by John Johnson, Photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photograpy

This past Wednesday night at Seminole Hard Rock’s Special Event Center in Tampa opened with a near sonic boom. Jared James Nichols, a powerhouse three-piece whose blues-based rock came with an unapologetic volume level. It was LOUD. And before I’m labeled as a curmudgeon, whilst out grabbing a beverage, I heard one of the bartenders comment that she had “never heard it that loud out here in the lobby before”. Although the decibels were excessive for one of my favorite intimate venues, the songs and particular style of blues rock were much to my liking, even if it was through a pair of Dream Earz. During the trio’s 9 song set, Nichols’ vocals and guitar work were raw and impressive, while the rhythm section kept the groove LITERALLY pounding. Their set was brief but intense, leaving ears ringing and adrenaline levels high, perfectly priming the mostly middle aged (and above) crowd for what was to come.

The Joe Perry Project, in its 2025 iteration, took the stage next, delivering a rare treat for what seemed to be mostly Aerosmith fans. Kicking their 19 song set into gear with the title track, off of his first solo album back in 1980, “Let the Music Do The Talking”. Having seen him (at a Pinellas Park skating rink no less) during his much publicized splitting with fellow Toxic Twin Steven Tyler way back in 1981, I was excited to witness this Supergroup in a much more qualified setting. Joe Perry, flanked by fellow Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford on guitar and Buck Johnson on keys, was joined by a stellar lineup of rock veterans. Chris Robinson, frontman of The Black Crowes, brought his soulful rasp and swagger to the vocals, while Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo anchored the bass. Filling in on drums for Eric Kretz, who was away for a family matter, was a more than capable Jason Sutter. The long time JPP heavy hitter kept the energy locked in tight. You couldn’t tell that this was the first night of the tour, other than the few times Robinson “flubbed” some of the lyrics during “Vaseline”, one of two Stone Temple Pilot songs covered. The second, being “Interstate Love Song”, that the six piece band made their own. Slowing it down and jazzing up the backend, turned it into a loungy little ditty that had the nearly sold out room up and dancing. Having Robinson leading the way, allowed the veteran players to delve into a couple classics from The Black Crowes, “Twice as Hard” and “Jealous Again”.

The setlist blended Perry’s solo material with a few crowd-pleasing nods to the other members’ respective band’s faves. As mentioned, the majority of the crowd was there to hear a few Aerosmith numbers, and they seemed very contented with the small chunks of an extensive catalog that Perry offered up. From “Same Old Song and Dance”, “Last Child”, “Draw the Line” and “Train Kept a Rolling” (actually a cover) to the show closing “Walk this Way”, the congregation responded with glee. Each song, wether a cover or an original, was dripping with accomplished grit and generations worth of proficient confidence. In short, they sounded really freaking good. The lanky Robinson’s commanding stage presence and vocal power gave the mostly bluesy rock numbers extra bite. Perry quipped a time or two about Robinson’s height, although Joe might want to remember that he’s only about 5’6”. Regardless of his vertical challenges next to Robinson, Perry punished all of his guitars with polished panache. Even though some would refer to him as ‘Smiths second “fiddle”, Whitford’s fluid leads played off Perry’s rawer style beautifully. I’ve seen Aerosmith several times and am always reminded, each time, just how good Whitford is on guitar. Johnson, the somewhat unnamed Bean Town band member, added keyboard flourishes, bringing subtle texture and depth. DeLeo, who’s actually taller than Robinson, provided bass lines that were thick and punchy. It was a night that felt both like a jam session among old friends and a rock clinic for the audience — a celebration of musical chemistry that left the Tampa crowd buzzing long after the last chord rang out.

Now, go out and See, Hear and Feel Live music.