Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton And Aerosmith to Form ‘Supergroup’?
Though it’s shrouded in mystery, news of yet another “supergroup” project is brewing — this one involving some of rock’s greatest guitar royalty.
Writing Monday (Nov. 23) in his online diary, engineer Kevin Shirley says he’s been recording with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and “many other” guitarists for some “high profile projects” about which he’s “sworn to secrecy.”
Shirley, who engineered Led Zeppelin’s How the West Was Won, goes on to say that in January he’ll be “producing what has the promise to be one of the most exciting ‘supergroups’ to come around in a long time.”
“[However], theory is just that,” Shirley writes, “until we see how the dynamics play out in the studio between these superb musicians. And of course the songs will make the real difference.”
Shirley also says he’ll soon be “remixing one of Classic Rock’s seriously classic albums.” Given that next year marks the 40th anniversary of such landmark discs as Santana’s Abraxas, Led Zeppelin III, and Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs, the range of possibilities is wide.
In yet another teasing nondisclosure, the veteran engineer said he’s set “to record one of guitar’s great legends” in December.
Aerosmith Cancels Summer Tour
Aerosmith is the latest big name act to cancel the rest of its summer tour this summer, just a week after frontman Steven Tyler fell from the stage during a concert in Sturgis, SD.
According to a statement sent out by the band’s representatives, “Doctors have advised the lead singer to take the time to properly recuperate from the accident that resulted in a broken shoulder and stitches to his head. In his current condition, Tyler is unable to tour and the band wants to give him time to get healthy.”
Tyler was injured on Aug. 5 after he lost his footing while the band was performing “Love In An Elevator” at a Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Western South Dakota.
“Words can’t express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour,” said guitarist Joe Perry. “I would like to thank our loyal fans for sticking by us through thick and thin and all the good energy they are sending our way. We hope we can get the Aerosmith machine up and running again as soon as possible.”
He added, “I sure am going to miss playing with ZZ Top just as I’m sure the fans are going to miss seeing them playing with us as well. Hope to see you sooner than later. My hat’s off to our crew for putting up with this crazy stop and start tour. In my estimation, it was one of the best looking and best run tours we’ve ever had.”
Long-awaited announcement of summer tour Aerosmith and ZZ Top
Aerosmith and ZZ Top have agreed to embark on a massive U.S. tour beginning June 10 in St. Louis (ZZ Top joins the tour on June 16). Tickets go on sale in select markets to the general public beginning Friday, April 17. For additional presale, on sale, ticket and tour information go to livenation.com. The North American tour runs through September and includes stops in New York, Boston and Los Angeles.
Not all of the venues have been announced in each city. Check the Aerosmith Web site for the most up-to-date information. Tickets sales for most shows begin on April 17, although fans interested in presale tickets can check the Live Nation Web site for additional information. Read more
