Aerosmith returned to the stage for two shows at the Hollywood Bowl on October 29 and November 1, marking the band’s first live performances in three years. Dave Grohl played drums for most of the first night, which also featured appearances by Johnny Depp, Liv Tyler and Guns N’ Roses.
The concerts, billed as “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” followed the band’s decision to end touring after frontman Steven Tyler injured his larynx. The first night’s performers included Eric Church, Heart, Billy Idol, Sammy Hagar and Godsmack’s Sully Erna, with Nuno Bettencourt among the backing musicians. The Black Crowes played Aerosmith covers, while Guns N’ Roses performed three of the band’s songs before Aerosmith took the stage.
Liv Tyler and actor Alicia Silverstone introduced the group. Aerosmith played a six-song set that included “Toys in the Attic,” “Back in the Saddle,” “Sweet Emotion,” “The Train Kept A-Rollin’” and “Dream On.” Depp joined on guitar for “The Train Kept A-Rollin’,” and original drummer Joey Kramer came out for the final song, “Walk This Way.”
The second night featured performances by Tom Morello and Lzzy Hale, who covered “Kings and Queens” and “Round and Round,” and Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez, who joined Richie Kotzen for “Draw the Line” and “Nobody’s Fault.” Billy Idol, Pat Monahan, Grace Potter, and Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson also performed. The Black Crowes and Guns N’ Roses returned, and Aerosmith added a cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together” to a similar set. John Douglas, the band’s recent touring drummer, played that night; Grohl and Depp did not appear.
Bill Burr hosted both shows. After he described the first concert as one of Aerosmith’s final two, Tyler pushed back the following night, telling the crowd that the band could not be got rid of.
Sources: NME.