RUSHONROCK.COM

Aerosmith – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

The sceptics lined up in their legions, thousands deep and half expecting one of the greatest frontmen in rock and roll history to fail.

But Steven Tyler was never, ever going to let that happen. Within seconds of Aerosmith’s singalong opener, the 80s anthem Love In An Elevator, it became clear that reports of this particular singer’s demise were premature.

The fact that he turned up at all surprised many gathered in front of the main stage to pay their final respects at Download 2010. That he not only showed up but went on to turn in one of the highlight performances of another thrilling festival proved there’s plenty of life in this old dog yet. Read the rest of this entry »

All this week we’re bringing you the rushonrock guide to who’s hot at Download 2010 and they don’t have to be the biggest names topping the star-studded bill.

In fact, in TAB The Band‘s case they could be one of the tiniest acts at the three-day rock and metal fest but t’s well worth keeping these boys in the back – or even the front – of your mind.

Featuring no fewer than two of Aerosmith axe hero Joe Perry’s sons in their ranks this lot certainly aren’t short on rockstar pedigree.

And we hear they’ve caused quite a stir back home with some pretty positive coverage in the major music press. File under ones to watch and read on for our mini guide to a potentially major noise on the rock scene. Read the rest of this entry »

Every day this week we’ll be looking at the bands to watch at Download 2010.

And where better to start than the mighty Aerosmith?

Earlier this year it looked like the Toxic Twins’ time was up.

But like Lazarus they’ve risen from the ashes of internal strife to give rock fans another burst of sleazy rock and roll.

It takes a special band to close Download and that’s exactly what Aerosmith are. Read on for your guide to Tyler, Perry and co. Read the rest of this entry »

@ Metro Radio Arena, April 7 2010

According to David Coverdale, the other Teessider with a prime set of pipes, it’s Good To Be Bad. Well it’s even better to be Bad Company.

This was, quite possibly, the best rock and roll show Newcastle’s Arena has ever staged with a sound to savour and an emotionally charged performance par excellence. Sure there were moans and groans that Paul Rodgers and co. were on stage less than 90 minutes but the sheer quality far outweighed the limited quantity. Those who left the venue without their hairs standing on end need a lesson in appreciation – this was a special event worth every penny. Read the rest of this entry »

Aerosmith will co-headline Download 2010 – on the condition that Steven Tyler joins Joe Perry on the Donington stage.

That’s the incredible news rock fans are digesting tonight as the organisers of the UK’s leading roc and metal festival continue to finalise this summer’s bill.

Chart-topping angst rockers Rage Against The Machine have also been lined up to join the likes of AC/DC, Them Crooked Vultures and Mortorhead at what is fast becoming a who’s who of rock greats. And while Aerosmith with Tyler would be a massive draw it’s debatable whether the Toxic Twins can get their shit together in time for one final hurrah. Read the rest of this entry »

Aerosmith – Dude (Looks Like A Lady) (Tyler/Perry/Child) b/w Love In An Elevator (Live) (Tyler/Perry) & Walk This Way (Live) (Tyler/Perry)

1987

This was the track which confirmed Aerosmith as a credible hair metal act perfectly suited to capitalise on the MTV boom.

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry brought hitmaker supreme Desmond Child on board to beef up their late 80s songwriting and the transformation was awesome. Slick pop rock tunes combined with cutting edge video clips breathed new life into the Toxic Twins and sparked a golden era in Aerosmith’s chequered career. Read the rest of this entry »

Aerosmith’s Joe Perry will open for Bad Company when the blues rock legends return to live action in the UK next spring.

Paul Rodgers and co. have announced eight arena dates for next April – including a stop off at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on April 7.

And the Joe Perry Project will open up as special guests on what is expected to be one of the hottest tickets of 2010. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s Sunday night so it has to be new music night on the website dedicated to the rock of our ages. This week there’s some true Geordie power, some serious six-string action and the latest from one of America’s biggest bands…

Children Of The Future: A Tribute To Les Paul – Various Artists (Immergent)

Normally speaking any record boasting the combined talents of Slash, Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, Joe Bonamassa, Richie Sambora and the great Les Paul would warrant special praise. But then that red-haired nightclub crooner Mick Hucknall has to go and spoil it all by making an unwelcome guest appearance.

Why some bloke from Simply Red was ever considered for this latest tribute to the man who invented the solid body electric guitar is anyone’s guess. But hey, we’ll get over it. And instead we’ll pour over some truly inspirational music from a clutch of artists even our very own Self Made Man might have heard of over the years…

Dying To Live is to die for as Les teams up with Edgar Winter to produce a timless piece of rootsy guitar genius. Les and Joe Perry do their best to drown out the wailing Hucknall on I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know (OK, we haven’t quite got over it just yet) and what’s not to like about the boy Bonamassa trading licks with Sir Les on the brilliant The Good Luck You’re Having? 

Vocalise, featuring Slash, is sensational stuff and Sambora finishes off a fine release with a flourish as the Bon Jovi man lets rip on Great Hall Of Fame. All in all this album is surprising and mesmerising in equal measure.

rushonrock rated: 9/10 Les Filler, More Killer

3 Doors Down – 3 Doors Down (Island Records)

More than 15 million paying customers can’t be wrong as 3 Doors Down continue to rack up album sales at an unbelievable rate. Or can they?

While the US quintet continue to blaze a coast to coast trail in their home country it’s fair to say Brad Arnold and the boys have yet to convince European audiences of their true worth. A five-date UK tour this month might change the perception of us Brits but don’t bank on it.

It seems to us that 3 Doors Down don’t quite know where to pitch themselves to the unconverted. Are they a beefed up Matchbox Twenty, a toned down Nickelback or Bon Jovi’s bastard sons?

Number one US single It’s Not My Time is unremarkable enough but check out Citizen/Soldier and Runaway if you’re looking for what’s right about a band which manages occasional brilliance against all odds. This could be their breakthrough record over here but it could go the same way as their previous three.

rushonrock rated: 5/10 Doors Open Up

The Sound Ex – Palomino (DR2)

At times it’s difficult to believe this accomplished rock record has been sitting on the shelf gathering dust for two agonising years. One listen tells you everything you need to know about The Sound Ex: even after a rebranding, a re-signing and a rebirth the Geordie foursome are as relevant and rocking as ever.

What’s great about Tyneside’s self-styled rock and soul brothers is the diversity which courses through Palomino from start to finish. At times you think you’re listening to the MC5 singing Blaydon Races but pierce the punk and there are refreshing elements of indie, pop and classic rock.

This is a record which keeps you guessing from start to finish and even after several plays it’s impossible to know where Palomino will lead The Sound Ex in the future. The boys tell rushonrock there’s already more than enough new material written to fire out another record asap. But too soon would be too cruel – let us savour this one for a while please.

rushonrock rated: 8/10 Sounds Fine