News From The Road

The guys gather in front of Hotel before rehearsals  Photo: John B.

Hey everybody! Lots going on since we got off the road December 18^th. The band are in the midst of a full frontal press attack! They just played London for the first time since 1999. The show capped off a day of press at the Hard Rock Café where the guys met journalists from all over Europe. Originally the band were going to play 3 or 4 songs to start off the press conference but Steven thought what the hell let’s just play a gig. So the guys put together an 11 song set the day before at rehearsals and just blew the roof off the place.

The guys sit at a booth at the Hard Rock putting together the set list  Photo: John B.

I have seen this band many times and on this night they just went on autopilot and cooked. I think the crowd at the Hard Rock could have been a little more enthusiastic but I understand a lot of them were press people who may not have been hardcore fans of the the guys. I look forward to the summer show in Hyde Park.

I had the best seat in the house - John B.   Photo: Joe Sagara

I do have to say that the highlight of the trip for me was getting to see the master of the big bottom Tom Hamilton back on stage rocking the 4 (or 5) string. Tom has been through a lot in the past year and you could see he was really psyched to be back playing again.

200 Bagel Wightman and John B on crutches     Photo: Joe Sagara

Since space was limited the guys had to dress under the Hard Rock Store across the street. Steven wanted a little more room so he summoned Col. Donny Wightman to secure 2 Winnebago’s for the band. Donny explained to the Hard Rock brass in his thick Boston accent what was needed for the following morning and the Hard Rock production guy nodded and mumbled back in a thick cockney accent. Donny sensing there might have been something lost in translation said, “Could you repeat that?” Yes Ir’ We will ‘av 200 Bagels here in the morning. That’s what I thought said Boston’s finest. He then tried speaking the kings English to clarify things. I couldn’t help but thinking what would have happened if 200 piping hot bagels showed up at the Hard Rock the next morning.

The band’s major reason for being in London was to promote the Hyde Park show in June. The event is called Hyde Park Calling. It’s a 2-day festival with Aerosmith headlining the second day. Steven was in town earlier in the week to attend the Brit Awards. He then went to a party following the awards hosted by the band “Oasis.” Last time in the UK the leader of the band, Noel Gallagher, came to Aerosmith’s Wembley Stadium show and hung out with Joe Perry backstage. Hopefully he will be back again this year. Oasis is a great band and deservingly was given a lifetime achievement award at the Brits.

Halfin being Halfin!    Photo: Joe Sagara

Ross shoots Joe Perry    Photo: John B.

On Tuesday Joe had a full day of press, which included a lot of one on one interviews with various magazines across Europe. The day was capped off by a photo shoot in nearby Parsons Green by none other than legendary photographer/website writer Ross “The Boss” Halfin. Usually Ross is bossy and for some reason the bands like his harsh approach because he get’s things done quick, but Joe is a different animal and works at his own pace. The shoot was however quick and the pictures look awesome. I am sure Ross will put some up without asking for permission soon.

Nobu Calling!   Photo: Kazuyo

Later that evening Ross, Peter Makowski (from Classic Rock magazine), Joe, Jimmy Page and myself went to Nobu. The food was great and the company better except for maybe Halfin who spent most of the evening chatting up birds. Bryan Adams stopped by on his way out and graciously introduced himself to Joe and Jimmy. I couldn’t help but think how many records have been sold between the 3 of them. Joe and Jimmy have been friends for a while now and spent the evening talking about mainly guitars. After dinner we jumped in cab and headed back to our hotel. Joe invited Peter up to finish the interview while Jimmy called it a night. Ross hung out in my room. What a treat! The guy went through my mini bar looking for chocolate and cashews. This stuff ain’t cheap. Ross wanted to do his diary from my computer. I got to see first hand that half the stuff the guy writes is shite. But I have to say he does make it quite humorous. He isn’t quite the tyrant he is made out to be but he’s really close.

The next day Steven headed off to Milan to hang out with designer Roberto Cavalli. Joey and his lovely wife April decided to stay an extra day and sight see while Brad and his wife Kim and son Aiden are still in London. Tom and Donny headed out the day after the show.

Next up is South America and Mexico. The guys will spend March getting ready for the April tour and then head to Dubai to start the Spring/Summer tour. I am looking forward to the tour, as it will hit a lot of city’s I have never been to.

See You on the Road!

John B.

Check Out John B's other reports HERE