Aerosmith rocks Bayfest
The Sarnia Observer, Ontario, Canada
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith drew a capacity crowd to Bayfest 2007 at
Centennial Park on Thursday.
(Photo: Glenn Ogilvie)
A sold out crowd of 20,000 let out a massive roar as Aerosmith hit the stage last night for what’s being called the biggest show in Bayfest history.
Steven Tyler’s signature wide-mouthed shrieks and rock-star poses had women wailing over the 59-year-old, who proved he’s still got “What it Takes.”
The ageless rockers — Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer — were hidden in a white van as police escorts rushed them backstage just before the show.
Once they hit the stage just after 10 p.m., the boys pumped out classic tunes from their over 30-year career, including “Cryin,’” "Livin’ on the Edge,” “Dream On,” and “Sweet Emotion.”
The crowd rocked as Tyler — dressed in fiery red pants and hot pink top — strutted his way up and down the catwalk, while Perry showed off his blazing guitar riffs during the near two-hour show.
Cellphones lit up the park as fans sang along to the popular ballad, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” followed by Perry’s electric performance of “Stop Messin.”
Outside, piles of fans crowded around the gates to get a glimpse of the wild rock show.
The concert opened with performances from Vancouver-based State of Shock, and Toronto native Suzie McNeil, best known for her fourth place finish on the 2005 reality show, INXS.
Centennial Park was one of only three Canadian stops for Aerosmith, whose 2007 world tour kicked off in April. Charlottetown and Toronto are the others.
Fans of all ages were lined up as early as 10 a.m., including members of the band's official fan club, “Aero Force One.”
“I absolutely love Steven Tyler,” said CaroleAnn Gregory. “I will not pay to see any other band.”
The longtime fan club member travelled from Cambridge for this, her 54th Aerosmith show.
Having been a diehard fan for the past 30 years, Gregory even married the lead singer of a Canadian Aerosmith tribute band.
Other club members flocked from Indianapolis, Michigan and Philadelphia.
Pam Waterfield and her fellow St. Clair High School fans were first in line outside the gates Thursday morning.
“We were going to sleep here but it rained all night,” she said. At age 17, Waterfield called it an opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is the biggest thing to come to Sarnia,” she said. “It’s definitely worth the wait.”
Bayfest continues tonight with country superstar Toby Keith, followed by British rockers Def Leppard on Saturday.
July 20, 2007
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith drew a capacity crowd to Bayfest 2007 at
Centennial Park on Thursday.
(Photo: Glenn Ogilvie)
A sold out crowd of 20,000 let out a massive roar as Aerosmith hit the stage last night for what’s being called the biggest show in Bayfest history.
Steven Tyler’s signature wide-mouthed shrieks and rock-star poses had women wailing over the 59-year-old, who proved he’s still got “What it Takes.”
The ageless rockers — Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer — were hidden in a white van as police escorts rushed them backstage just before the show.
Once they hit the stage just after 10 p.m., the boys pumped out classic tunes from their over 30-year career, including “Cryin,’” "Livin’ on the Edge,” “Dream On,” and “Sweet Emotion.”
The crowd rocked as Tyler — dressed in fiery red pants and hot pink top — strutted his way up and down the catwalk, while Perry showed off his blazing guitar riffs during the near two-hour show.
Cellphones lit up the park as fans sang along to the popular ballad, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” followed by Perry’s electric performance of “Stop Messin.”
Outside, piles of fans crowded around the gates to get a glimpse of the wild rock show.
The concert opened with performances from Vancouver-based State of Shock, and Toronto native Suzie McNeil, best known for her fourth place finish on the 2005 reality show, INXS.
Centennial Park was one of only three Canadian stops for Aerosmith, whose 2007 world tour kicked off in April. Charlottetown and Toronto are the others.
Fans of all ages were lined up as early as 10 a.m., including members of the band's official fan club, “Aero Force One.”
“I absolutely love Steven Tyler,” said CaroleAnn Gregory. “I will not pay to see any other band.”
The longtime fan club member travelled from Cambridge for this, her 54th Aerosmith show.
Having been a diehard fan for the past 30 years, Gregory even married the lead singer of a Canadian Aerosmith tribute band.
Other club members flocked from Indianapolis, Michigan and Philadelphia.
Pam Waterfield and her fellow St. Clair High School fans were first in line outside the gates Thursday morning.
“We were going to sleep here but it rained all night,” she said. At age 17, Waterfield called it an opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is the biggest thing to come to Sarnia,” she said. “It’s definitely worth the wait.”
Bayfest continues tonight with country superstar Toby Keith, followed by British rockers Def Leppard on Saturday.
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