We have been based in Florida for the better part of 2 weeks now. The shows have been great and, hell, they have put "Kings and Queens" in set for two nights in a row. When we were in Atlanta I was going over the setlist and Joe blurted out, "Let's do Kings and Queens," to Steven and he said, "Let's do it!" so I told Brad, Tom and Joey while they were warming up literally 15 minutes before showtime. Almost immediately Tom reaches for his CD's and pops in Draw the Line. The three of them listened to the song
once and nailed it. This song is one of those chestnuts you don't get to hear that often so it felt extra special this night. I remember they played it at Donington in '94 and really butchered it but... tonight it was like butter. The guys love playing in Atlanta. It was one of the first cities to really embrace rock music and Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom was the place to play. I don't know what went on back then but it always puts a smile on their faces when that name is mentioned.
The guys taped a segment for the Today show in Atlanta too. It airs this Thursday morning - early - so be sure to check it out. It's all about how a rock show gets put up - how it works. The road crew have to load into the venue as the sun is coming up and don't finish load-out until after you guys have been asleep for a few hours after coming home from the show. The men in black put in some serious hours. They are the ultimate professionals and I tip my hat to them.
Jacksonville, Fl was fun because the NE Patriots were playing Jacksonville at home in Foxboro while Aerosmith was playing in Jacksonville. Tom and Brad were watching the game right up until showtime. During the encore the guys were told the score and that the Pats had won. I asked Production Manager, Charlie Hernandez, if we should post the final score on the screens and he looked at me with a bewildered glare and said "What are you f%&kin' crazy?" Ah, but the joy of winning that game came to a crushing halt as the following week they got defeated by the Bronco's in Denver. It was a great run for a great team. I am now rooting for Pittsburgh because their coach looks like he could pop a vein at any minute. I like his moxy!
On an off day Tom and Tour Coordinator, Donny Wightman, decided to kill an afternoon by attempting to play golf. They quickly got escorted off the 1st tee because of their attire. It seems Tom's camouflage shorts and albeit collared shirt with a nice skull and crossbones logo didn't meet the course's stuffy dress code. They then went to a casino where they were more in their element.
At the Tampa show, Cheap Trick lead crooner, Robin Zander, brought his silky voice to the St. Pete Times Forum. He came with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, Jon Gruden. This hot-head is a great coach and he spent some time with the boys before they hit the stage. Robin joined the guys on Come Together. Earlier in the tour Rick Nielsen came up and jammed and if we pass through Nashville at some point I'm sure bassist, Tom Petersson, will get up on stage too but sadly I don't think Mr. Bun. Carlos will not come out unless Aerosmith plays in his living room. Rick Nielsen has a great shirt that reads "Our Singer is better than Yours" but I think Joe Perry could wrestle him for it.
Unfortunately, after giving it a go at souncheck Lenny couldn't do the show because of throat problems. In his place was a girl named "Twinkle" who stepped in with only a grand piano and entertained the crowd. It must have been pretty intimidating but she passed with flying colors. Fingers crossed, Lenny should be back in Ft. Lauderdale.
Be sure to catch Joe Perry and his wife, Billie, on Animal Planet's show called "Trail Mix." It will take you to their Vermont home where they talk about their horses. It airs on Jan. 29th at 8pm EST.
Houston we have a problem: I just got word that old Ross Halfin will grace us with his presence in the great state of Texas. He's a ballbreaker but a hell of a good photographer and a fine human.
Speaking of fine humans - Charlie Hernandez is Employee of the Week! This guy has seen and done it all. When it comes to getting this mother-of-a-show up every night, he comes in with his boots on the ground and his coffee pot set on stun. He broke into this business by working at clubs in NYC. He has done The Clash on Broadway and got his road legs with Billy Squire.
He toured with The Stones, David Bowie and Metallica to name a few. I've had the great pleasure of working with him the past 5 years with Aerosmith and last summer on Ozz fest. He's a true gentleman!
See you on the road!
John B.
