Once during a 9th grade gym class conversation with my long-time friend Brian Weinstein – host of the Phish-centric “Attendance Bias” podcast – he referred to Aerosmith as being the biggest American rock band of all-time. As someone who generally likes to debate music-related rankings, I initially questioned that statement. Then I thought about it and realized how true it was. I mean, who comes close to Aerosmith when it comes to the number of hits they have had or the number of years they have been playing arenas and stadiums? And that success continues into the 2020s…
Opinions aside, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, with 25 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, and 12 multi-platinum albums to the band’s credit. Reportedly, Aerosmith holds the record for the most total certifications by an American band and is tied for the most multi-platinum albums by an American band. The quintet has scored 21 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 — including 9 #1 Mainstream Rock hits – and are the recipients of 4 GRAMMYs, 6 American Music Awards, 4 Billboard Awards and 10 MTV Video Music Awards.
On February 17, 2021, Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer will be part of a Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp Masterclass. Within this virtual class — which starts at 8:00 PM EST — Kramer is promising to share “stories, tips and knowledge from his 50+ years of experience performing and recording with Aerosmith.” Attendees will be able to ask questions directly to Kramer. Other upcoming masterclasses booked by David Fishof’s Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp will include The Doors’ Robby Krieger, U2 producer Steve Lillywhite and former Megadeth guitarist (turned mega-star in Asia) Marty Friedman.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Joey Kramer on February 10, 2021 via Zoom, as embedded above. We briefly touched upon Kramer’s Jewish roots within our chat, as he confirmed to me that he was indeed bar mitzvahed as part of his childhood. Also intriguing about Kramer is that he has found success outside of music as an entrepreneur, founding Joey Kramer’s Rockin’ & Roastin’ Organic Coffee.
