Review & photos by Joe Schaeffer
When I heard about the Aerosmith: Deuces Are Wild Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, I knew this was a show I needed to see. The next day, at the stroke of 8:00, I was there, treated to a stunning 30-minute video documenting the bands early life and how they met.
Opening with the show-stopping “Back in the Saddle,” singer Steven Tyler and guitar slinger Joe Perry proved they are as fantastic as ever. The 74-year-old Tyler performed like he had something to prove, while Perry, who himself just turned 72, played with his signature precision cool. They’re accomplished showmen through and through, The “Toxic Twins” are rounded out by guitarist Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton, and subbing for Joey Kramer was his drum tech John Douglas.
The evening was filled with an assortment of songs from just about every era of Aerosmith’s storied 52-year career. “Sweet Emotion” and its iconic bass line resonated throughout the 5,000-seat venue. “Dream On” had Tyler climbing on top of a piano, while “Walk This Way” saw Tyler and Perry climb up a catwalk that reached up to the balcony.
“Toys in the Attic” provided a highlight for the crowd when several large toy balloons fell from the ceiling. Representing the late 80s were screamers “Love In an Elevator,” “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “Rag Doll.” The 90s clocked in with Get A Grip‘s “Cryin’” and the power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing.”
Blasting through an upgraded sound system featuring Dolby Atmos technology, Aerosmith: Deuces Are Wild is one of the best concert residencies on the Strip, Like the band itself, its Vegas show continues to morph and evolve with age.
