The iconic lead singer of Aerosmith came to The Masonic at San Francisco last night, July 14, with his “Out On a Limb” tour, showcasing a career spanning set, along with several songs from his upcoming solo album We’re All Somebody From Somewhere. Boasted as a country-crossover album and tour, Steven Tyler was still very much Steven Tyler, with his signature mic stand draped in scarves, smile and dance across the stage, and raspy vocals that have entertained us for the past 40-plus years.

A short movie fills the screen on the backdrop as the musicians make their way to the stage, showing a young Steven Tyler talk about being a musician, and the main reason was for the women. Narrated by Tyler, the clips go on with pictures of his childhood, bands, Aerosmith, and ultimately, his decision to experiment in the country genre. The lights on stage rise up as Tyler jaunts across and launches into “Sweet Emotion”, a theme for the night as Tyler, and band The Loving Mary, play Aerosmith favorites, and new material off his new solo effort.

The set included other favorites “Cryin’” and “Jaded”, but, obviously, was supported by new material, including a cover “Piece of My Heart”, famously covered by Janis Joplin. The Loving Mary, headed by long-time Aerosmith collaborator Marti Frederiksen, supported Tyler’s vision of reworking classics seamlessly, including a stripped down “Janie’s Got A Gun”, which also appears on the new album, and provided one of the highlights of the evening with “My Own Worst Enemy”. Although the band Aerosmith was absent, the songs didn’t lack for power and punch, as heavy guitars wailed, but harmonies and jam-like sessions gave Tyler’s vocals a breath of fresh air, and you could tell the legendary singer was loving every minute of it.

Tyler also gave the audience stories and anecdotes, touching on first meeting Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, and hanging out with Hunter S. Thompson just down the street at the world famous O’Farrell Theater in the 70’s. Thompson spoke “what’s wrong with the music industry”, corruption, exploitation, and sex, with Tyler saying in his obvious way, that was OK with him.

Tyler and Co. continue their trek across the country hitting Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, and Washington D.C. to name a few. More of a rock show with hints of country influence, fans of Tyler’s career will not be disappointed. Check out all the remaining dates on his website, and see all the photos from the San Francisco show here.

Set List:

1. Sweet Emotion

2. Cryin’

3. We’re All Somebody From Somewhere

4. I Make My Own Sunshine

5. Jaded

6. Piece of My Heart

7. Only Heaven

8. Rattlesnake Shake

9. I’m Down

10. Come Together

11. My Own Worst Enemy

12. Red, White, & You

13. Love Is Your Name

14. Walk This Way

Encore:

1. Dream On

2. Janie’s Got A Gun

3. Train Kept A Rollin’