Brad Whitford/International Telephone Interview 1977

In early 1977, AEROSMITH's historic first visit to Japan was just around the corner. A rare master tape of an exclusive interview that exudes a sense of the times has been newly excavated. This work was recorded on January 15, 1977 (10:45-11:15 a.m.). It is a telephone interview with Brad Whitford conducted for the FM radio program "Suntory Music Scope". This work was digitized directly from a master tape (MAXELL C90) that was obtained exclusively. It is an original recording that is not available on the Internet. The purpose of this interview is exactly "AEROSMITH's first visit to Japan". At that time, they were a big rock band that had released "ROCKS", but their live performances were focused on North America. They had only been to Europe for the first time three months before (October 1976), and Japan was a completely different world where English was not even spoken. Although DEEP PURPLE's "MADE IN JAPAN" was released, this was their first visit to Japan before KISS and CHEAP TRICK. In order to get an idea of ​​the era, let's first look at the position of this work in light of the outline of their activities at the time. 1977 {January 15: Telephone interview} ←★This work★ January 29-February 9: First visit to Japan (7 performances) {June "DRAW THE LINE" production begins} June 21-July 9: North America #1 (12 performances) August 13-27: Europe (7 performances) September 28-December 27: North America #2a (39 performances) {October "DRAW THE LINE" completed → Released December 9th} This is AEROSMITH in 1977. They toured until the end of the previous year (December 19th), and then took a Christmas break. This interview was conducted when the band had finally restarted and was in a countdown of "two weeks until their first visit to Japan". And the content of the interview also conveys the feeling of that era. From the beginning, Brad says, "I'm at home now. I was waiting for your call," "It's 10 degrees below zero outside, and there's 1.5 meters of snow in the blizzard," so the sense of the season is super real. And when we get to the main topic, the reality of AEROSMITH's journey to a foreign country is revealed. Let's write down a few things. --: Do you know what kind of country Japan is? Brad: I really don't know. I don't think any of us understand. --: There are some rock fans in Japan who think AEROSMITH is a bit violent and obscene. Brad: I don't think it's obscene or violent. But if you see our live show, you might think so. I don't know what to expect from the Japanese audience. Maybe it's because of Brad's frank personality, but there's no sales pitch like "I want to try sushi" or "I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans." He doesn't even try to hide his confusion. In the first place, the interviewer's question "That's obscene" also exudes the feeling of the era of his first visit to Japan. The conversation that continues after that is quite interesting. --: Where did you come up with the name "AEROSMITH"? Brad: I think only Joey Kramer could understand that. --: What is the concept of Mama's Kin? Brad: You should ask Steven about that. I can't answer that. Of course, it's not all just passing each other by, and there are many meaningful contents. It's especially interesting to see your awareness of other bands and artists. --: Were you influenced by THE YARDBIRDS or THE ROLLING STONES? Brad: Of course. I was a big fan of all the music that was happening in the UK. Some people say that Steven looks like Mick Jagger, and some people say that Joe Perry looks like Keith Richards. Well, maybe there are some similarities, but it's not really the case. --What about you? Brad: I think Jimi Hendrix influenced me the most. I also like Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, and Stanley Clarke. --Which bands are Aerosmith's rivals? Like ZZ Top? Brad: Yes, I guess you could say they are one of their rivals. It's a pretty standard exchange, but here the "1977 Japanese Western music" feeling explodes. The interviewer brings up a band that is unthinkable in modern times. --Do you know the Bay City Rollers? Brad: Eh? Ah, I know them. --They're also from England, and are descended from The Beatles. What do you think? Brad: I don't have an opinion about that group. I've never seen them play. I don't necessarily like them. It seems like someone spent a lot of money to promote them. "Everyone, they're the next BEATLES!" These conversations are just a part of this work. There are also a wide variety of topics, such as the plans for their first visit to Japan, subsequent albums, the members' nicknames, Brad's own childhood and hobbies, etc. Everything, including the sound quality of an international phone call at the time, exudes the scent of "just before their first visit to Japan." A telephone interview just before their first visit to Japan has been released. This is a genuine treasure created from a newly excavated master tape, and it realistically tells the story of AEROSMITH's appearance in the unknown foreign country "Japan." A valuable 35-minute international telephone interview tape. First time in history. It's a line recording, so it's easy to hear. The English is clear, so you'll definitely enjoy it. 35 minutes of international phone calls with the United States from this era. I wonder how much I'll be charged by KDD after this... This is the first time in history that this sound source has been released. It's a line recording. Taken from the original master cassette tape, this recording features a telephone interview with Brad Whitford (at his home in Walpole) conducted for an FM Tokyo radio broadcast program "Music Scope" to promote the 1977 Japan Tour. The interview was recorded in Tokyo from 10:45 to 11:15 AM on 15th January 1977, and in Walpole from 8:45 to 9:15 PM on 14th January 1977.