Aerosmith Live: Woodstock '94

I've just been wiped out recently. I mean, downright tired. Instead of working on other projects, I ended up watching Aerosmith's Woodstock '94 performance.

Man, I remember watching that gigantic music festival from my little bedroom T.V. Woodstock '94 was held in August to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Woodstock. I remember everything about Aerosmith's fantastic performance that night: it was pouring down rain, but that didn't stop my boys from blowing the younger bands out of the water (yes, pun intended). I was so mad at my parents...I wanted to go to Woodstock '94 bad. I think I literally twitched as I watched the thousands of other people in attendance have an awesome time. I was about 15 during the festival, so I obviously couldn't go alone.

Man, it seemed like everyone knew about Woodstock '94. That was in the days where MTV still played music...and still promoted at least some bands. Pepsi was a gigantic sponsor...I'm sure they ponied up the cash to have the festival broadcast on MTV.

All I know is that I spent the entire festival in my bedroom, staring at my television, and damning my youth. Maybe that's why I'm rabid about concerts now? I don't worry about the money anymore, I'll be damned if I miss a life-changing experience over something as petty as cash (hey, another pun!).

Anyway, Aerosmith performed a lengthy set during Woodstock '94. Here's the song list:

Eat the Rich
Toys in the Attic
Fever
Joe Perry Solo
Draw the Line/F.I.N.E. extended jam
Rag Doll
Cryin'
Crazy
Monkey On My Back
Mama Kin
Shut Up and Dance
Stop Messin' Around
Walk On Down
Janie's Got A Gun
Love In An Elevator
Dude (Looks Like a Lady)
Sweet Emotion
Come Together
'Livin On the Edge
Walk This Way

Of course, I was familiar with every Aerosmith song. I couldn't help wondering then (as I do now) if the young people in the crowd recognize the older songs and their immense importance on American rock music and cultural landscape. After all, 98% of glam bands I write about here are largely influenced by Aerosmith -- just as new bands are today. They ain't America's greatest rock n' roll band for nothing.

Comments

[Jason]

Joe Perry was one of two guitarists that inspired me to buy my first guitar (Slash was the other). I ended up getting a Fender instead of a Gibson (because that's what my next door neighbor had to sell), and I've wanted a Les Paul ever since. I still love the classic Aerosmith, everything up to Permanent Vacation and a little bit of Pump and Get a Grip (but definitely not the Crazymazycring travesty), but since then I have been disappointed time after time by these guys. I finally saw them in concert last year with the Crue at Riverbend, and while they put on a decent show, it was nowhere near what I expected. I guess I'm just j-j-j-jaded about their last decade or so of music.

[Metal Mark]

I saw Aerosmith twice in 1994. They were great both times of course. Probably about 1/4 of the set list was different each time.

[Billy]

I've been a fan of Aerosmiths for the past 22-23 yrs,and I'm only 26.They are,and always will be America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band.I've seen them 4 times,incredibile band.They don't get recoginized enough for their contributes to the music industry.I've seen them back in 97,01,03 with Kiss,and 06 with Motley Crue.Every show rocked.I suggust that every American goes and see these amazing Rock Legends!!My brother and father saw them at Woodstock,I was at home watching the performance.

[joe]

Hey I am really interested in that 1994 Woodstock show. I was a freshman in high school so I was not able to go to the show either. I grew my hair out long then and had interest in many of the bands. I watched a good part of it on TV, but would love to find out if anyone has the Aerosmith performance on tape or DVD? Feel free to email a message to me at joey80k@hotmail.com

[Tony]

I wish I could have been there too, but you left out Dream On in the set list.

[Matteo Kennedy]

I have to say that Aerosmith is the biggest pure hard rock band in the world right now with there big come back after the scare of Steven leaving the band but i'm only 14 an I own almost all there record's, 8 track's, poster's an I have to say our band is totally based on Aerosmith because we all are inspired by that type of Hard rock band known as Aerosmith

[Matteo Kennedy]

an add on to my other thing I'm probably one of there youngest fans i think (lol) but that's all I play on my guitar!