The Back-Burner: Aerosmith Outtakes & Demos

The Prelude: Rehearsing for a Night of Magic
If you’ve ever wondered what Aerosmith is like behind the scenes, picture this: It’s August 1990, and the iconic rock band is fervently rehearsing for MTV’s Unplugged in New York’s famed Ed Sullivan Theater. For weeks, they were practicing backstage after their regular shows, going through an alternate setlist, playing unreleased songs, and experimenting with new jams. Their dedication and raw energy are palpable.

The practice sessions consisted of some extraordinary material. Along with the songs that would eventually make the final set, Aerosmith rehearsed pieces like “Is There Anybody Out There?” and “End Of The Line.” Fans have often speculated about what could have been, had these songs made the final cut. Could they have premiered a new track? The bootlegged recording of this rehearsal keeps that mystery alive.

The Day: August 11, 1990
The day finally arrives. Aerosmith’s Tyler needed a plethora of peculiar percussive instruments, and a van was rented to get them from his house to the venue. When Tyler arrived at the venue, he engaged in light banter with the then-unknown actress Debi Mazar, who was doing his makeup. A comment about her recent role as a junkie in Scorsese’s “GoodFellas” drew a witty retort from Tyler about his own experience as a real-life junkie. Ratt and Vixen had been recorded earlier in the day, but now it was Aerosmith’s turn.

The Performance: Unplugged but Amplified
Aerosmith’s Unplugged performance, aired a month later in mid-September 1990, was nothing short of sensational. The audience, though small, was full of energy and appreciation, reflecting the band’s newfound popularity following the success of songs like “Love in an Elevator.”

From the opening “Hangman Jury” to the closing “Last Child,” Aerosmith thrilled fans with classics and new hits alike. Their cover of “Love Me Two Times” was a beautiful tribute to the Doors, and the two versions of “Train Kept A Rollin'” showcased their prowess in reimagining their own music.

The Aftermath: The Bootleg Story
Oddly, this show was never officially released, though many other artists cashed in on their Unplugged performances. Why did Aerosmith not release this masterpiece? Some say it was due to the success of the Pump album; others hint at copyright issues. Whatever the reason, fans are left to rely on bootlegs to relive this magical night.

One such bootleg has an interesting story of its own. Ripped from a VHS copy sent by MTV to Aerosmith’s office, the bootleg was later put on eBay by an individual who worked for the band. Every copy that fans now possess traces back to this original eBay leak. Other versions of the leak story link it to the band originally giving a VHS copy to the Aersmith tribute band “Draw the Line” singer, Neil, whom eventually offered copies at fan conventions in the late 1990’s, then pulled from the offer, and eventually leaking quietly in 2003.

The Review: A Lasting Legacy
Aerosmith’s Unplugged performance remains an enigma—a spectacular show never given its due release. The audio quality of the bootlegs, taken from a DVD master, is impeccable, and the choice of songs is a dream for fans of Aerosmith’s ’70s era.

Though some may find the band’s banter between songs distracting, others might consider it a charming glimpse into the casual ambiance of the recording. It’s as if you were there, experiencing the raw, unplugged Aerosmith, chuckling with the audience member who repeatedly requested “Kings & Queens.”

Aerosmith’s MTV Unplugged performance is more than just a show; it’s a piece of rock history, a treasure trove for diehard fans, and a testament to the band’s artistry and passion.

So, dear readers, grab a copy if you can, and let Aerosmith’s Unplugged resonate in your soul. Just like those who were fortunate enough to be in the audience that magical night, you’ll be left wondering why this incredible performance never graced the shelves. But, thanks to the bootleggers and the memories of those who were there, this iconic moment in rock will never be forgotten.