Aerosmith has officially announced their retirement. Late Friday, August 2nd they released a statement recounting the amazing journey it has been.
I am not sad, but rather grateful for the band that retired with the original members, made some of the most iconic music in rock history, and changed the shape of my life.
It’s Terrie Carr — Aerosmith SUPER FAN. Aerosmith was the second band I connected with as a kid (after The Rolling Stones) AND the FIRST band that I loved that I connected with when my radio career began.
My “Rocks” Obsession
My first memory of Aerosmith may have been “Dream On” BUT the record that changed my life was their 4th- “ROCKS” – I
I will venture to say it’s in my top 3 favorite hard records of all time- If not number one.
Heavy, dangerous, and daring. “Rocks” IS rock and roll to me.
You could hear that the band was “bad” – Doing things they shouldn’t and creating trouble everywhere. Very, very, Rock and Roll. AMAZING. Top to bottom- What a ride.
Back In The Saddle, Last Child, Rats In The Cellar, Combination, Sick As A Dog, Nobody’s Fault, Get The Lead Out, Lick and a Promise, Home Tonight.
My First Aerosmith Show
I discovered Aerosmith as a kid. My dad had their debut and “Dream On” was on in the house A LOT. I have the best memories of that song. As my teen years started and I was venturing to concerts (I started extremely young) I wanted to see the band, but drugs, money, and drama had taken away their ability to tour. It was not their greatest moment. But I had every record, was madly in love with Steven Tyler, and could not wait to see them. I was obsessed. I went to see “The Joe Perry Project” a few times at colleges and clubs I snuck into AND there was a rumor that “Aerosmith” was returning and was going to play “Fountain Casino” as a comeback show, but they never did.
Then their album “Done With Mirrors” came out I loved it, and still do, it sounds like a demo to me. It’s raw, unfinished, and certainly unpolished. Me and my bestie Phyllis played it over and over.
Then I got my first FM radio gig. And “Permanent Vacation” hit – HARD! It was everywhere- I was working at a station close to the Philadelphia area and the band was coming to The Spectrum (I actually think with Guns N’ Roses opening). My wish had come true. They killed it. And I got to meet the band.
Over the years I have seen Aerosmith probably 25 times. Aerosmith never disappointed me. The catalog, the rock god in Tyler, guitar hero in Perry, rhythm master in Whitford, Tom, and Joey as part of that incredible backbeat. What a band. So rock and roll.
Tom Hamilton On The Show A Few Years Back
Five of my favorite memories are below. Thank You to a band that changed my life and still inspires me every day to do a live radio show. They have given us so much as fans. The highs, the lows, the tunes, the shows. EPIC for sure.
Thank You – Steven, Joe, Brad, Tom and Joey- For everything.
Check out some of my rock series in the links below!
- Lzzy Hale with me at WDHA’s Rock The Park,
- Talking Head and Producing Master Jerry Harrison On The Show,
- Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitarist Rickey Medlocke Zooms In To Talk Rock Legacy
1. Interviewing and Meeting Steven Tyler Early In My Career
Meeting Steven Tyler For The First Time Was Surreal.
My first time meeting the “Demon Of Screamin'”Steven Tyler was backstage at the Philadelphia Spectrum. It was one of my first backstage experiences as a radio station DJ and I had a tiny tape recorder to grab some kind of interview! (What??? lol ) Steven was the BEST! I spoke to him for quite some time, but I forgot to tape the interview! Come on! I was basically a kid! The thing I remember the most was how amazing Steven was. With an inexperienced fool like me!
2. My Aerosmith Collection
My Harmonica!
This iconic record was autographed by the band. It hangs in my studio at home.
My Autographed Rolling Stone
I’m super lucky- SUPER lucky- Over the years I have collected some amazing autographs from the band – AND Steven gave me a harmonica many moons ago…..did he play it? I have no idea….lol …..but it’s in a special place in my house. I also have an autographed copy of Rolling Stone that featured Steven on the cover. A treasure for sure.
3. Listening To New Aerosmith Music With Steven Tyler and Kim Mulligan
The Night We Listened To Tracks From The New Album With Steven
When I first met former WDHA Morning Jolt Co-Host Kim Mulligan, one of the many things we had in common was our love for Jagger and Tyler. She was like a soul sister. ( we of course were besties and still are). In 2012, Aerosmith played the now closed “Izod Center” (formerly known as The Meadowlands) and I got us backstage. We were told to wait until the bands meet and greet was over, and we could get some face time with Steven. When we did Steven said something like – “You guys are the radio girls”? – “Do you want to hear some stuff from our new album”? – “Will You Give Me Your Honest Opinion”? (Which was at the time the yet to be released Music From Another Dimension”) – So me, Kim and Steven go into some private area and he’s playing us the tunes on a big speaker. LOUD. Asking our opinion. I was in shock, Kim may remember it better than I did. I couldn’t say a word. It was surreal. What a moment. What a memory.
4. Having Joe Perry In The WDHA Studio
Joe Perry- The one and only. I am in awe as you can see.
Joe is different than Steven. Quiet, reserved. I can’t remember the year he visited, but he was at WDHA. I think it was the early 2000’s. It was pretty magical. Joe “F-In” Perry!
