Aerosmith

The Boston hard-rock outfit fronted by vocalist Steve Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry (with Brad Whitford on guitars, Joey Kramer on drums, and Tom Hamilton on bass) is the most successful rock band in New England history, and no other act is even close. Long known as America’s Rolling Stones, the title was once an insult. Now, it’s a time-tested compliment. Like the Stones, Aerosmith has been around for decades (since 1970), battled through drug and personnel problems to secure a high-profile place in pop culture, and recorded a slew of classic songs, from “Dream On” and “Walk This Way” to “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “Sweet Emotion.” The group has a ride at Disneyworld and its own pinball machine. It has done a Super Bowl halftime gig and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its members have never left New England and are committed to the area and its music scene. They’re still rocking maniacs onstage and in the studio. (by Dean Johnson)