg muscle shortly after the tour started. Guitarist Brad Whitford left the tour after suffering a serious concussion. Bassist Tom Hamilton was sidelined due to surgery. When Whitford finally came back to the fold, Tyler suffered the fall that put the stake in the heart of what has proven to be the most cursed rock n’ roll tour since Spinal Tap. Unfortunately, in Aerosmith’s case, the drama was quite real as Steve Tyler and the others band members understood all too painfully well.
No doubt fans are greatly disappointed. But better to heal and live to play another day, than to risk yet another injury that could put Tyler and the band out of action for good.
In the meantime, Aerosmith fans should be able to catch Joe Perry in action soon. Perry has not been sitting at home crying in his beer. He’s been making the rounds, plugging his new album Have Guitar, Will Travel, and has also been putting in some surprise guest appearances. He recently sat in with Jimmy Buffett and with Jane’s Addiction at Lollapalooza recently.
Rob Rheubottom
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Future of Boston Bad Boy’s Tour Still Uncertain Says Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry
Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry Gives Further Details on Steve Tyler’s Injuries and the Tour’s Future.
Since Aerosmith’s tour postponement following singer Steve Tyler’s injury, guitarist Joe Perry has been giving interviews and working on side projects. In a Detroit radio interview given yesterday, Joe was asked about the state of Steve Tyler.
“The original diagnosis that we heard was that the shoulder was broken in 2 places….
It was like he was in a bad bar fight if somebody had a baseball bat.”
The future of the injury plagued Aerosmith tour still remains uncertain.
"We still don't know if we're going to keep the tour up or what. It's breaking my heart," Perry said.
So far, Ticketmaster has listed the entire Canadian leg of Aerosmith’s tour as officially postponed with the exception of a September 3 date in Toronto, ON. Postponed dates include Winnipeg, MB Fri 08/07, Regina Sun 08/09, Edmonton, AB Tue, 08/11, Calgary, AB Thu, 08/13, Vancouver, BC Sat, 08/15/09. None of the postponed dates have yet been rescheduled.
Perry expressed some of his frustration. “It hasn’t really felt like a tour,” Perry had thought the tour had been going well, and could have been, “the best show and best tour we’ve done in a long time.”
In spite of the multiple health issues that have stricken the band in recent months, Joe Perry remains confident the Boston bad boys will continue to rock for a long time yet.
“There’s no reason why we can’t keep playing until we can’t walk. You have to know that you can’t do certain things anymore.”
In Steve Tyler’s case, dancing on wet stage catwalks should rank high on the singer’s future “things you can’t do” list.
But given Steve Tyler’s age (61) and the severity of his injuries, plus the fact that Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton remains sidelined from the tour recovering from surgery, guitarist Brad Whitford, only just recently returned after suffering a serious concussion and even Joe Perry started the year with a knee injury – you have to wonder if this tour was meant to be.
Though it would be a disappointment to fans, it might be better for the band to eat the losses, get their health back and give it another whirl next year.
Joe Perry in the meantime is not sitting at home crying in his beer. He’s been making the rounds, plugging his new album Have Guitar, Will Travel, and has also been putting in some surprise guest appearances. He recently sat in with Jimmy Buffett and with Jane’s Addiction at Lollapalooza recently.
Joe’s not holding his breath waiting for this tour to recommence. In all likelihood, neither should the fans.
Rob Rheubottom
Since Aerosmith’s tour postponement following singer Steve Tyler’s injury, guitarist Joe Perry has been giving interviews and working on side projects. In a Detroit radio interview given yesterday, Joe was asked about the state of Steve Tyler.
“The original diagnosis that we heard was that the shoulder was broken in 2 places….
It was like he was in a bad bar fight if somebody had a baseball bat.”
The future of the injury plagued Aerosmith tour still remains uncertain.
"We still don't know if we're going to keep the tour up or what. It's breaking my heart," Perry said.
So far, Ticketmaster has listed the entire Canadian leg of Aerosmith’s tour as officially postponed with the exception of a September 3 date in Toronto, ON. Postponed dates include Winnipeg, MB Fri 08/07, Regina Sun 08/09, Edmonton, AB Tue, 08/11, Calgary, AB Thu, 08/13, Vancouver, BC Sat, 08/15/09. None of the postponed dates have yet been rescheduled.
Perry expressed some of his frustration. “It hasn’t really felt like a tour,” Perry had thought the tour had been going well, and could have been, “the best show and best tour we’ve done in a long time.”
In spite of the multiple health issues that have stricken the band in recent months, Joe Perry remains confident the Boston bad boys will continue to rock for a long time yet.
“There’s no reason why we can’t keep playing until we can’t walk. You have to know that you can’t do certain things anymore.”
In Steve Tyler’s case, dancing on wet stage catwalks should rank high on the singer’s future “things you can’t do” list.
But given Steve Tyler’s age (61) and the severity of his injuries, plus the fact that Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton remains sidelined from the tour recovering from surgery, guitarist Brad Whitford, only just recently returned after suffering a serious concussion and even Joe Perry started the year with a knee injury – you have to wonder if this tour was meant to be.
Though it would be a disappointment to fans, it might be better for the band to eat the losses, get their health back and give it another whirl next year.
Joe Perry in the meantime is not sitting at home crying in his beer. He’s been making the rounds, plugging his new album Have Guitar, Will Travel, and has also been putting in some surprise guest appearances. He recently sat in with Jimmy Buffett and with Jane’s Addiction at Lollapalooza recently.
Joe’s not holding his breath waiting for this tour to recommence. In all likelihood, neither should the fans.
Rob Rheubottom
Monday, August 10, 2009
Aerosmith's Western Canada Tour on Ice Along with Steve Tyler's Broken Shoulder
It appears Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s apprehensive comments have proven to be a much more reliable yardstick than the assurances from promoters that the Canadian leg of the band’s tour would proceed as scheduled. Perry told a Chicago radio station on Friday that the future of the tour was up in the air.
"We still don't know if we're going to keep the tour up or what. It's breaking my heart," Perry said.
Ticketmaster has now listed the entire Canadian leg of Aerosmith’s tour as officially postponed with the exception of a September 3 date in Toronto, ON. Postponed dates include Winnipeg, MB Fri 08/07, Regina Sun 08/09, Edmonton, AB Tue, 08/11, Calgary, AB Thu, 08/13, Vancouver, BC Sat, 08/15/09. None of the postponed dates have been rescheduled.
No word yet on the remaining US dates.
Originally, the promoters said Tyler was only shaken up and just needed a few stitches. The tour was expected to go on as scheduled. But tour news has been changing constantly as more dates are postponed. The singer’s injuries have proven far more serious than initial reports suggested and it appears he may be out for a considerable time.
Steve Tyler’s daughter Mia has made a statement to TMZ.com, confirming that her dad has broken his shoulder but assures fans he’ll be back in action.
The Rush Hour 3 actress told TMZ.com, "The demon of screamin' is not dead. Yes, it's true my dad walked the wrong way and landed on his head. He broke his left shoulder and had to get a few stitches on his noggin.
"He is now at home resting and will be back on his feet just as soon as he can to rock the world once more."
Tyler stumbled backwards while dancing on the stage catwalk at a concert on Wed (08/05), and fell several feet into the crowd. Tyler had been entertaining the crowd at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in SD while awaiting the repair of a blown fuse.
But guitarist Joe Perry has hinted the band may not be “Back In The Saddle” anytime soon. After the accident, he immediately began giving interviews to plug his latest solo project and has been working on new music. Perry said he did not know what would happen with the remaining 18 dates of the tour since Steve could be out of action anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 months – maybe longer.
It may well be that the remainder of the current tour could be cancelled to allow Tyler time to recover.
Rob Rheubottom
"We still don't know if we're going to keep the tour up or what. It's breaking my heart," Perry said.
Ticketmaster has now listed the entire Canadian leg of Aerosmith’s tour as officially postponed with the exception of a September 3 date in Toronto, ON. Postponed dates include Winnipeg, MB Fri 08/07, Regina Sun 08/09, Edmonton, AB Tue, 08/11, Calgary, AB Thu, 08/13, Vancouver, BC Sat, 08/15/09. None of the postponed dates have been rescheduled.
No word yet on the remaining US dates.
Originally, the promoters said Tyler was only shaken up and just needed a few stitches. The tour was expected to go on as scheduled. But tour news has been changing constantly as more dates are postponed. The singer’s injuries have proven far more serious than initial reports suggested and it appears he may be out for a considerable time.
Steve Tyler’s daughter Mia has made a statement to TMZ.com, confirming that her dad has broken his shoulder but assures fans he’ll be back in action.
The Rush Hour 3 actress told TMZ.com, "The demon of screamin' is not dead. Yes, it's true my dad walked the wrong way and landed on his head. He broke his left shoulder and had to get a few stitches on his noggin.
"He is now at home resting and will be back on his feet just as soon as he can to rock the world once more."
Tyler stumbled backwards while dancing on the stage catwalk at a concert on Wed (08/05), and fell several feet into the crowd. Tyler had been entertaining the crowd at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in SD while awaiting the repair of a blown fuse.
But guitarist Joe Perry has hinted the band may not be “Back In The Saddle” anytime soon. After the accident, he immediately began giving interviews to plug his latest solo project and has been working on new music. Perry said he did not know what would happen with the remaining 18 dates of the tour since Steve could be out of action anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 months – maybe longer.
It may well be that the remainder of the current tour could be cancelled to allow Tyler time to recover.
Rob Rheubottom
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