News From The Road

Los Angeles:
Joey did an autograph signing at the Guitar Center on Sunset. He stayed for a few hours and signed his drum loops CD and anything else that was put in front of him. He passed out sticks and posed for pictures until everyone went away happy. Seeing Joey work every night - he has got to be one of the most dedicated musicians I have ever seen. People often ask, "why is Joey the first one to leave during a meet and greet?" and the answer is because he has a routine before a show that takes well over an hour. He tapes his fingers, gets dressed and then plays on a practice pad to limber up. Joey rarely eats before a show, too.

Hollywood Bowl:

First off, the freakin' Beatles played here! This was Aerosmith's second time at the Bowl. It's a great venue. It's close to the hotel and you get close to the people too. The guys had a ramp come out from both sides of the stage and make an almost oval shape that stretched into about the 10th row of the audience. These guys don't skimp when it comes to production. If you only knew what it takes to put on a rock show. Some of you that take the tour get a pretty good idea when you see it from the back of the stage.

Back to the show. Again, it was a "who's who" there back stage. Everyone from Heather Locklear, Pam Anderson, Carrot Top, David Spade, Rosanna Arquette, Richie Sambora, and Sheryl Crow. Sheryl did a song with Kid Rock and David Spade was dragged up for "Walk this Way" and did quite well. Joe said it was one of the better shows of the tour and the 18,000 people there would probably agree.

After the show some of the guys went over to keyboardist, Russ Irwin's, house in the Hills and were joined by Arquette and cutie Michelle Branch. I don't think that thing broke up 'til the wee hours of the morning.

See ya next week as we wrap this leg up!

--John B