How did I get asked to be the drummer to play with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry
at the John Varvatos hosted 10th Annual Stuart House Benefit show this past Sunday. (Stuart House
is an organization that raises money and awareness for sexually abused children.)
In 2011, before the Whitesnake tour, I got the opportunity to track drums on Steven Tyler's single "Feels So Good." Steven watched me track them that day. Two takes later, I was done. That's what led up to him calling me to play this benefit with
he and Joe Perry.
But nothing prepares you on how to react when you get a a call from Steven Tyler!
He started complimenting my drumming from the day I tracked his song. Then he told me what he wanted me for.
He started naming off the songs he wanted to play; "Dream On, Sweet Emotion, Walk This Way, etc.." and I was tripping out that soon in my life would be a day that I get to play songs from one of my favorite bands ever, songs
I had been playing since I was 10, songs that I learned how to play drum by playing to, with the guys that wrote them! Come on!
The day before the show we rehearsed! I was inside a place I'd always wanted to be. I got to WORK with Steven and Joe!
I can't go on without mentioning Aerosmith's awesome keyboardist Russ Irwin played the show with us as did
Stone Temple Pilot bassist, the amazing and super-cool Robert DeLeo and my bud Slash who rehearsed "Mama Kin" with us.
Being buds with these guys took a bit of the stress off. Robert and I are huge Aerosmith fans and were
beyond ecstatic that we were getting to be the rhythm section for the Toxic Twins!
Working with Steven Tyler is an experience I am so psyched to have been a part of! He is everything you think he is and
more! Talent and charisma pour out of him. In a tiny space of time, the man did a cowbell solo over a random groove of mine,
jumped on piano and harp and jammed a loose version of "One Way Street," then nailed "Dream On,"
played acoustic on "Seasons of Wither," sang his ass off the entire time and basically took over the room with complete enthusiasm
that is hard to top! You just sit back and watch how psyched he is and how much he generally loves music and performing!
There aren't that many people on that level and he is one my all time favorite vocalist/ songwriters.
This was a top of the top experience I just let soak in and do my best to make the room groove. Rehearsal went real good
and I went home and kept on preparing for the show.
The next day we played the Varvatos event and I used my chrome wrap Natals with a "no hole 26" bass drum," Paiste 2002s,
Regal Tip Tish Stix and Remo heads. We got up on stage and went for it. Some of the songs we never actually played top to bottom
at rehearsal so there was a bit of an element of spontaneity.
All in all, it was a load of fun and one of the coolest experiences I have had
in about 24 years of trying to be a pro. drummer! Oh, yeah, and it doesn't suck when you walk off stage and Joe Perry says to you, "great job. You guys were f***in' great.
After that, I got to hang with my old boss/ writing partner Billy Idol. It was great to see him after a few years! A great guy!
Lessons online, in person and more!
Brian is now offering lessons, in person or via Skype™ for both drums and guitar! You can also hire Brian to play tracks for you as well. Here's your chance to "Recruit Brian" click the link or the pic!
