Not many people have lived a life like Steven Tyler. Since he joined Aerosmith, he's created an identity of debarchuary, excess, and a lot of crazy. So it surprised many when, in 2016, he released a somewhat low-key country album and began touring with a new band. With Aerosmith on hiatus, Tyler has been doing shows under his own name with support of the Loving Mary Band. With this new stage aura, sometimes you forget that for over 40 years, he's been the lead singer in an iconic hard rock band. Formed in Boston in 1970, Aerosmith began performing shows around the city and gained a big following around New England. They released their first album in 1973 but didn't gain mainstream success until their album
Rocks in 1975. He and guitarist Joe Perry formed an impressive songwriting duo while gaining the moniker of the "Toxic Twins" due to their drug filled exploits. It was during this time that Tyler acquired his status as sex icon loved by rebellious teens who were too cool for David Cassidy. While the band lessened in popularity in the early 80's, they regained their foothold on the rock world in the late 80's and 90's with a new sound. Songs like "Love in an Elevator" and "Rag Doll" introduced the band to a new generation and assured Tyler a place as a rock icon. Aerosmith continues to tour to this day on their seeming neverending farewell tour while Tyler has embarked on his own path with his new songs.
While Tyler has aged like the rest of his rock contemporaries, he has more energy than many of the other old timers I've seen and more amazingly, his voice hasn't really changed. While I expected a toned down version of his songs, the Loving Mary band actually held their own and are filled with expert musicians and singers. While none of them play like Joe Perry, they're more adaptable than Tyler's own band and this allows him to take more risks with arrangements. He did play some of his country material but even that didn't seem out of place amongst "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk this Way". While I expected a disjointed and somewhat askew performance, Tyler delivered like few can and maintained his sex persona to the delight of his fans. He may be 70, but Steven Tyler is gonna "rock till he drops". There's a miracle if I ever saw one.
My favorite part of the show was when he performed "Dream On". The signature song of one the best rock bands in history, Tyler didn't change the arrangement much from the original version. But it was his incredible vocals that really brought the song to a new level and it's incredible to see that the 'Demon of Screamin' is still rockin hard!
Looking forward to more shows in the future!
DC
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| Steven Tyler |
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