Aerosmith, August 15, 2002
Post-Gazette Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA

Aerosmith is one band that has survived the test of time, turmoil, and the trials of the rock world not only continuing on, but being quite successful over and over again.  This tour reminds fans of the time that Aerosmith had the need to resurrect their career and to put themselves back on top again.  That opportunity was given to the band when a popular rap group wanted to not only sample their song but also to sing it with them for a new recording. 

The video track of Aerosmith and Run DMC can still be remembered today, and while some may argue the merger of rock and rap and even the line-up of Run DMC, Kid Rock, and Aerosmith on this tour, one thing is for certain, if it wasn’t for that unexpected comeback, songs like “Dude,” “Love in an Elevator,” and even “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” may not have seen the light of day (or at least the radio and video exposure that made them new classics)…

In Pittsburgh, Aerosmith knocked the socks off fans (who’ve been waiting to see them since an unexpected cancellation last fall) by opening with old  favorites like “Back in the Saddle” and “Same Old Song and Dance.”  And, without a full studio album to promote on this tour, aside from the single “Girls of Summer,” the band’s set seemed very much unpredictable.  Inclusions like “F.I.N.E.,” second in the set, and “Monkey on My Back” later on, where testimony to that fact. 

With last summer’s show in their memory, fans knew what to expect from that small stage positioned in the center of the lawn seating, and after waiting countless hours to get an up close glimpse, Aerosmith finally moved from the main stage through the crowd.   Their mission:  to jam like they’d done back in the club days.  While some may argue that a song with the impact of “Dream On” should be performed with the full stage sound, other favorites like “Big Ten Inch Record” and “Mama Kin” offered a glimpse of what it would have been like to see the beginnings of such a huge band with an intimate atmosphere and raw sound (despite this sold out crowd).

Newer material included the expected new single, as well as "Jaded," however, other recent mainstays in the band's set like "Pink" and "Just Push Play" were left out to make room for even more of the classics like "Draw the Line" and "Sweet Emotion."  But, the band did include a b-side from the "Get a Grip" album, featuring guitarist Joe Perry on vocals.  As is often the case, when Perry takes center stage, the band's blues influences soar and "Can't Stop Messin" was no exception. 

As expected, Aerosmith was joined not just by Run DMC but also by Kid Rock for an explosive 2002 version of "Walk This Way," but that was only the beginning of the encore.  Aerosmith continued on with their classic jam on "Train Kept A Rollin," however, the length of the song was kept to a minimum. Perhaps the band had already played into their curfew. 

For more information on Aerosmith tour dates and the new O Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits release, visit www.aerosmith.com.
 

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