Aerosmith, considered by many to be America's greatest rock and roll band, has its roots in New Hampshire. Two members of the band, lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry spent their childhood summers in Sunapee. Bassist Tom Hamilton went to nearby New London High School and lived year round in the resort town. Tyler and Perry met at the Anchorage, a Sunapee ice cream parlor, where Perry held a summer job.
In 1964, Steven Tyler formed his first serious band, The Strangeurs, in Sunapee. Later, in 1966, as Steven went into the studio to record for the first time with his band, the newly named Chain Reaction, Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton started a band of their own. By 1969, they would be called the Jam Band. Both bands would play locally and fate would bring them together. In Sunapee, back in those days there was a place called the Barn, where teenagers would gather to watch bands play. The three level barn would become a favorite hangout for the boys. Tyler, Perry and Hamilton got together to form their own band and the following year they made their first public appearance as Aerosmith.
During these early years, Aerosmith worked hard, playing everywhere they could to establish themselves. They played throughout New Hampshire, in places like the JFK Coliseum in Manchester, Holman Stadium in Nashua, the Capitol Theater in Concord and of course, at the Barn in Sunapee. They played many a high school prom. Now, more than thirty five years later, they have acheived incredible successes, touring the world, winning many a Grammy and numerous other awards, performing at the Superbowl and earning their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All the fame did come with a price. During the seventies, when they were at the height of their game, the band suffered through serious drug addiction, eventually splitting up. Their demons would haunt them for years to come.
They were "Back in the Saddle" by the late 80's, making their way back by re-releasing "Walk this Way" remixed with Run DMC. Some even credit them with bringing rap music into the mainstream. All this from a band originally started in the small town of Sunapee, New Hampshire. You'll find evidence of their presence here. The Anchorage is still there, though it is now a full service restaurant. A brick walkway in the harbor features bricks carved out with band members' names and a brick that simply says, "Aerosmith". Members of the band continue to maintain strong ties to the Granite State. The New Hampshire International Speedway has attracted racing fans Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer. Both Joe Perry and Steven Tyler still spend occasional time with their families in the Sunapee area.
In 1998, the band released the single "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" from the Armageddon soundtrack. The film starred Tyler's daughter Liv. The song earned them their first #1 single, and their only one to date. The single was also nominated for an Academy Award, another first for the band. In January 2001, the band performed during the half-time show at the Superbowl with Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, 'N Sync and Nelly.
The band has set out on many co-headlining tours with other well-known bands over the years. In 1999 it was Kid Rock and Run D.M.C. In 2003, the Rocksimus Maximus Tour paired them up with KISS, and 2006's Route of All Evil Tour matched them up with Motley Crue. In 2007, the band headed out on another world tour, hitting South America and Europe as well as some new locales, like Dubai, Russia and India.
In September 2007, Steven Tyler launched a line of custom motorcycles, the Red Wing Motorcycle Company, at New Hampshire International Speedway, with Stephen Talarico and Mark Dirico. "You get on one of these bikes and you can ride for days," Tyler said about the bikes, which pull 35% more horsepower than a stock Harley Davidson. "These bikes are sick, rugged, and just damn cool. And they're amazing to look at."
In early 2008, the band was purportedly back in the studio to record their final CD for Sony, but they have been sidelined with injuries (Steven Tyler had foot surgery and Joe Perry had to have knee replacement surgery). Still, a new record is expected in the Fall of '08. In the meantime, the band is cashing in on the popularity of the "Guitar Hero" phenomenon by focusing on their launch of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, which is expected to hit stores in June 2008.
On April 8, 2008, Steven Tyler appeared at Opening Day at Fenway Park and sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch.
The band has set out on many co-headlining tours with other well-known bands over the years. In 1999 it was Kid Rock and Run D.M.C. In 2003, the Rocksimus Maximus Tour paired them up with KISS, and 2006's Route of All Evil Tour matched them up with Motley Crue. In 2007, the band headed out on another world tour, hitting South America and Europe as well as some new locales, like Dubai, Russia and India.
