Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Show Photos HERE
Fans of classic rock recently got a very special treat in Boston’s Wilbur Theater, when legendary rockers Brad Whitford and Derek St. Holmes reunited as Whitford / St. Holmes for an intimate performance in support of their new album (aptly titled, “REUNION”), the first since their 1981 self-titled release (when both were on hiatus from their other gigs). It’s been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait!
A huge fan, I’ve been listening to, photographing and playing along to these guys for years – Brad with Aerosmith and Derek with Ted Nugent. So covering this intimate performance, with a family-like atmosphere, felt surreal and deeply satisfying.
The newly reunited lineup also features drummer Troy Luccketta (Tesla), bassist Chopper Anderson, and Buck Johnson (Aerosmith) on keys and vocals – so supporting Brad and Derek weren’t “merely” competent musicians, this is legitimately an all-star team.
The band was tight, intense and sounded perfect, with a 13-song set that briskly covered four decades of music in 90 minutes. We were treated to songs from both Whitford/St. Holmes albums, as well as Aerosmith and Nugent classics performed with gusto. There was tremendous chemistry among the band members, and their joy was infectious.
St. Holmes is a fabulous frontman – passionate, engaging, energetic, masterful on guitar, with a voice as soulful and range as broad as 40 years ago. And Whitford absolutely shined. Many don’t realize just how much of Aerosmith guitar sound is actually Brad (and not just universally recognized guitar god Joe Perry) – but on the relatively rare occasion that Brad is on stage without Joe, it becomes particularly clear just what magic Brad can do.
So: If you can catch Whitford/St. Holmes live – DO IT! And get the new album – I bet you’ll be strumming your air guitar and tapping your foot within seconds.
Set List:
- Shake It
- Tender Is the Night
- Rock All Day
- Hot for You
- Shapes
- Hell Is on Fire
- Keep on Moving
- Whiskey Woman
- Sharpshooter
- Hey Baby (Ted Nugent cover)
- Last Child (Aerosmith cover)
- Train Kept A-Rollin’ (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
- Stranglehold (Ted Nugent cover)