by Deb Rao
– Senior Columnist —
August 2st, 2014 at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. —
Aerosmith with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
From the East Coast to the West Coast Aerosmith made a special stop to the MGM Grand Arena for the Let Rock Rule Tour on Aug. 2. I have seen the band perform many times in their Boston heyday but for some reason this show tonight proved to be one of my favorites since their early heyday.
Aerosmith got their start playing in the college club circuit at a nightclub called Katy’s in Kenmore Square. The band also performed many times at the shores of Lake Nipmuc in Hopedale, Mass. Aerosmith had a pure raw rock sound that captured the heart of Beantown. It wasn’t long ’til our best-kept secret went national. Fast forward here we are seeing the band perform at the MGN Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Vegas is known for its glamor and glitz and tonight the Bad Boys of Boston showed Sin City how we rock Boston style. Taking over the strip with their over the edge performance.
Opening the show was Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. This is one of the best live bands around. Slash and company opened with “You’re A Lie” and then slammed into “Night Train.” Slash’s band features ¾ of his band who reside in Las Vegas including Todd Kerns, Frank Sidoris, and Brent Fitz. It was great seeing the local boys in a huge stage setting such as the MGM. They took full control of the opportunity. Slash was the perfect act to open for Aerosmith. How often do you get to see two guitar heroes in one night? The other guitar hero would be Joe Perry of course.
Highlights of the set included new song “World On Fire.” This is the title track of a new album that is slated for a September release. Other highlights would be the GNR set of “Sweet Child Of Mine,” and “Paradise City.” Singer Myles Kennedy has a fantastic sultry voice that just draws you in. Combined with the dynamic musicianship of bassist Todd Kerns, the band is rock solid.
Aerosmith hit the stage at 9:30 P.M. for what would be one of the most explosive concerts of the season. Opening with “Back In The Saddle”, the Bad Boys of Boston proceeded to rock the arena in full force. The stage setting featured a long catwalk in which the band took full control of using. Steven Tyler was dressed in a long red sequin jacket and black floppy hat. Parading around the stage taking full command. The band dug deep into their repertoire performing such hits as “Love In The Elevator”, “Cryin,” and “Rag Doll.” Joe Perry took full control with the soaring guitar riffs of “Toys In The Attic.”
It is no secret that Joe Perry loves the blues. Tonight the guitarist took center stage singing blues song,” Stop Messing Around.” Joe has a style that is unsurpassed. Singer Steven Tyler continued with the blues playing the harp on “Big Ten Inch.” Steven is a one of a kind front-man, as all eyes were on the master of showmanship. Steven toyed with the audience saying, “What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas, it is on the front page the next day.” He got that right!
Aerosmith slowed things down for a moment on “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” Next up the raw “No More No More.” The band returned to the stage for two encores including “Dream ON” which featured Steven rising up from the stage playing a grand on the acoustic intro of “Dream On.” To hear this song in the purest form was just beautiful. The band ended with “Sweet Emotion.” Tonight The Bad Boys of Boston rocked Vegas Boston Strong.
Set List:
Back In The Saddle
Eat The Rich
Love In The Elevator
Cryin
Living On The Edge
Monkey On My Back
Kings And Queen
Toys In The Attic
Ragdoll
Stop Messing Around
Big Ten Inch Record
Lord Of The Thighs
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
No More No More
Walk This Way
Encores
Dream On
Sweet Emotion
Visit the bands online: www.facebook.com/aerosmith www.facebook.com/slash www.facebook.com/todddammitkerns
