Concert Review
Steven Tyler
& The Loving Mary Band
Artpark Outdoor Stage
Lewiston, NY
Tuesday June 12, 2018
Review:Joseph Suto
Steven Tyler and the Loving Mary Band kicked off Artpark’s 2018 Tuesday In The Park concert series last night. Boy did they ever. One thing that can be said about Tyler is that he never phones in a performance. At one point during his 90-minute set he even said he plans on rocking til he drops. The Loving Mary Band adds some country flavor to the Aerosmith catalog without making the songs lose their edge.
He started things off with Aerosmith classic “Sweet Emotion” which led into mega-hit “Cryin”. This was promptly followed by a small Beatles tribute. A rarely heard “I’m Down” which Aerosmith covered on comeback album Permanent Vacation led into “Oh Darling” before he finished off with “Come Together” a song Aerosmith took to new heights and is perhaps the best cover ever of a Beatles song.
Before they delved into “Jaded”, his cohort Marti Frederiksen sang a verse of “Sorry” the top-10 hit he wrote with Buckcherry. The sound was good for the most part although it was noted during “Jaded” and “What It Takes” the sound took a turn for the worse at times taking away an almost flawless and energetic performance by Tyler who recently turned 70 a few months back.
While the first couple of songs from his new album may have served as bathroom breaks which many took advantage of, “My Own Worst Enemy” along with the Erma Franklin tune “Piece of my Heart” best-known to many as the big hit for Janis Joplin, proved to be among the highlights of the night.
The last time Steven Tyler played to a Buffalo crowd was when Aerosmith and Motley Crue played Darien Lake . You would have to go back to 2006 to find that out. Also of interesting note “Dream On” Aerosmith’s best known song was not played that night for whatever reason. Tyler made sure to make up for that error by playing a quite an emotive version.
While there were many positives there were a few small drawbacks. Aerosmith fans know now that Tyler is the reason “Living On The Edge” still makes the bands set lists. One can see from looking at the reaction, or should I say lack of reaction from the crowd during the song that he should retire it. With so many great songs that he could have played it would have been more interesting to see some lessor known songs get a chance.
For many Steven Tyler was just what the doctor ordered. While there are a handful of real dedicated Aerosmith fans who aren’t afraid to take to the road to see their favorite band, there are many who find it hard or simply are unable to. For Artpark it was a win-win. This show will go down as simply one of the best season openers they ever had.
Set List
Sweet Emotion
Cryin’
I’m Down / Oh! Darling
Come Together
Jaded
Love Is Your Name
Piece of My Heart
What It Takes
We’re All Somebody From Somewhere
Only Heaven
Livin’ on the Edge
My Own Worst Enemy
Dream On
Train Kept A-Rollin’
Encore
Walk This Way
Whole Lotta Love
