The Back-Burner: Aerosmith Outtakes & Demos

In the vibrant heart of Boston’s Lansdowne Street, a monument to rock and roll once came alive in the form of Aerosmith’s Mama Kin Music Hall. Birthed in the fiery passion of the iconic band Aerosmith, and named after one of their beloved anthems, Mama Kin wasn’t just a music venue – it was a rock n’ roll dreamscape where raw talent met legendary inspiration. Opened with much fanfare in December 1994, in collaboration with The Lyon’s Group, this electrifying music hub pulsated with an unmatched vibrancy, creating an atmosphere that celebrated music, creativity, and pure, unadulterated rock.

From unforgettable performances to philanthropic endeavors, Mama Kin left an indelible mark in rock history that still echoes in the hearts of fans. Aerosmith intended Mama Kin to be a launching pad for unsigned bands, offering them the opportunity to record their performances – a facility they wished they’d had during their early years. Strap in for a thrilling journey down memory lane that will leave you reminiscing about the glorious days of the Mama Kin Music Hall – a veritable shrine of Aerosmith’s enduring commitment to the music scene. This is a story that captures the thrill of the stage, the pulse of the crowd, and the unquenchable spirit of rock n’ roll!

12/16/1994 – STEVEN TYLER + RAY TABANO

The first memorable moment at Mama Kin was Steven Tyler and Ray Tabano’s electrifying performance. They revived classics like “I Ain’t Got You” and “Milk Cow Blues.”

A third song, captured on video, remains a mystery and may well have been an improvised section, adding a layer of intrigue to this inaugural event.

12/19/1994 – AEROSMITH CONCLUDES THE GET A GRIP TOUR

The band’s first performance at Mama Kin on December 19th, 1994, happened in the very last date of the 2-year-long Get a Grip tour, and severed as official public opening of the club. Interestingly, Tracy Bonham was one of the opening acts for the night, who would later perform in a couple of tracks with the band in 2004. “We have Tracy Bonham on it. She played with us when we first opened Mama Kin [the former club on Lansdowne Street]. She was on the bill that night.” remembered Steven Tyler.

Aerosmith revisited their 70s roots, performing mainly their older material and only a few tracks from their recent albums. The night was infused with nostalgia as the band performed hits like “Train Kept A Rollin'” and “Same Old Song And Dance”, creating a setlist that was a testament to their iconic rock sound.

Several audio bootlegs circulate created from an FM Radio broadcast of the soundboard from the “The Album Network”. The old aerosmith.com had some video clips from this show and the full video of the show was shown to some AF1 members at a convention back in the mid 1990s.

That night Setlist was:

1. Train kept a rollin’
2. Same old song and dance
3. Big ten-inch record
4. Walk on water
5. Walkin’ the dog
6. Chip away the stone
7. Last child
8. Rattlesnake shake
9. One way street
10. Stop messin’ around
11. Let the music do the talking
12. Walk this way
13. Cryin’
14. Mama kin
15. Milk cow blues
16. I’m not talking
17. Toys in the attic

This performance also showcased Aerosmith’s philanthropy. The proceeds from the concert were donated to Boston’s homeless community. During the presentation of a $10,000 check to Mayor Menino, Tom Hamilton expressed his gratitude: “We want to thank Mayor Menino and all the boys and girls in Boston government who are going to help us keep our clubs open later in Boston” (Source: Boston Herald, 12/19/1994).

05/24/1995 – MTV TAPING AT MAMA KIN

In May 1995, MTV turned the spotlight on Mama Kin, filming a segment about the new club. Aerosmith took MTV’s cameras on a private tour, showcasing the heart of the club, complete with Steven Tyler’s ‘Squat This Way’ graffiti and Joe Perry’s trademark AeroWings.

This segment reiterated Aerosmith’s dedication to supporting local bands and emphasized the importance of quality sound systems for emerging artists. They also drew attention to their state-of-the-art recording studio in the basement, a facility provided to enable new bands to document their performances. It aired in the June 2-4 1995 “Week in Rock” MTV news segment. Part of the segment was later also added to their MTV Rockumentary (minute 27).

10/11/1995 – AEROSMITH AS “THE G-SPOTS”

Perhaps the most exciting moment in the club’s history occurred on November 10th, 1995. Disguised under the pseudonym “The G-Spots,” Aerosmith gave a surprise performance. Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, rumors had been circulating for weeks, creating a sense of anticipation among fans.

This show stands out as a rare gem in Aerosmith’s legacy due to the inclusion of unreleased outtakes in the setlist, a unique treat for fans. Notably, there are no bootlegs from this event due to stringent security measures, adding to the event’s mystique. A staff member from the band confirmed that only the in-house camera recorded the performance, and it remains locked in their vault, giving the event a coveted ‘holy grail’ status among Aerosmith fans.

The setlist that night was a blend of timeless classics like “Mama Kin” and “Last Child”, mixed with lesser-known gems like “Bone to Bone” and “Sick as a Dog”, creating a unique experience for the audience.

1. Make It
2. Bone To Bone
3. Get The Lead Out
4. Trouble
5. Remember (Walking In The Sand)
6. I’m A Man
7. Reefer Head Woman
8. Sick As A Dog
9. Something (Joe Perry tune)
10. Last Child
11. The Farm
12. S.O.S. (Too Bad)
13. What Kind of Love Are You On
14. Milk Cow Blues
15. Mama Kin
16. Think About It
17. Immigrant Song

The Boston Herald, on November 11, 1995, described the show as a “knock-down wallop”. With a detailed recount of the night’s set and the band’s performance, they summed up the event perfectly: “Aerosmith was just another bar band, but a bar band that packed a knock-down wallop” (Source: The Boston Herald, 11/11/1995).

Aerosmith’s Mama Kin Music Hall was more than just a venue. It was a celebration of music, a platform for aspiring artists, and a testament to Aerosmith’s enduring commitment to the rock scene. It’s an experience that resonates with fans, club enthusiasts, and rock n’ roll historians alike.

12/16/1995 – BRAD JAMMIN’ WITH GOV’T MULE

A high point of 1995 for the Mama Kin Music Hall came when Brad Whitford, Aerosmith’s rhythm guitarist, joined forces with the southern rock jam band, Gov’t Mule, on stage. Together, they performed the blues classic “Born Under A Bad Sign.” Aerosmith fans and blues lovers alike were treated to an unexpected fusion that reflected the cross-genre appreciation that Mama Kin’s was beginning to cultivate.

05/22/1996 – TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

According to an article by Steve Morse from The Boston Globe, the partnership between Aerosmith and nightlife moguls Pat Lyons and Ed Sparks, which had given birth to Mama Kin, began showing signs of strain in 1996. The issue seemed to stem from divergent business philosophies.

Aerosmith, a non-drinking band with a mission to have Mama Kin feature local rock bands, found themselves at odds with the Lyons and Sparks camp, known for nightclub ownership and massive liquor sales. Aerosmith’s manager Tim Collins noted, “I’m not selling liquor. I’m selling music and entertainment. It’s just a different philosophy” (Source: The Boston Globe, 05/22/1996).

Changes were considered, ranging from knocking down the wall between Mama Kin and the Music Hall to create a single, 900-capacity room, to Aerosmith potentially asking to run the original Mama Kin alone, with Lyons and Sparks managing the Music Hall. This article hinted at a crossroads in Mama Kin’s history, a crucial moment where the direction of the venue was in the balance.

1998 – MTV FANATIC AT MAMA KIN

In 1998, a lucky fan named Chris K won an MTV contest, giving him the opportunity to meet and interview Steven Tyler. The encounter was a unique insight into the rock legend’s life and provided a special surprise for Chris at the end. The event underlined the ethos of the Mama Kin Music Hall, as a place where fans could connect with their idols on a more intimate level.

01/10/1998 – AEROSMITH BOOK SIGNING

In January of 1998, Aerosmith hosted a signing of their autobiography, “Walk This Way,” at the Mama Kin Music Hall. This event attracted a legion of fans who lined up for hours for a chance to meet their heroes. The club handed out leaflets with the message, “Follow Your Book” to the eager crowd.

Despite the excitement, there was some criticism about the pace of the event. One fan commented: “They RUSHED everyone through so fast that the 10 hours in line was to only stare at them for about 3.3 seconds… If you blinked, you missed it.” (Source: Fan account, 01/10/1998). Despite the criticisms, the book signing was another testament to Aerosmith’s commitment to making Mama Kin a place where fans could get up close and personal with their idols.

01/16/1998 – AEROSMITH’S FINAL PERFORMANCE

January 16, 1998 – Aerosmith’s Promotional Performance for “NEMO”
This was the last time Aerosmith played at Mama Kin Music Hall, on a chilly evening of January 16, 1998. The show was a special promotional gig for the “NEMO” music conference. Their seven-song set was an electric blend of old and new hits, making it a memorable evening for fans and critics alike. According to Steve Morse of the Boston Globe, it was a “sensational set…a metallic valentine for the true Aerosmith fan”.

The setlist for the night included:

1. Make It
2. Walkin’ The Dog
3. Pink
4. Stop Messin’ Around
5. Chip Away The Stone
6. Draw The Line
7. Rats In The Cellar

This intimate performance was a rare opportunity for fans to witness the band’s raw energy and their commitment to their rock and roll roots. Morse noted the band’s enthusiasm, describing the band as “getting looser by the minute.” Part of the show was later broadcast on “Real Rock TV” in a format that mixed the seven-song set with an interview and footage from the book signing days earlier. An avi video file of the full un-edited “Walking the Dog” from this show was found on a “hidden” folder of the old AF1 website, but the file was missing the audio.

Despite being a promotional gig, this performance stood out for its musical merit. Aerosmith proved once again their uncanny ability to command a stage, regardless of its size. As Morse noted, “On this, Brad Whitford stepped up with a molten guitar lead and the band jammed with a ferocity that left the elbow-to-elbow crowd in a state of total ecstasy” (The Boston Globe, January 17, 1998).

AEROSMITH GETS IMPROVED NEMO OFF TO ROUSING START
Author: By Steve Morse, Globe Staff
Date: 01/17/1998 Page: C8
Section: Arts and Film
Despite bone-chilling temperatures, the NEMO music conference and showcase got off to a flying start yesterday, peaking with a sensational set by Aerosmith at home club Mama Kin. NEMO is only in its second year, but the quality of the seminars held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza — and the band showcases held at 22 clubs around the city — reflected a major leap from last year.
NEMO is designed to help new, unsigned bands find their way through the music industry, but adding support this year was mega-giant Aerosmith, which rattled Mama Kin in a special 40-minute, take-no-prisoners set that was a metallic valentine for the true Aerosmith fan.
Unlike Aerosmith’s recent FleetCenter shows, where more recent hits dominated the song list, last night’s gig was a plunge into the ’70s for vintage tracks that haven’t been heard in a while. Only one tune, “Pink,” was current, while the rest were laden with history, starting with the crunching “Make It,” from the band’s first album.
As Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and the boys got looser by the minute, they roared into the acid-swamp boogie of Memphis classic “Walking the Dog,” the even heavier boogie of “Stop Messin’ Around” (with Perry taking a vocal turn and wailing like Howlin’ Wolf), the searing “Draw the Line,” the ancient “Chip Away the Stone,” and the climactic “Rats in the Cellar.” On this, Brad Whitford stepped up with a molten guitar lead and the band jammed with a ferocity that left the elbow-to-elbow crowd in a state of total ecstasy.
Tyler, who even looked like his old self with dark hair (having replaced the reddish-blond streaks of the recent past), sang like a man possessed and took some harmonica leads reminiscent of the dear, departed Junior Wells. Tyler even thanked WBCN for broadcasting the show, as if this were the old days, though of course, the “new” ‘BCN had no part of it. (WAAF took advantage of its new Aerosmith alliance by passing out ‘AAF stickers on the street.)

The Boston Globe, January 17, 1998

01/05/1999 – THE CLOSURE

As all good things must come to an end, so did Aerosmith’s musical venture, the Mama Kin Music Hall. On January 5, 1999, Aerosmith announced that they had sold their share of the club to their partner, the Lyons Group. The club was later renamed the Lansdowne Street Music Hall.

Steve Morse of the Boston Globe reported the news with a sense of melancholy, as the club’s initial promise of becoming a nationally franchised brand, along with a record label, came to an end. Despite the closure, guitarist Joe Perry commented positively on the venture, “We’re sorry to do this, but we had a good run,” he said. “It’s hard to be hands-on, because we’re out of state most of the time” (The Boston Globe, January 5, 1999).

Perry emphasized the band’s initial vision of the club as a showcase for local talent. However, it became evident that the club also needed to host national acts to survive. He expressed his satisfaction with the run of the club and its contributions to the local music scene, stating, “Still, a lot of people had a lot of fun in Mama Kin, and that’s how I want it to be remembered” (The Boston Globe, January 5, 1999).

In the end, the closure of Mama Kin Music Hall marked the end of an era in Boston’s music scene. Although Aerosmith’s management relationship ended in 1999, it fulfilled the original vision that Steven and Joe had for the venue: providing local musicians a great venue to play in, with great sound and the ability to keep decent audio and video recordings of their performances to be able to get new opportunities. A few decades later, many of the recordings from those “unknown” bands are surfacing on YouTube.

Between 1994 and 1999, it hosted at least 220 shows and hosted several musical festivals reported on Setlist.fm. High-performance acts like No Doubt, Slash, Marilyn Manson, Blink-182, Incubus, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Sammy Hagar, Nuno Bettencourt, and others played in the venue. A place that will forever be associated with Aerosmith and their unforgettable contribution to rock and roll history.

The former club was later named The Axis, Citi Club, Lansdowne Street Music Hall, Rocket Bar and Avalon. By 2005, in the then named “Avalon Club”, the John Mayer Trio was joined by Steven Tyler to sing the blues cover “Eyesight to the Blind” on 10/11/05 , which had been released by Aerosmith a year earlier in their Honkin’ on Bobo album. “I used to own this place” Tyler joked as he jumped on stage.

Now called “House of Blues Restaurant and Bar” the venue keeps active to date with relevant musical acts playing every week.

The song that named the club is still inspiring fans around the world to keep rocking to Aerosmith’s classics.