Aerosmith To Rock Dubai - And India

Ten years after they composed Taste of India, they are finally going to experience the real thing.

We have never been to India but my son's name is Taj. I just called him Taj because I love the name. Steven Tyler

In Dubai for the first time ever to perform live, members of legendary rock band Aerosmith spoke to XPRESS about their Indian connection.

Their world tour kicks off with tomorrow’s gig in Dubai, their first time ever in the Middle East - then they move on to perform in India.

The band’s lead singer, Steven Tyler, proudly revealed that his son’s got an Indian name while talking about Taste Of India, a track from their 1997 album Nine Lives.

"We have never been to India but my son’s name is Taj. I just called him Taj because I love the name."

The band’s lead guitarist and contributing songwriter, Joe Perry, said: "We love hot food. Our music company is called Vindaloo Music. We have been fascinated by the Indian culture and food and all of that."

The band has never performed Taste Of India live, a decision Joe denies was conscious.

"We have written probably 60 songs since that time, songs that have been in and then taken out of the set. But (playing that track live) is a good suggestion, we must take it into consideration.

"At the period we wrote that song, Steve and I were influenced by a lot of music from around the world. We tried to incorporate those influences - I don’t know how we came up with the lyrics.

Unable to contain his passion, Steven takes over at this point. The Demon Of Screamin’, as he is fondly called, added: "Joe played (hums the guitar riff from the track) and I went (sings the refrain) 'God, I love the sweet taste of India.' It was a magical moment and we went with it.”

The quintet looked fresh, frothy and every bit as spirited as they did at the beginning of their career more than three decades ago.

Steven - looking dapper in a white jacket and a T-shirt that screamed ‘Good God Almighty’ - waxed lyrical about Dubai, calling it "truly the Vegas of the East" and its nightlife "beautiful, insane".

Speaking of things insane, Joe Perry chose the moment to reveal the craziest thing he claims ever to have done. "One night in the Midwest, it was so hot I took all my clothes off except my underwear. I did that only once. It will probably never happen again."

Let’s see if he can top that at their Dubai gig.