The set was lean and muscular, mixing Perry’s solo cuts with a handful of deep-dive Aerosmith gems. His tone was fierce and unpolished, every riff dripping with swagger, reminding us that rock doesn’t need gloss to feel dangerous. —- What a night! On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the venerable Joe Perry Project roared to life at History in Toronto with unapologetic swagger and straight-ahead American rock energy. The atmosphere was palpable as the house filled, and at approximately 9:00 PM, Perry and his all-star band exploded onto the stage
Launching with “Let the Music Do the Talking,” the opening punch set the tone for a no-frills, high-voltage evening. The setlist was a masterstroke, blending Aerosmith deep cuts like “My Fist Your Face,” “Mama Kin,” and the rollicking “Combination,” with Joe’s personal solo fare like “East Coast, West Coast” and the introspective “Fortunate One”. Chris Robinson’s vocals burned brightly—he delivered “Twice As Hard” and “Jealous Again” (a Black Crowes staple) with gritty soul across the crowd.
The emotional pivot came when Robert DeLeo and the band slowed “Interstate Love Song” into a smoky, soulful reinterpretation—an unexpected and beautiful twist that drew genuine applause mid-song.
It was clear that Perry and crew relished the freedom to roam across their rock lineage in an unrestrained jam session through decades of riffs and rhythms. The energy never wavered as the band barreled toward the finish: “The Train Kept A-Rollin’” and the electrifying “Walk This Way” served as their encore slam, leaving the audience exhilarated and wanting more.
This show was rock in its purest form—no flash, just fire. From the thunderous opening chords to the soulful detours, The Joe Perry Project reminded us all precisely why rock and roll endures: it’s raw, real, and burns brightest when veterans like these still know how to bring the heat.
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