Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

A world renown, future hall of fame rock band rehearsed right in the middle of Somerville back in the day.

As always, these details and dates are as close to exact as possible as we are relying on our memories. These events tool place around 1987–1991.

Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including over 70 million records in the United States with 25 gold, 18 platinum and 12 multi- platinum albums. Thank you, Wikipedia.

We always talk about how fortunate we were to have grown up here in Somerville. We now look back and reminisce about it today. We are proud and extremely lucky, that we survived the wild years of our youth, and keep the memories alive of those who did not. We may not have had a ton of money, but we sure had a load of fun and lots of crazy adventures and memories.

A building on Lowell St. that is currently an auto repair shop used to be the rehearsal space for the Bad Boys from Boston, our pride and joy, the one and only rock mega-group, Aerosmith.

A lifelong friend that I grew up with, played in bands with, and lived on my street served many years as drummer Joey Kramer’s “drum tech.” I spent some good times in the rehearsal space when the band wasn’t there. Playing the instruments and drinking their non-alcoholic beer in the fridge!

Having a pal that had keys to the space was incredible because I was in awe when I was there. My friend also hooked me up with some great mementos like monogrammed guitar picks, one of Steven Tyler’s old discarded scarves, and a Permanent Vacation poster signed in gold ink. Our pal was generous, bringing only a select few trusted friends in there.

Years before that – I don’t know what the heck year – Aerosmith was playing at the old Harbor House in Lynn across from Jacob’s Ladder. All I remember was crawling on the floor between people’s legs to get right up to the front of the stage. That’s how big a fan I was. That’s all I remember from that foggy night.

Many of my Somerville friends have graciously shared their precious memories of Aerosmith’s days in and around Somerville. Thank you, and here they are a few.

“They rehearsed from 5:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. Janies Got a Gun, over and over. Now it’s Auto Plus … best shop repair In Somerville!”

A lifelong Somerville teacher who is from a heritage Somerville family that I’ve known all my life shared this: “When I taught sixth grade at the Cummings. Joe Perry’s stepson used to come and visit me on half Wednesday’s. My brother got backstage passes for us at the old Garden. After the concert we got to hang out with Brad Whitfield and meet Steven Tyler. I saw Joe’s son and he introduced me to Joe Perry. That was an awesome event.”

Below are more quotes from Somerville people who were there. Each new quote is a different friend’s comments.

“I worked for the floor cleaning complex there for about a year, I got to meet them a few times. It was like meeting GODS! Lol.”

“Seen Steven in Kneelands with his girlfriend holding a box of Rice-A-Roni, singing the jingle. Also spotted Joe Perry in his BMW at the red light on Lowell and Highland in the Late 80’s.”

“They used to come into Friendly’s in the Assembly Square Mall and eat sometimes. They weren’t that big back then but I still knew they were Aerosmith when I waited on them.”

“We were very young, maybe 10 or 11 the first time we snuck up to hear them rehearse. It was a crazy sight when they came back out into the parking lot.”

“I saw them play at Cousins Gym Tufts University in the late 70s.”

“I used to sleep over at Joe’s condo in the Carr school when I was about 13. I was friends with his stepson.”

Author: I was recuperating from something or other and Joey Kramer sent me a nice note on Aerosmith stationery. What a guy!

Here is a comment from my friend who was there:

“I was in an Aerosmith tribute band at the time and we crossed paths a few times at the Cambridge music complex.

One of our oldest friends was their drum tech for 12 years. I met them a few times. I am also in their Let the Music Do the Talking video, recorded at the Orpheum, and our friend brought me to the place on Lowell Street a few times.

Got to play Joey Kramer’s drums and Steven Tyler’s piano. The drum tech lived on my first floor and we used to play Joe Perry and Brad Whitford’s guitars down there.

They also visited there once or twice. We also got primo seats to a few shows and got backstage a few times. I enjoyed my Aero Years very much.”

“You’ll notice on the inside of the CD jacket for their album Permanent Vacation they are behind bars of a jail cell. They gave thanks to the Somerville Police Chief at that time as well as the members of the department in the credits. Thanks to Lt. Gordon Harold Fairweather (RIP) and the Somerville Police Dept.”

We used as many comments as we could and there were so many! Thank you all! I will post original comments as well as this story on The Pride of Somerville Facebook page, and it will be at www.thesomervilletimes.com

We were all graced with having rock ‘n’ roll royalty in our own back yards from around 1987 to 1991. They mingled with the community, were friendly to local fans and quite generous to them too. Respecting all concerned, some details shall remain confidential. Aerosmith is coming to Fenway Park on Thursday, September 8, 2022. See you there!