Bassist Tom Hamilton (far left) is proud that the 35-year-old Aerosmith has lasted longer than many suit-and-tie corporations.

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton reflects on the band's 31/2 decades together

Date published: 9/13/2007

BY EMILY GILMORE

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

For rock bands, the prevailing wisdom used to be that you would tour when you had a new album to promote, but that doesn't necessarily hold true anymore.

These days, veteran groups can hit the road every summer or two, secure in the knowledge that they will still draw a huge crowd based on reputation alone.

For a band like Aerosmith, which plays Nissan Pavilion on Sunday, touring has changed a lot since members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford started playing together more than 35 years ago. But one thing that's stayed the same is the feeling the members get before they go onstage each night.

"Before you go on, you know, your body is in a different state of concentration and energy," Hamilton, Aerosmith's bass player, said in a recent phone interview. "There's something that says, 'This is a brand new audience and it's time to prove yourself again.'"

Highlights of the current tour have included Aerosmith's first-ever shows in India and the United Arab Emirates. The band also played a series of dates in Europe--their first in several years--before coming to North America, where they will play through the end of this month.

Other notable shows included performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, which were "incredible experiences," Hamilton said.

"When we started this band, we never thought that we would ever play in Russia," he added. "We thought there would be a nuclear war before that ever happened."

It seems even after playing together for so long and selling millions of albums, Aerosmith is still reaching out to new fans--not only to those in other countries, but also to those of a younger generation who are showing up in greater numbers because of an interest in vintage guitar music that's recently taken hold, Hamilton said.

He remembers how important music was to him when he was a teenager, so seeing younger people in the audience "is probably more of a thrill than anything for me," he said.

That Aerosmith's already strong following is growing is a testament to the band's remarkable longevity and widespread appeal.

What: Aerosmith will perform with openers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Where: Nissan Pavilion, Bristow When: Sunday, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $125, $85, $49.50, $29.50, $25 Info: 703/754-6400 Web: nissanpavilion.com, aerosmith.com Tickets: 800/551-SEAT, ticketmaster.com

Date published: 9/13/2007