On the first of two nights of The Who’s “The Song Is Over” Farewell Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 17, much of the buzz was unexpectedly centered on the Joe Perry Project rather than Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.
The Aerosmith guitarist’s longtime side band has traditionally been a way for Perry to keep performing when Aerosmith was off the road. But with Aerosmith forced to cancel their own farewell tour last year after Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury, and later announcing their official retirement from touring, the Joe Perry Project has taken on new weight.
This year, Perry hit the road with a revamped all-star lineup: Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes on lead vocals, Aerosmith bandmate Brad Whitford on guitar, Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo, ex-Smash Mouth drummer Jason Sutter, and newest addition Mackenzie Adams from the Black Crowes’ backing vocal team. The group alone made for a powerhouse show — but the night turned historic when word spread that Steven Tyler himself would make a surprise appearance.
Late in the set, the 77-year-old Tyler walked onstage to join Perry and company for a raucous performance of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”, followed by their signature take on “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” True to form, Tyler even added a touch of humor, blowing a train whistle in the intro. His voice sounded strong, his presence electric, and the crowd roared at seeing him back where he belonged. Robinson, instead of stepping aside, stayed on stage to provide backing vocals, clearly enjoying the moment as much as the audience.
Watch Steven Tyler Perform ‘Walk This Way’ With the Joe Perry Project
The surprises didn’t stop there. Earlier in the set, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash appeared as a guest, trading fiery riffs with Perry and Whitford on Aerosmith’s vintage blues rocker “Mama Kin.”
For fans who came expecting a farewell to The Who, the night became a multi-layered celebration — one that honored not only Townshend and Daltrey’s long goodbye, but also gave Steven Tyler a triumphant return to the stage and Joe Perry’s band a spotlight all its own.
