Aerosmith's Tom Hamilton Talks New Album, Steven Tyler Quitting 'American Idol' (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

Posted on Jul 23rd 2012 1:30PM by Chris Epting Comments

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Aerosmith is currently out on the road with their North American Global Warming Tour.

On Nov. 6, the Boston rock heroes will see the release of their 15th studio album, Music From Another Dimension, their first studio record since 2004's Honkin' on Bobo' and the first to feature all-new songs since 2001's Just Push Play.

Recently, Noisecreep had the pleasure of talking with original 'Smith bassist, Tom Hamilton. We asked the 61-year-old rocker about the tour, his first concert experience and his reaction to Steven Tyler's decision to not return as a judge on American Idol.

Tom, I know you guys played a packed show in Boston last week. How have the hometown shows changed since back in the mid 1970s?

Well back then, we'd have these long guest lists for friends and family and everyone, and you didn't need a ticket, just the backstage pass to come and hang around during the show. But today, everyone needs a ticket to get in, and we get really pressed on how many tickets we can have to give away. And I'll tell you, it separates the true friends and fans from the fake ones when all of a sudden people have to actually buy a ticket [laughs]. You really learn about people! But seriously, we had a great homecoming, lots of people who were with us at the beginning came by and naturally, just like us, they still he same as they did back in the '70s [laughs].

Do you remember the first shows you saw in the Boston area when you were a kid?

You bet I do. I remember seeing the Lovin' Spoonful at Dartmouth University and I'll never forget noticing how amazing their drummer was. And I saw Cream twice. Once, they were great, the other night they didn't play what I wanted to hear so I left a little disappointed. And they played a very long, drawn out blues jam. That's what Led Zeppelin did, too when I saw them at the Boston Garden. I remember thinking, if I ever get in a band with lots of hits, we have to leave room in the shows for songs people want to hear. And just look where we are today.

You guys have done a good job this tour pretty much representing all of your eras it seems.

We're trying really hard. But then, there are songs you have to play for people. Some critics complain that we do that too much, but you know what, we know our fans, I think. We know what they like. Last night was nice because we opened with "Draw the Line," which is a good, no-nonsense way to get into a show. Lots of energy that carries right through the rest of the night.

Watch "Legendary Child"

Musically speaking, what can we expect from the new album?

I love our new record. And I hope we get credit for the wide range of styles we cover. We've been playing together for 40 years I think this record is a good depiction of where we have been. Hard boogie, riff rock, melodic songs to make out to - it's all here. A real cross-section of what got us to this point and how much we've grown over the years.

Tom, what was your reaction to Steven's news that he as not returning to American Idol?

I was kind of thrilled. Look, I want people to be successful and do what is in their heart. First and foremost. I'm so happy for all Steven has been able to do. But I was elated when I heard the news because now I know that we'll be able to really get out and support the new record. And it's such such a strong record, that is deserves a full time band behind, on the road, bringing it to life. So now we'll have that, and I am really excited about that.

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Catch Aerosmith on their Global Warming North American Summer Tour:

July 24: East Rutherford, N.J., IZOD Center
July 26: Atlanta, Ga., Philips Arena
July 28: Dallas, Texas, American Airlines Center
July 30: Houston, Texas, Toyota Center
August: 1 Denver, Co., Pepsi Center
August: 4 Oakland, Calif., Oracle Arena
August: 6 Los Angeles, Calif., Hollywood Bowl
August: 8 Tacoma, Wash., Tacoma Dome

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