On to Monterrey Mexico. The guys played at a place called Estadio Universitario to about 50,000 people. The place went nuts wire to wire. Aerosmith hasn’t been to Mexico since 1994. The set list was pretty much the same as the 2 South American shows. Out was Crazy, but something strange happened that I have never seen or heard before. As the band’s Suburbans raced out of the stadium with the chords of “Walk this Way” still ringing in everybody’s ears the 50,000 or so Monterrey aerofanatics were signing at the top of their lungs the chorus of Crazy. Maybe it was time to put it back in. The next day the guys flew to Guadalajara. It was about an hour flight, which made the 11-hour flight to Monterrey seem like a distant memory. That night some of the guys went to a great restaurant called “Santo Coyote”. The food was great and the atmosphere even better. Smoking was permitted in the bar area which made Tour Manager Jimmy Eyers happy as he smokes like an old Buick.
Photo: Melissa Mahoney
The next night the gig was at basically a bullring called Arena VFG. It also houses rodeos, which made Joe happy as he got to ride before the show. The guys played to about 15,000 people. It was the only indoor show of the tour. Before the gig the crew guys were concerned that the sound coming off the stage was too boomy and that it may throw Joe off. All of the other band members wear in ear monitors so the sound is basically the same every night. Joe’s answer to that was to crank up his amps. It ended up being the best sounding show of the tour. Brad, Tom, Joey and Donny aka Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo went to a place called “Tlaquepaque”.
Tlaquepaque is one of those places that shoppers dream of. This Guadalajara suburb is a "must" on any vacationers agenda. I know people who have flown halfway around the world just to shop in Tlaquepaque. The main shopping area has been closed off to traffic so that you can stroll and shop at a leisurely pace.
Ok so I cut and pasted that last paragraph. Sue me! Brad ended up with a gorgeous old covered wagon for his home and Joey and Tom got a bunch of knick knacks.
Joe with the Billie Guitar Photo: John Bionelli
Next it was off to Mexico City. This place reminded me of a cross between Paris and Flint Michigan. The police escort from the airport was off the hook. On every turn I thought that I would loose that delicious Quesadilla I had earlier in the day. We arrived safe and sound just in time to see a great band from Mexico City open the show called “Cucao”. Like La Cucaracha. Good bunch of Amigos!
Tom gives Guadalajara the once over Photo: John Bionelli
Guess what? Crazy was back! Also Joe and Steven thought Mama Kin instead of Toys would be a nice change. I love Brad’s solo in Mama Kin and tonight he took it even higher. Maybe it was the elevation of the Stadium where everyone in attendance got free admission to the mile high (and higher) club.
Next up Vegas baby! Please remember to split them and double down…..
See You On the Road!
Juan B.
PS. I just got word that Ross Halfin is coming to our hotel today. The staff here called him the orange “Oompa-loompa”. Please folks that is a term of endearment on their part and should not be taken as a derogatory statement against Oompa-loompa’s.
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