Aerosmith June 16, 2009 - Comcast Center

 Aerosmith rocked the hometown crowd on June 17 at Mansfield’s Comcast Center. While the band opened the show with a few hit tunes, such as "Cryin’" and "Love in an Elevator," the band almost immediately jumped into playing their record Toys in the Attic from beginning to end. While some fans seemed excited for this venture, many walked away disappointed, wishing Aerosmith played more hits.

They did get around to "Dream On" and, toward the end, "Living on the Edge" but the audience seemed mostly bored with the decision to play all of Toys.

  Many die-hards have seen Aerosmith before, and it was apparent this show was not a true testimony to this band’s iconic legacy and willingness to keep rockin’. But despite the fact that many of us have seen Aerosmith before – even a show from a year or two ago would have proved these boys can still rock - it is becoming apparent these guys are just getting old. But that won’t stop them.

  In perhaps the most anti-climatic moment, Aerosmith brought out opening act Dropkick Murphys to play "Dirty Water." Even though their singer’s microphone wasn’t working for the first 30 seconds, it was probably better off that way. The tune was supposed to be an epic coming together of two Boston bands, passionate about their hometown.

Unfortunately, it turned it a bland version of the classic hit, and obviously Aerosmith didn’t know better than to step it up and overshadow the Dropkicks. The tune would have been much better if, per usual, Joe Perry sang it as a solo.

 All in all, many fans left the venue disappointed with the set list and some aspects of the performance, but that won’t keep them away in the future. As long as these guys keep touring - and they will, wheelchairs and all - they will play to sold-out crowds. It just speaks to the legacy of Aerosmith, which will live on, despite a few off-kilter shows here and there.

Article and Photographs by: Krista Perry

© 2009 MAME Magazine

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