1/16/2004
Aerosmith began in 1970 in Sunapee, NH where lead vocalist Steven Tyler first met guitarist Joe Perry, along with bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer and Ray Tabano (later replaced by guitarist Brad Whitford). The band relocated to Boston, Mass. later that year and soon became club favorites of the Northeast.
After signing with Columbia the group released their eponymous debut album in late 1973. The album was a great success, thanks to the hit single "Dream On". After touring much of 1974 with such bands as "Mott The Hoople" and "Kinks", Aerosmith returned late that year with "Get Your Wings", which stayed on the charts for over 85 weeks, despite little air play, thanks to the band's grass-roots following.
With their 1975 breakthrough album "Toys In The Attic" Aerosmith became a household name. The Top 40 singles "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way" pushed the album to No. 11 and become classic rock staples. Success of the album prompted the re-release of "Dream On" which reached the Top 10 in early 1976 and increased the sales of the band's first two albums.
1976's "Rocks" reached No. 3 and quickly went platinum. It's late 1977 follow-up album "Draw The Line", went platinum and peaked at No. 11. Following a 1978 U.S tour, Aerosmith appeared in the movie Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, performing a cover of "Come Together". Featured on their 1978 live album "Live! Bootleg" "Come Together" was the band's last major radio hit of the 70's. Following the release of the 1979 gold album "Night In The Ruts", Joe Perry began working on a solo project, while guitarist Brad Whitford quit the group to form a new band with ex-Ted Nugent guitarist Derick St. Holmes. They were replaced by guitarists Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay. Meanwhile Steven got into a serious motorcycle accident, which landed him in the hospital for months.
Following the release of a Greatest Hits album which sold over 6 million copies, the new incarnation of Aerosmith released the album "Rock In A Hard Place" in 1982. Shortly after it's release, however, the band was dropped from Columbia Records. Perry and Whitford returned to the band for a 1984 reunion tour.
Signing a new record deal with Geffen, the band began a new phase in their career when they released the 1986's "Done With Mirrors", marking a return to the original line up and the sound which made them a hit in the 70's. A guest appearance on Run D.M.C's 1986's cover of "Walk This Way" returned the group to the spotlight when the single went to No. 4 and became a MTV hit. Aerosmith's management began carefully planning the group's comeback. Working with the same team behind Bon Jovi's hit albums, professional songwriter Desmond Child and producer Bruce Fairburn, Aerosmith recorded their slick 1987 comeback album "Permanent Vacation", which spawned the Top 10 Hits "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" "Ragdoll" and "Angel". The album sold over 3 million copies and hit No. 11 setting the stage for their 1989 smash "Pump". Featuring hits "Janie's Got A Gun" and "Love In An Elevator" this album sold over 4 million copies and reached No. 5, solidifying possibly the most succesful comeback in rock history. A massive world tour followed and the band signed a new contract with Columbia (despite owing Geffen 2 more albums); a groundbreaking yet risky move by their old label, who were faithful in the band's long-term potential.
1993's "Get A Grip" continued Aerosmith's winning streak, debuting at No. 1 spinning off singles "Livin' On The Edge" "Cryin' " and the power ballad "Amazing"-- a special accomplishment, considering the sinking popularity of pop metal in general, the album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won the group 2 Grammy's. The following year Aerosmith embarked on a world tour, including an appearance at Woodstock '94, meanwhile they released the double-platinum selling compilation "Big Ones" which completed their contract with Geffen.
Aerosmith's debut album for Columbia Records, "Nine Lives", was released March 1997 and debuted on the album charts as No. 1. Within 4 weeks of it's release, " Nine Lives" went gold in 6 countries, platinum in1 and double platinum in 2 countries. The band kicked off a successful worldwide tour in Newcastle, England in May 1997.
In 1998, Aerosmith had it's first No. 1 single "I Dont Want To Miss A Thing" from the soundtrack of the movie Armageddon (co-starring Steven Tyler's daughter Liv Tyler). The song was nominated for an Acadamy Award and several Grammy's. Still in 1998, the band released a live double-album called -A Little South of Sanity"
*Taken from Rolling Stone Online and modified by myself :o)
It has been ages since I've done anything on here. Since the last update we've seen the Just Push Play album and another greatest hits album called Young Lust. I've been to numerous shows over the past 3 years. Now we are awaiting a new back to their roots blues album, tentatively titled Honkin on Bobo which should be relased around March 2004..
No official tour dates have been announced at this time but should happen any day now.
