Classic Rock Revisited recently caught up with AEROSMITH drummer Joey Kramer. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

By Peter Lindblad

A new concert film, Rock for the Rising Sun, follows AEROSMITH’s mission of mercy. Making stops at a number of cities across the island nation, Aerosmith’s brand of bluesy hard rock was powerful medicine. Along the way, they brought out set lists that mined deep into their back catalog, and while they bumped-and-grinded through hits like 'Sweet Emotion', 'Walk This Way' and 'Love In An Elevator', Aerosmith also trotted out 'Rats In The Cellar', 'Toys In The Attic', 'Movin’ Out' and 'Monkey On My Back' and lit them on fire.

Photo by Ross Halfin

The shows were boisterous and spirited, as Aerosmith blazed away with a feverish exuberance and raw nastiness that made it feel like 1976 all over again. Directed and edited beautifully by veteran Aerosmith videographer Casey Patrick Tebo, Rock for the Rising Sun boasts colorfully shot video of the band’s ragged glory. Older and wiser, they still pack a mean sucker punch of raunchy riffs, gritty rhythms and Steven Tyler’s swaggering stage presence, and Tebo brings out the electricity and muscular drive of every single sizzling performance included here.

And there’s plenty of offstage, behind-the-scenes footage to enjoy as well. Joey Kramer, Aerosmith’s longtime drummer, thinks it’s a wonderful document of what was a very special tour. In a brief recent interview, Kramer talked about the film, the band’s experiences in Japan and his own drumming philosophy.

Peter: What are your impressions of the new Aerosmith tour documentary Rock for the Rising Sun?

Joey Kramer: "Japan’s always been really special for us, and when they told us don’t go there because it’s dangerous, it was like, 'Oh, don’t go ‘cause it’s dangerous? We’re on our way.' That’s just the way we are, but like I say, Japan’s always been special for us. The people have always taken really great care of us, they’re response to us has always been wonderful. And we’ve been going there for many, many years, since the mid-‘70s, and Japan is something special to us, and so that’s why we wanted to do that. And yet, in answer to your question, I think we captured some good shows. You know, I think that it was worthwhile."

Peter: What are your favorite memories of that tour?

Joey: "I don’t have any specific memories, but like I said, we always enjoy playing Japan, because we just love it there. The people take care of us and treat us well, and it’s always a good time. I think that the people were just really appreciative of us being there, because they knew what they’d been through and obviously, they did as well. And I think they were extremely grateful that we came."

Peter: Why do you think Aerosmith has established such a unique connection with Japanese fans?

Joey: "That’s a good question. I think that it’s really an amazing feat to accomplish that when you can go to a land so far away and people still relate to what it is that you do related to your art the way that they do and understand it. Music is the great healer; it brings everybody together. It’s the link in the chain that brings people together and unites them."

Go to this location for the complete interview.