Famous actor James Dean coined, “If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live after he has died, then maybe he was a great man. Immortality is the only true success.”
From the beginning of the jazz age in the twenties to the booming modern music industry today, artists and bands alike have been striving to achieve an everlasting mark on the music scene.
Names like Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles have accomplished the seemingly impossible goal of immortality and continue to inspire music makers today.
Rightfully seated among these icons is legendary classic rock band Aerosmith. Headed by household name Steven Tyler, Aerosmith has been a constant influence in music since the seventies. As members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aerosmith has achieved nearly every award in music– including Grammy’s, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, Video Music Awards and has sold more than 150 million albums around the world.
As well as being Aerosmith’s lead vocals, leading man Steven Tyler has taken up a solo career. As if the fame he had achieved from Aerosmith wasn’t enough, he headed up the judging table on American Idol in 2011,
“I think that had a huge impact of Steven being on that TV show. Yeah, it’s made him an even bigger star than he ever was,” band member Tom Hamilton said.
Since its start, Aerosmith continues to engage young crowds with its classic sound and upbeat performances. Expanding its fan-base across the globe has been an ultimate success, and the band continues to dabble in numerous outlets to keep its sound fresh, while also sticking to its musical upbringing.
“[An] opportunity came up with Rick Rubin and we did [a] track with Run DMC,” rocker Brad Whitford said.
“That was a natural evolution of the music scene that we were lucky to be part of, bringing the rock and rap together. I think we’ve always tried to stay true to our musical roots.”
He explained that songs should develop naturally instead of trying too hard to write one.
He continued, “I think you just have to continue to write and [be] hopeful it reaches your audience just the way it always has. When we started out we had no audience. We just wrote the music we loved, and we learned that other people loved it too. That’s the way to go.”
Currently, Fathom Events, Cinema 1 and Eagle Rock entertainment are offering an inside look at Aerosmith’s legendary performance at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK from June of 2014. The film event will showcase the band’s 19-song performance, including hits such as “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion.”
Aerosmith is no stranger to the big screen.
“We had a film that came out a few years ago called “Rock for the Rising Sun”…People who liked “Rock for the Rising Sun” will love this one. Hopefully you’ll see it on Palladia. They’ll be playing it. I think it’s just going to be awesome. It’s Donington!” Whitford said. The movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 26th, 2015.
The timeless feeling of this band has not faded, and ,as a whole, the members have made constant efforts to keep up with changing times while still creating their sought after melodies. Aerosmith will continue to inspire rock wannabes for years to come, making this band one that will never die.
