Aerosmith – Rock for the Rising Sun (DVD, Blu-Ray)
Eagle Rock Entertainment
www.aerosmith.com

Rating: B+

Aerosmith have returned with a damn fine concert film.  What makes it cool is that it’s from a time they went to Japan when the country was in turmoil, and also because they kicked ass on the track listing breaking out several classic tunes including “Draw the Line,” “No More No More,” “Mama Kin,” “Toys in the Attic,” “Last Child” and even have bonus track of “Lick and a Promise.” 

Aerosmith have worldwide appeal but Japan is a special place for them as there is a unique relationship between the country’s rock fans and Aerosmith.  They truly appreciate the band coming to play in 2011, only months after a huge earthquake and tsunami and nuclear plant meltdown. 

The rockumentary does a great job of capturing the live performance and the relationship between band and fan.  The interviews dispersed throughout the show are very cool.  There is a serious side to this show that is both emotional and thought provoking, however, there is also humor and tons of killer guitar playing. 

The band is playing stronger than ever live.  They are totally rocking out and the team of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry have such a strong stage presence that you can’t help but watch their every move.  The background of Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer all look like rock stars and drive the train as they crank out note after note of maximum riffage. 

While many may tell you this band has worn out their welcome, the truth is that they are still a great band—hell they are a much better live band than they were 30 to 35 years ago and the performances on this film prove it.  Perry and Whitford are the epitome of guitar heroes.  

They are bringing back many tunes not heard in ages and the stage show is over the top, much like the strong personalities that are in the band.  The show, the band, the songs…all put together make for a strong rock show.  

Dare I say that the track listing on Rock for the Rising Sun  makes me forget about the horrible possibility of the rumored Steven Tyler solo album and, instead, makes me want a new Aerosmtih album.  If the mojo in the band is telling them to trot out their ‘70s classics, then maybe, just maybe, that special magic that washed over them in the past will manifest inself in the present! 

Until that time, however, crank this one up and get ready to rock!

Long Live the ‘Smith!

Tracklisting:
Draw The Line
Love In An Elevator
Livin' On The Edge
Hangman Jury
No More No More
Mama Kin
Monkey On My Back
Toys In The Attic
Sweet Emotion
Boogie Man
Rats In The Cellar
Movin' Out
Last Child
S.O.S. (Too Bad)
Walk This Way
Train Kept A Rollin

By Jeb Wright