In 1990, the Black Crowes were still a new band touring clubs and theaters when they were given the chance to open for Aerosmith on the summer leg of the Pump tour. At the time, they were on the road with the McAuley Schenker Group and had just begun gaining attention with their debut album Shake Your Money Maker and the single “Jealous Again.”
According to guitarist Rich Robinson, the opportunity came while the band was playing a show in Boston. Their manager told them Aerosmith’s team was coming to speak with them about joining the tour. However, there was confusion because the McAuley Schenker Group also believed the meeting might involve them.
Chris Robinson later recalled that the situation created some awkward moments between the two bands. According to him, the more established group assumed they would get the offer, pointing to their experience compared to the younger band. The Black Crowes ultimately received the slot.
The tour represented a major step up for the band. Aerosmith was at a commercial peak following the success of their album Pump, which included hits like “Love in an Elevator” and “Janie’s Got a Gun.” Opening those shows meant playing large arenas and reaching audiences far bigger than what the Black Crowes had experienced up to that point.
Their first show on the tour took place at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Robinson brothers later shared a story from that night involving Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, who was briefly stopped by security because he did not have the proper backstage credentials. Despite being one of the most recognizable musicians on the tour, he reportedly still had to follow standard access rules.
The experience also reflected the financial realities of being a new band on a major tour. The Black Crowes have said they were paid about $350 per show during the run. Like many opening acts, the main benefit was exposure rather than income.
The tour helped introduce the band to a wider audience at a critical time. Shake Your Money Maker would go on to become a commercial success and establish the Black Crowes as part of the early-1990s rock scene.
The story recently came up again during an interview connected to the band’s new album, A Pound of Feathers, where the Robinson brothers reflected on early moments that shaped their career. Looking back, the Aerosmith tour stands out as one of the first turning points that helped move them from a developing act into a nationally recognized band.
Poison’s long-anticipated 40th anniversary tour will not move forward, according to comments from drummer Rikki Rockett, who says the band was unable to reach an agreement over how touring revenue would be divided. Rockett addressed the issue candidly in a recent interview with Page Six, confirming months of speculation that... Read More »
Yungblud has fired back at critics who slammed his tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, calling the backlash “bitter and jealous.” The British musician addressed the controversy during a recent appearance on The Osbournes Podcast, hosted by Jack Osbourne, where he reflected on... Read More »
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 5, 2025 It’s fitting that the band who invented heavy metal chose to end it where it began. Villa Park, the home stadium of Aston Villa F.C. and just a few miles from where Black Sabbath first rehearsed, hosted Back to the Beginning, a one-day farewell... Read More »
For many millennials, it’s the hottest concert tour of the summer, but you won’t find tickets or ticket hubs like StubHub or Ticketmaster. The All-American Rejects are going back to their roots, playing impromptu backyard house parties with addresses and RSVPs shared at the last minute. And in true rebellious... Read More »
