Super Bowl Sunday!
We were told we had to leave the hotel at 12:30 PM to get through the massive security at Reliant Stadium. We cruised to the stadium and got through the security checkpoint in record time. With 3 and a half hours to kill the guys and wives relaxed in their dressing room.
I took this time to find my brother's seats that were about a mile and half from where I was. Great seats - don't get me wrong but I could have used a cab to get to them. As show time/game time rolled around the band got a little more antsy. There was no talk of baring any breasts or grabbing any crotches. The guys seemed more concerned about wearing the black jumpsuits. I added my 2 cents that it made them look more like a team. The guys did a quick photo shoot with Ross in the bathroom and then it was showtime.
The 5 gladiators strolled down the hall like warriors going to battle. The band were lined up in the runway where Carolina was to exit the field. This made me feel uneasy that our beloved Patriots wouldn't be coming our way for a final pat on the back. Then I thought this would be perfect, I could throw Ross Halfin into quarterback Jake Delhomme possibly separating his shoulder and maybe even hurt Jake in the process. I thought better of it and let the chips fall as the may.
Tyler at Super Bowl Pregame
After a scorching 4 minutes of Baby Please Don't Go and Dream On the band left the stage. As we headed back into the runway I saw an overzealous Pat O'Brien being put back in his place by security guards after he attempted to cross the line and interview the boys on their way out. The band changed and gathered their belongings and headed up to their suite to catch the coin toss. Joey, Brad, Joe and Steven shared the box with Willie Nelson and Toby Keith although Willie was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he was on his bus writing a song. Tom had other seats with a bunch of friends.
The box directly to our right was occupied by a group of young excited football fans rooting mainly for Carolina and some NFL brass. The game was going along great then halftime hit. From where we were we couldn't tell if it was Michael or Janet never mind a nipple. I do remember honcho's from the NFL dancing and digging the halftime show in the adjoining suite. Then about midway through the 3rd quarter I heard their cell phones start ringing and the
Brad, Steven & John B. in Aerosmith's Super Bowl Box
warm happy glow that was on their faces were replaced by a stoned stoic blank stare as they gazed into space with their mouths drooped open. That was the last I saw of the NFL brass as P. Diddy and Kid Rock quickly snapped up their vacated seats like a mini van stalking an empty spot at the Mall. I knew something big happened but wouldn't find out until much later. During the 3rd and 4th quarter P. Diddy was goading the crowd with his Panther's jersey and basically pissing off the Patriots fans. Steven would have none of this spot light stealing and got the Pats fans cheering with some cheerleading of his own. It was all done in good fun and after Adam Vinatieri kicked the game winning field goal even Puff gave the New England faithful an "I'm Not Worthy" bow.
After the game the band headed back to the hotel to regroup for the Patriots Celebration Party at the Intercontinental Hotel. It was no secret that the guys were gonna jam. And jam they did. They ripped threw Aero-Classics, Sweet Emotion, Walk This Way, Train and Walking the Dog. They were joined on stage by Kid Rock and Toby Keith, as well as Pat's owners Jonathan and Bob Kraft. Donnie Walburgh and a slew of Patriots rounded out the onstage mob. The party lasted until 4:00 AM with Snoop Doggy Dog taking the stage for an hour and a half set.
The next day we flew home and it was back to work almost immediately. The next few days the band spent holed up in the studio mixing "Honkin' on Bobo" with Marti F. The band will release the CD on March 30th. The guys also spent time on the artwork with Sony reps and planned out their schedule until they hit the road March 11th in Lubbock Texas. Sony is planning on releasing a limited edition pressing that will come with a special gift. When I saw it, it reminded me of opening a box of Cracker Jacks when you were a kid.
The Grammys: As I write this I am on an American flight to LA. with Joe and his son Tony. Steven is in California already. He flew to Sacramento on Friday to take part in his daughter Mia's wedding. As you know Mia and Papa Roach drummer Dave Buckner (no relation to Bill) got hitched Vegas style back in October. Steven and Joe along with BB King will present best Rap Hip Hop Award. After the show Joe will take the red eye to NYC. He will be taping a show with Emeril and do some press for the album.
Next week I'll recap the Grammys and keep you posted on the tour with good friends Cheap Trick!
See you on the road!
John B.
