The Bad Boys from Boston are back and any rift created by Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler’s stint on American Idol appears to be long gone.
With an explosive two hour set, Aerosmith rocked the sold-out TD Garden Tuesday night, sticking to hardcore classics like “Love in an Elevator” and “Back in the Saddle,” and noticeably avoiding the power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
After more than 40 years of cranking out hits, these guys proved that they still have it, and despite the reported discord among Tyler and his bandmates — guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer — appeared to be as cohesive as ever.
With sequins and sparkles on Tyler’s floor-length coat, Perry’s jacket and Kramer’s shirt sleeves, even their wardrobe seemed to coordinate, albeit slightly too bedazzled.
Tyler rarely spoke during the set, letting the music speak for itself and driving the crowd wild with the performances of “Livin’ on the Edge,” “Rag Doll,” and “What it Takes.”
The set also included new songs from “Music From Another Dimension,” due this fall. “Legendary Child” and “Oh Yeah” weren’t half bad and were reminiscent of the band’s earlier music.
To close things out, “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way” were outstanding with Tyler hitting every note.
Aerosmith fans couldn’t have imagined a better encore, as Tyler, seated at a sparkling white grand piano, emerged in a cloud of smoke from below the stage playing the iconic start to “Dream On.” Perry joined him, standing on top of the piano absolutely shredding on guitar.
For the Aerosmith fan whose dedication may have waned as the band’s drama increased over the past few years, this was a show that reminded you why you liked them so much.
So if you missed it Tuesday, they’re doing it all again Thursday and tickets are still available.
