Tyler Announces, Sexy Tyler

But the band members don’t sit stoically behind desks as fans parade by with posters and Sharpies; they mingle in an open room with dozens of fans. Tyler takes time with his fans, looking each one in the eye as he speaks to them, making them feel as if they were the only person in the room at that moment. Fans realize quickly that the awkwardly sexy Tyler is even more attracting once they’ve met him; he is someone fans want to be with. Fans leave the experience more exuberant than before because of the willingness of the band members to acknowledge and be nice to them.

During its Just Push Play tour, the band devised another way to get close to its fans-a second stage positioned among the lawn seats of outdoor venues. In the middle of the concert, Tyler announces from the stage, “Okay, we’re coming out to you.” On cue, someone begins a deep thumping drum march, and the band leaves the stage and moves through the crowd, flanked by security. But even a tightly constructed caravan can’t prevent the gropefest the band must endure to get to its hard core fans. The band then takes to the B stage, giving fans in the cheap seats, from which the band usually looks like a bunch of ants, a chance to be in the front row for four or five songs. The fans appreciate the gesture; they feel important, valued, and connected.

But the band’s attunement to fan relationships doesn’t stop there.

Aerosmith began offering special backstage experiences to fan club members. For about $595, AeroForce One members can buy the Velvet Rope package that includes concert tickets in the first five rows, Aerosmith garb, and a guided backstage tour that explains the inner workings of the stage and crew. While management can’t guarantee that groups of fans will get to meet the band, they often do. Finally, Velvet Ropers often get to stand at stage edge during the concert, poised perfectly for Tyler to sing to and for the cameras to capture and project onto the Jumbotron to the rest of the crowd.