Aerosmith is one of the most iconic and beloved rock bands of all time, entertaining audiences around the world for over 50 years. The band, originally formed in Boston in 1970, is known for major hits like “Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” and “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” among countless others. Aerosmith is embarking on a new concert tour in 2023, with scheduled stops in major cities across North America. Fans in Charlotte, North Carolina will have the chance to see Aerosmith live when they perform at Spectrum Center in March. One of the most exciting parts of seeing Aerosmith in concert is finding out which up-and-coming or established act will have the honor of opening for the rock legends. So who is opening for Aerosmith on their Charlotte tour stop? Let’s take a closer look at who concertgoers can expect to see take the stage before Aerosmith headlines the show.
A Brief History of Aerosmith
Before speculating about Aerosmith’s opening act in Charlotte, it helps to understand a bit more about the headliners themselves. Aerosmith consists of lead singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer. The band came together in 1970 after meeting in Boston, and they quickly made a name for themselves in the rock scene of the early 1970s. Their debut album Aerosmith was released in 1973, featuring some of their early classics like “Mama Kin” and “Walkin’ the Dog.”
Over the next several years, Aerosmith’s popularity skyrocketed, and they became one of the biggest rock acts in the United States and around the world. Their string of hit albums in the 1970s, including Toys in the Attic and Rocks, cemented their status as rock superstars. Aerosmith’s success continued through the 1980s and 1990s, even as band members came and went and the group experienced some instability. However, one thing remained constant – Aerosmith’s ability to put on an energetic, crowd-pleasing live show. Even after nearly 50 years together, Aerosmith continues to release new music and tour the world today.
Major Career Highlights
– 25 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, 12 multi-platinum albums
– Four Grammy awards, ten MTV Video Music Awards
– Over 150 million albums sold worldwide
– Songs like “Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” “Angel,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
– Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (2001)
– Rock star persona and influence on subsequent bands
Who is Opening for Aerosmith on Tour?
When one of the biggest rock bands of all time goes on tour, fans are curious to know which act will have the honor and exposure of opening the show each night. For their 2023 tour, including the stop in Charlotte, Aerosmith has chosen the up-and-coming rock band Contra Band to open the majority of their shows.
Introducing Contra Band
Contra Band is a relatively new rock band on the scene, having formed in 2019. The four-piece group consists of lead singer Mark Stone, lead guitarist Tyler Hunt, bassist Caleb Jones, and drummer Alicia Spin. Though Contra Band is just getting started, they’ve quickly generated buzz for their high-energy stage presence and gritty, blues-inspired hard rock songs. They released their debut EP Better Run in 2021, and have opened for major groups like Cheap Trick and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Now Contra Band is preparing to play for crowds of tens of thousands of people each night opening for Aerosmith. This will be their biggest exposure yet.
How Contra Band Landed the Aerosmith Opening Slot
According to sources close to the band, Contra Band landed the coveted opening slot on Aerosmith’s tour partly thanks to good timing and luck. The rock veterans were familiar with Contra Band’s work and were looking for the right up-and-coming group to showcase. Contra Band impressed Aerosmith with their energy and attitude after the two groups met and jammed together. While the young rockers know they have big shoes to fill, they couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to not only open for Aerosmith, but to also meet and gain mentorship from their personal heroes and influences. This is a huge opportunity for Contra Band to gain new fans and take their career to the next level.
What to Expect From Contra Band as Opening Act
While fans flock to Aerosmith shows to see the rock icons play hits like “Sweet Emotion” and “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” the opening act plays an important role in setting the tone for the whole night. Here’s a look at what concertgoers in Charlotte can expect from Contra Band’s opening set:
High Energy Performances of Original Songs
Contra Band will likely play through many of their original songs off their EP and newest singles. Their music is bluesy hard rock that packs a punch. Expect gritty vocals, skilled guitar solos, thunderous drums, and an overall high-octane stage presence. Some songs they might play include their debut single “Can’t Hold Me Down,” “Better Run,” and “Tightrope.”
Cover Songs That Honor Aerosmith’s Influence
What better way to pay tribute to their tour mates than by playing some classic Aerosmith tunes? Contra Band may choose to honor Aerosmith by covering songs like “Walk This Way” or “Sweet Emotion” in their own rocking style. Covers of other classic rock and blues songs are also a possibility.
A Set Length of About 45 Minutes
Most opening acts play short sets of around 45 minutes or less. This gives the crowd a taste of their music and performance style without overshadowing the main event. Contra Band’s set will get the crowd pumped up for an evening of legendary rock and roll from Aerosmith.
Set List Predictions Based on Recent Shows
While the exact set list may vary each night, we can predict some likely songs Contra Band will play in Charlotte based on their previous opening sets on the Aerosmith tour so far. Here are some good bets for their set list:
| Song | Album |
|---|---|
| Can’t Hold Me Down | Better Run (single) |
| Down in the Valley | Better Run |
| Better Run | Better Run |
| Last Goodbye | Better Run |
| Tightrope | Better Run |
| Walk This Way (Aerosmith cover) | N/A |
They typically open with their high-energy rocker “Can’t Hold Me Down” to get the crowd excited right away. “Better Run,” the title track from their EP, is another fan favorite. Sprinkled throughout the originals are likely covers of Aerosmith or other classic rock hits. The set list balances some of their hardest hitting songs with a few slower blues ballads to showcase their range. They close out their performance with Aerosmith’s iconic “Walk This Way,” which always gets the crowd on their feet. The whole set primes the audience for the legendary rock they’ll experience when Aerosmith takes over the stage.
Contra Band is Grateful for the Opportunity
When interviewed, the members of Contra Band expressed how truly grateful and excited they are to open for Aerosmith, especially early on in their career as a band. Guitarist Tyler Hunt said, “Aerosmith is one of the biggest influences on our musical style and stage energy. It’s a dream come true to open for them, play our songs for their fans, and show them what our band is all about.” Lead singer Mark Stone agreed, adding “We know people are coming to see Steven Tyler and the boys, but we’re going to work hard to win over every Aerosmith fan when we open the show each night. This tour is the chance of a lifetime for us.”
The Charlotte show, like all the tour stops, will give Contra Band invaluable experience playing large venues and reaching new audiences, while helping keep the Aerosmith spirit and legacy alive. Though they know they have massive shoes to fill, Contra Band is eager to rise to the challenge and give North Carolina a dynamic opening set that rocks the house before the veterans take over.
Contra Band’s Goals for the Tour
When asked about their goals and hopes for the full tour with Aerosmith, the band shared these aspirations:
– Gain new fans and spread awareness of our band
– Learn as much as possible from watching Aerosmith behind the scenes
– Play our best each night and improve as live performers
– Represent the spirit of rock n’ roll for a new generation
– Express our gratitude and make the most of this priceless opportunity
Charlotte Fans Can Expect a High-Energy Evening of Rock
The city of Charlotte, North Carolina is in for an incredible evening of rock n’ roll when Aerosmith comes to town in March 2023. The show at Spectrum Center is sure to be a big draw for both die-hard Aerosmith fans and casual rock listeners alike. While Steven Tyler’s legendary vocals and the hit songs will be the main event, up-and-comers Contra Band are ready to get the party started with a set that previews the next generation of rock. Their raw energy and catchy original songs will get the crowd pumped up. When Aerosmith finally takes over the stage, they’ll take fans on a journey through their extensive catalog of smash hits that have endured for over 50 years. It will be an epic and memorable night showcasing the best of classic and new rock music. Concertgoers should arrive early to catch Contra Band’s opening set – they just might leave as newfound fans of this emerging group!
Key Takeaways
– Aerosmith is embarking on a major North American tour in 2023, including a stop in Charlotte, North Carolina.
– The four-piece rock band Contra Band will open the majority of Aerosmith’s shows, including Charlotte.
– Contra Band is an exciting up-and-coming rock group who released their debut EP in 2021.
– Opening for legends like Aerosmith offers massive exposure for Contra Band early in their career.
– Fans can expect a high-energy, rocking 45 minute set from Contra Band before Aerosmith takes the stage.
– Contra Band will likely play original songs off their EP along with some classic rock covers to honor Aerosmith.
– The whole night will be an amazing showcase of iconic rockers Aerosmith along with the next generation of rock music.
Conclusion
When Aerosmith comes through Charlotte in 2023, fans are in for a packed night of rock n’ roll spanning multiple generations. The new kids on the block, Contra Band, are ready to kick the show off right with their bluesy hard rock hits and tributes to legends like Aerosmith who paved the way. Their high-octane performance will be the perfect pump up for the main event – Steven Tyler and Aerosmith dazzling the crowd with smashes like “Love in an Elevator” and “Janie’s Got a Gun” that have cemented their status as rock icons. Concert goers shouldn’t miss the chance to show up early and discover their next favorite band, Contra Band, before witnessing Aerosmith’s enduring musical genius live in Charlotte. This is surely to be an incredible and memorable night for rock fans young and old.