It was great getting back to Dublin again. I hadn’t been there in 2 years or so. It’s too bad we did a hit and run. Again the guys were stuck up against a strict curfew because the Park was in the middle of the city and there were sound and crowd issues. I guess one solution would be to open doors earlier and maybe scratch an opening band but it was such a strong bill and a great night of music. After the show we headed straight back to London where we were basing.
John and Gio get luggage duty leaving Venice.
Next up was Cologne, Germany for yet another hit and run. I guess you may think you get to see a lot of the world on tour. It’s true you do but with all the travel sometimes the guys will just fly in, do the show and fly out and set up a base in another city. Amsterdam was the next base city. Although because of the Princess Diana show we only got to stay in Amsterdam a couple of nights and believe me - it was plenty.
Dion and the Whitfords
We went down to the show at Wembley Stadium about the same time it started. It took about an hour to get to the stadium and from the time we got there to the time Joe performed it was go, go, go. Joe’s dressing room was right next door to Tom Jones’s with Joss Stone across the hall and Fergie around the corner. Joe jumped into hair and makeup for the television cameras, which took about 5 minutes. He then went to the press line and did a quick photo call and got interviewed by about 15-20 news outlets. Then it was time for a quick bite and warm up before the show. Joe went into Tom Jones’ dressing room to go over a few song parts.
Joe and Tom discuss KISS.
I took this time to check out where the after- show party was. It was being held right next door to the stadium inside the Wembley Arena. The very same arena where we saw The Who play 3 days prior. The place was done up like a really extravagant disco. Open bar with great food and a sound system that would make Roger and Pete jealous. Well, maybe not jealous but have them scratching their heads - that’s for sure.
Next up: Showtime! Joe and Tom walked to the stage being stopped every 10 feet for pictures and autographs. Hollywood rockers Orson each stopped by to say hi to Joe right after their performance. Orson is huge in the UK having a Brit Award under their belt but as of yet can’t get arrested in the US. I guess they are our version of Robbie Williams in reverse. I thought the show was great. I had to watch it on YouTube a few times. Joe had a blast and Tom Jones was Tom Jones, always spot on. After the performance the guys hung out in the green room for a while hanging with the show’s other entertainers and presenters. Keifer Sutherland was there talking with Billie and Roman as we got back. He invited the Perry clan to watch a taping of 24 next year. Knowing Joe he will be in front of the camera and not behind it watching. John McEnroe came by and said hello. If my memory serves me I think John might have jammed with Aerosmith in NY in the early 80’s. P. Diddy was in the house. He invited Joe to a party the next day. Joe and Tom did a bunch of interviews together.
Joey's pre-show stroll.
Joe was tired and decided to pass on the parties and go back to the hotel. His son Roman had other plans. First up was a private Meet and Greet with the Princes. It was weird being in room with Tom Jones, Donny Osmond, Natasha Bedingfield, Dennis Hopper and Roman and me. Prince William was well.. a Prince. He chatted with Roman for a few minutes. Roman gave them both a couple of Dad’s picks. Prince Harry was a little quiet but charming just the same.
Roman and Prince William
From there we went to the party. Roman quickly made friends with some kids in his age bracket and was off dancing. I later found out they were part of The Royal Family. After 2 hours or so I figured it was time to go. Plus they had run out of lobster and oysters. I quickly became arch enemy number one in Roman’s eyes but the dodgy pin started to ache and the open bar wasn’t an option. He left with a pocket full of email addresses.
Latvia and Estonia:
Estonia from above.
It was cool going to uncharted waters. Aerosmith has never played there. The crowd in Latvia was hungry for some American rock and roll and they got it. Great set list and a great show. Steven was patrolling the stage like a freshly released caged animal. Joe was literally running in circles. After the show we headed for Helsinki where we would base for the next five days.
Steven Tyler - Showtime!
Tallinn:
We got the news early in the afternoon that the stage wasn’t secure enough to play on. The show was in jeopardy of being cancelled but the head rigger Bobby Carrell and production manager Steve Drymalski whipped the locals into shape and made the show happen. I’m glad they did because it ranks right up there with Paris for the best shows of the tour so far. Saddle was back and in my humble opinion it was the best set list of the tour.
Employee of the week honors go to:
Tennessee's finest
Bobby Carrell. Bobby has been on virtually every tour since 1984. He is the first one off the busses in the morning and the last one on at night. He makes sure the show's set can be hung into the venues as safely as possible. When he started on the Back in the Saddle tour he had a full head of jet black hair and now his locks are a more Colonel Sanders white. When not on tour with Aerosmith (or just about any other band you can think of) you can find him swinging on a tire over his backyard pond with his grandkids in Tennessee. He is a class act!
Tom shoots first!
Next Week - I’ll recap Russia!
See You on The Road!
John B.
