Aerosmith – VA, USA (November 16, 1987) – Original Radio Show 3-LP Edition

Aerosmith—a band that once nearly threw away their career but staged a dramatic comeback in the mid-80s—was, in 1987, in the midst of surging toward their second golden age. Now, we present the ultimate master edition of a legendary soundboard recording that epitomizes this era of resurgence. This release sets a new benchmark for audio quality, surpassing previous versions that had overlooked this source. Captured here is the November 16, 1987, performance in Hampton—specifically, the stereo soundboard recording. This show is renowned as a defining moment of the “Permanent Vacation Tour” and has previously been released as *Definitive Hampton 1987*. While this new release also features the FM soundboard audio from that same concert, it is a distinct “ultimate edition” derived from a completely different master source. Before discussing the impressive quality, let’s place the show in context by reviewing the band’s activity at the time: 1987 (*Permanent Vacation* released August 25) – Oct 16–Dec 31: North America Leg 1 (44 shows) ← ★Here★; 1988 – Jan 16–Feb 28: North America Leg 2 (29 shows) ← *Houston 1988*; Mar 21–May 22: North America Leg 3 (36 shows); Jun 17–26: Japan (6 shows); Jul 2–Sep 15: North America Leg 4 (40 shows). A Previously Unknown Broadcast Master: As you can see, the “Permanent Vacation Tour” spanned from October 1987 through the autumn of 1988, covering over 150 shows across four North American legs alone. This massive undertaking—which also included a Japanese tour—demonstrated a level of activity that surpassed even their wild 1970s heyday. The Hampton performance featured here marks the 21st show of that opening “North America Leg 1.” This performance took place just as the band was hitting its stride on tour following the commercial success of their comeback album, *Permanent Vacation*. The primary reason this night in Hampton has become legendary is its nationwide radio broadcast. Distributed by Westwood One, that broadcast became the source for countless bootlegs over the decades; indeed, the earlier release *Definitive Hampton 1987* was created by tracking down the original broadcast master. However, even though it originated from Westwood One, there was more than one version of the “broadcast master” in circulation. This release is sourced from the *CO 91-34* three-LP transcription set—the actual physical copies sent to radio stations. These were professional-grade analog discs cut directly from the program audio, and this release was digitized straight from those grooves. Despite covering the same concert and originating from the same Westwood One source, the mix is ​​completely different—making this, in a sense, the “half-sibling” to *Definitive Hampton 1987*. It features an alternate mix that rivals a fully official release, and the difference in the mix is ​​truly striking. It is astonishing how easily it surpasses *Definitive Hampton 1987*, a release previously hailed as “official quality.” While *Definitive Hampton 1987* offered superb stereo soundboard audio, it retained a distinct “on-air” feel—reminiscent of a live broadcast. That gave it a certain raw, organic charm, but this release takes the polish a step further. Instead of the raw, in-the-room intensity of instruments being played live, the sound is smoothly refined; the balance is perfectly even, and the audio itself is incredibly fluid. It possesses a remarkable sense of cohesion and stability from start to finish, standing out as a polished, finished “album” experience. The two guitars—played by Joe Perry and Brad Whitford—are clearly and pleasingly distinguished, while Steven Tyler’s sexy vocals cut right through the middle, standing out prominently in the mix. Tom Hamilton’s bass blends naturally into the ensemble while retaining a thick, solid core, and Joey Kramer’s drums lay down an unshakable foundation. This perfectly balanced cohesion exudes an elegance akin to dropping the needle on a top-tier official live album rather than a bootleg. Revived with a noble, official-quality sound—a true hallmark of the *Permanent Vacation* tour—are the band’s signature songs, charged with the momentum of their comeback. In fact, this is one point where this release differs from *Definitive Hampton 1987*. Let’s take a look at the tracklist. *Permanent Vacation* (2 songs): “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” “Rag Doll.” Classics (12 songs): *Toys In The Attic* (“Toys In The Attic,” “Big Ten Inch Record,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way”), *Rocks* (“Back In The Saddle,” “Last Child,” “Rats In The Cellar”), and others (“Dream On,” “Same Old Song And Dance,” “Train Kept A Rollin’,” “Draw The Line,” “Lightning Strikes”). The set kicks off with the explosive opening of “Toys In The Attic” and proceeds to unleash an arsenal of ironclad hits—including “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “Train Kept A Rollin'”—without holding anything back. While tracks like “Dude (Looks Like A Lady)” and “Rag Doll” from the new album are included, the backbone of the set remains firmly rooted in 1970s classics. It is packed with spirited, confident performances that reflect a band that had truly found its footing again after its comeback. As for the difference from *Definitive Hampton 1987*, this release omits “Bone To Bone (Coney Island White Fish Boy).” That song was originally a rare track broadcast only in Japan; it was included as a bonus on *Definitive Hampton 1987* to ensure comprehensive coverage of all existing soundboard recordings. However, in the case of this release, the broadcast source differs, resulting in a vastly different mix; forcing that single track in would have disrupted the album’s carefully established sense of unity. The defining feature of this release is its “album-like quality,” akin to an official product; therefore, no additional material was inserted, ensuring a seamless listening experience. This album represents a new pinnacle for the Hampton performance soundboard recording—a legendary staple that has long reigned supreme among collectors. While capturing the same night as previous releases, this definitive “quasi-official” edition is sourced from a different master lineage, allowing the listener to fully enjoy the entire performance as a cohesive, polished work. It stands as an ultimate release, distinct in character from the raw, immediacy-focused *DEFINITIVE HAMPTON 1987*. It features the stereo soundboard recording of the November 16, 1987, Hampton show. Although the “Westwood One” broadcast is a well-known classic, this release is a direct-to-CD transfer from the three-LP transcription set *CO 91-34*—a source distinct from the one used for *DEFINITIVE HAMPTON 1987*. In contrast to the “on-air” feel of *DEFINITIVE*, this version delivers a stunning mix that possesses the elegance and refinement of a top-tier official release. A definitive quasi-official album has arrived, maintaining a consistent, album-quality aesthetic from start to finish. Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, USA – November 16, 1987 (Stereo Soundboard). Sourced from the original Westwood One “Superstar Concert Series” 3-LP radio transcription set (CO 91-34) – UPGRADE!!! (75:53) 1. Toys In The Attic 2. Same Old Song And Dance 3. Dude (Looks Like A Lady) 4. Big Ten Inch Record 5. Lightning Strikes 6. Rag Doll 7. Back In The Saddle 8. Last Child 9. Guitar Intro. 10. Draw The Line 11. Rats In The Cellar 12. Dream On 13. Sweet Emotion 14. Walk This Way 15. Train Kept A Rollin’ | Steven Tyler – Vocals, Joe Perry – Guitar, Brad Whitford – Guitar, Tom Hamilton – Bass, Joey Kramer – Drums | STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING