Ah Aerosmith. Let me count the ways I love thee…No really. This is the band that hit me like a sledgehammer my senior year of high school after seeing the newly reunited band during the Done with Mirrors tour. I became an Aero-Nut and bought everything in their catalogue. And I’m not alone. Slash himself credits Aerosmith for completely steering him down the rock n roll direction in his youth as well. It’s the combo of Steven’s funky delivery and Joe’s sleazy tones. It’s Brad’s dexterous solos and the made for Harlem slamming rhythm of Tom and Joey. Yeah they are rock n roll but they’re so much more. They’re American rock n roll royalty and seeing them in their hometown on a 50th tour at Finway Park well that’s bucket list shit right there.
Following an excellent and well received opener with fellow Bostonian’s Extreme, Aerosmith launched into what I consider the greatest opening song in existence, Back in the Saddle. Ironic enough that they also opened with this one back in 1986 when I first saw them. Hold on let me wipe the tear…The next four songs that they included in this early portion of the set were definitely thoughtful. Same Old Song and Dance, Rag Doll, Mama Kin and deep cut Remember (Walking in the Sand) were for the old skool fans. Rag Doll may have come out in the late 80’s be it retained the 70’s funkiness.
Joe Perry usually gets a spotlight song in which to sing at Aerosmith shows and in this one he went with Stop Messin’ Round. This was followed by the 90’s ballad Cryin’ pleasing the soccer moms in attendance followed by Hangman Jury pleasing the soccer dads. Just kidding it’s a great song and paces the show well. Seasons of Wither used to be a deep cut but recent tours have included it several times. It’s melancholy, trippy and very 70’s. The next four brought out some heavy hitters from the 90’s like Livin’ on the Edge, I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing and Love in an Elevator. They also sprinkled in The Other Side which has never really been good enough for a live set but still included for some reason.
The last five were the very biggest hitters starting with the punky Draw the Line one of my favorites they play live. It’s everything great about Aerosmith in that’s it’s tight but loose as well as on the edge of anxiety. Dude Looks like a Lady and Dream on follow with the latter performed on the Green Monster with a baby grand piano. Epic to say the least. Sweet Emotion and Walk this Way finish the set as they should. Aerosmith performed like dudes half their age with energy. fervor and emotion. Long live the kings!
