When Joe Perry, “Boston’s own” six-string slingshot, announced a show in his hometown, the anticipation from his and Aerosmith’s fans was electric. As fans who were decked out in Joe Perry and Aerosmith T-shirts filed into the hallowed halls of the Boch Center on a humid August 19th evening, there was a kindred sense of homecoming. The marquee read “The Joe Perry Project,” but the crowd knew they were in for something more than a side gig. They knew that this was going to be a celebration of rock and roll itself, delivered by a legend who has lived and breathed it for over five decades. From the moment the house lights dimmed and the stage was bathed in a deep, electric blue, it was clear this was a night for the music to do the talking.
The set kicked off with a thunderous roar, delivered by the familiar drum and bass rumble of “Let the Music Do the Talking” before Perry’s iconic slide work, which naturally sent a shiver through the crowd. This wasn’t an arena rock spectacle, but a masterclass in the raw power of a supergroup made up of friends who just happen to be world-class musicians. With a lineup that included Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford on rhythm guitar, the commanding presence of Chris Robinson from The Black Crowes on vocals, and the formidable rhythm section of Jason Sutter on drums alongside bassist Robert DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots, and Aerosmith’s keyboardist, Buck Johnson, the stage was a convergence of legitimate rock royalty. The opening numbers were a testament to their collective chemistry, each musician locking into a groove that was somehow both tight and loose, a perfect contradiction that defines the true rock and roll spirit.
Perry, with his signature stylish swagger, looked as cool and collected as ever. His movements were understated, letting his hands and his guitars do their magic. He effortlessly navigated the fretboard with a blues-infused fluidity that has been his trademark since the ’70s. Whether he was unleashing a searing solo or laying down a subtle, tasteful riff, every note was deliberate and dripping with soul. His playing felt both nostalgic and fresh, a reminder that some sounds are timeless.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through the annals of rock. It wasn’t a parade of the greatest hits but a deep dive into the catalog of all the bands represented on stage. The crowd went wild for the inclusion of Joe Perry Project cuts like “Let the Music Do the Talking” and “Won’t Let Me Go,” celebrating the guitarist’s solo ventures. But the real magic lay in the unexpected. The band tackled Black Crowes classics like “Twice as Hard” and the reworked “Interstate Love Song,” by Stone Temple Pilots, with Chris Robinson’s raspy, soulful voice breathing new life into one of STP’s biggest hits.
A seemingly improvised medley of Aerosmith’s “Get the Lead Out” combined with an abbreviated take on Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker” wowed the audience. It was hard to tell who was having more fun, them or the band – considering Robinson and the Crowes had toured extensively with Jimmy Page celebrating the Mighty Zepp. Robinson, whose voice is better than ever these days, absolutely channeled his past with Page and nailed the Zeppelin classic. A few quick words between him and Perry after the tune begged the question of whether Perry wanted the song to keep going.
Brad Whitford, wearing a black duster, sunglasses, and a ball cap, proved that his presence was a significant and special highlight, a perfect complement to Perry’s lead work. The two guitarists, who have shared a stage for over 50 years, traded riffs and solos with an unspoken understanding that can only come from decades of collaboration. Their interplay during Aerosmith’s deep cuts was a particular treat for the die-hard fans. Tunes like “Mama Kin” and “Combination” sounded raw and powerful, a glorious throwback to the dirty, bluesy origins of Boston rock.
The show’s energy was a slow burn, building steadily from the first note. The band’s camaraderie was evident, with smiles and nods exchanged between songs. Robinson, a natural showman, engaged the crowd with his quick wit and dynamic stage presence, making the expansive Boch Center feel like an intimate club. He effortlessly owned the stage, paying homage to the original vocalists of each song while infusing them with his own unique flair.
As the show reached its climax, the band launched into a run of Aerosmith staples that brought the house down. “Last Child” had the audience singing along, and “Draw the Line” felt like a freight train of raw power. The encore was nothing short of legendary, culminating in a sprawling, electrifying version of “Walk This Way” and “The Train Kept A-Rollin’.” The latter was a perfect showcase for every musician on stage, a loose and chaotic jam that embodied the spirit of a true garage band on steroids.
In a world of highly polished, meticulously planned concert productions, The Joe Perry Project delivered a refreshingly authentic experience. And despite a couple of on-stage hiccups, it was a night of pure, unadulterated rock and roll, a raw display of talent and passion from a group of legends who clearly love what they do.
