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February 2, 2010
No End in Sight For Aerosmith Drama
With each passing day, the future of Aerosmith seems more uncertain. This rollercoaster ride for fans of the Bean Town rockers seems to have started when Steven Tyler took that much-publicized tumble from the stage during the group’s summer tour with ZZ Top.
Surely there had to be a lot going on behind the scenes well before the incident, but the fall seems to have been the turning point which opened the floodgates, and confirmed a lot of speculation regarding the status of the band and the relationship between Tyler and the rest of the group.
There were reports from inside the Aerosmith camp that Tyler’s behavior had taken a turn for the bizarre, and some recent public actions on the part of the iconic frontman seem to confirm the allegations.
Recently Tyler delivered an impromptu performance by singing over the P.A. system of a Home Depot store in Rancho Mirage, CA. He belted out versions of “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” while shoppers roamed the aisles, probably wondering what new classic rock radio station the store’s management had tuned in to.
A week or so prior to his Home Depot debut, Tyler took to the stage at a club called the Tilted Kilt in Palm Desert, and finished up a karaoke rendition of "I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing." The previous two performers had not been well-received by the audience, so Tyler apparently decided to show them how it was done – much to the surprise of the club’s other patrons no doubt!
Tyler is reportedly still in rehab for his pain-killer addiction, but is said to have earned privileges that allow him to take trips away from the facility after 30 days of treatment. Tyler’s management company says that the 61-year-old singer is still in rehab and is set to continue with the 90-day program.
As for the Home Depot performance, the same source says that Tyler just happened to be shopping there, and pointed out that Tyler is a performer 24/7, whether he’s on stage or at Home Depot. Who knows? Maybe the guy was just happy to be through his first 30 days of rehab and decided to share the joy with his fellow shoppers.
Unfortunately, more recent news developments may be putting a bit of a damper on Steven Tyler’s mood. The rest of the group is said to be continuing their efforts to find a replacement singer with names such as Billy Idol, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Rodgers, and Chris Cornell being bandied about.
As a result, it appears the relationship between Tyler and the rest of the group may deteriorate even further in light of news regarding possible legal action. Billboard reported that Tyler’s lawyer has contacted Aerosmith manager Howard Kaufman and advised the group to “…cease and desist from engaging in acts and conduct to the harm and detriment of your own client, Aerosmith, and our client who is one of its members.”
Tyler reportedly has every intention of returning to his post with Aerosmith and wants to release a new album and tour with the group in Europe and South America as originally planned.
The letter from Tyler’s attorney to Aerosmith’s management also states that, “Contrary to all common sense, you are seeing to bring about the replacement of Steven Tyler. Aerosmith without Steven Tyler is like the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger, or U2 without Bono. While this management strategy may get the band on the road a few months sooner, it ultimately could destroy Aerosmith.”
Clearly the rest of the group is anxious to get back to the business of being a band, whether than includes Steven Tyler or not. Tyler’s ability to complete rehab successfully may be the deciding factor regarding the future of the group. It’s hard to imagine his band mates turning him away if he cleans up his act, but this could be his last chance to hold the group together and continue on as Aerosmith.
More recent details can be found in People magazine.
February 16, 2008
Tom Scholz Asks Huckabee To Stop Playing Boston Tune
It’s certainly not new to see certain celebrities get in on the act during Presidential campaigns and the current campaign is no exception.
Boston’s Tom Scholz is no stranger to controversy. His disputes with fellow band members, and even their spouses, are well known and continue to this day. Now it seems he may be embroiled in one involving Presidential politics.
Apparently, Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee of Arkansas has been using one of Boston’s well-known hits during campaign appearances. Boston’s “More Than A Feeling” has been performed by Huckabee — who happens to be a bass player himself — and his band, “Capitol Offense.”
Scholz is said to have fired off a letter to Huckabee asking him to stop using the song, although it appears that at least one former member of Boston does not agree.
Former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau has appeared at campaign events with Huckabee and obviously has no problem with the former Arkansas Governor using Boston’s music.
It’s apparent that Scholz is not in line with Huckabee’s view of the world and wrote that “Boston has never endorsed a political candidate, and with all due respect, would not start by endorsing a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything Boston stands for.”
Huckabee’s former New Hampshire campaign manager says Scholz is being “ridiculous” and that he has never heard Huckabee play “More Than A Feeling” except when Barry Goudreau was campaigning with him back in October.
Scholz maintains that Huckabee has been using “More Than A Feeling” as a “centerpiece” at rallies and that Barry Goudreau is identified in association with Boston as part of a Huckabee endorsement video.
For those interested in the political leanings of their favorite celebrities, it is not difficult to figure them out when they decide to get involved in political campaigns.
Personally, I wish more celebrities would keep their political views private since I find myself disappointed more often then not when I get wind of a particular celebrity’s political leanings.
