Last Child (Live 1987)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the funky vibes of "Last Child (Live 1987)" by Aerosmith from their album Classics Live! II. This track, originally from the 1976 album Rocks, is a swaggering, blues-infused banger penned by Steven Tyler and Brad Whitford. The live version we’re playing captures the raw energy of a 1984 New Year’s Eve show in Boston, part of Aerosmith’s reunion tour after Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. In an interview with Premier Guitar, Whitford shared that his blistering solo was a first-take wonder, ripped through a ’57 goldtop Les Paul into a 100-watt Marshall—no pedals needed. He grinned, saying that combo “makes you play real good.” The song’s funky groove, inspired by The Meters, showcases Whitford’s rhythm chops, with Perry laying down spicy chord stabs. Fans on Songfacts rave about the song’s killer groove, with one noting its similarity to David Bowie’s “Fame,” though that riff’s been around forever. Tyler’s clever lyrics, rhyming “Tallahassee” with “sassafrasse,” add a playful edge, making it a live favorite where Whitford often takes the spotlight.

Another cool tidbit comes from the Aerosmith Temple, which notes that six of the eight tracks on Classics Live! II, including “Last Child,” were recorded at that Boston Orpheum show. The album, produced by Paul O’Neill, catches the band in their sloppy yet electric mid-’80s phase, high on energy and, well, probably other things. Fan comments on Songfacts highlight the stereo-panned snare drums and the interplay between Whitford’s low-end riff and Perry’s funky chords, giving the track its boogie swagger. In live performances, Tyler often intros Whitford with a shout like, “Brad Whitford, what do you got to show for yourself?” before the guitarist tears into the solo. The song’s recording process, as detailed in the band’s bio Walk This Way, started with Whitford’s riff, Tyler jumping in on drums with a jazzy flair, and Perry tossing in chord changes, all coming together in their mobile studio, “The Wherehouse,” outside Boston. A banjo, overdubbed by Paul Prestopino, adds a quirky touch to the studio version, reflecting the band’s road-weary life at the time.

Now, let’s rewind to how Aerosmith, the Bad Boys from Boston, got their start. Formed in 1970, the band came together when guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, then in a group called the Jam Band, met vocalist Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano in Boston. Tyler, with his Mick Jagger-esque swagger, and Perry, the riff-slinging counterpart, became the songwriting core, later dubbed the “Toxic Twins.” By 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Tabano, locking in the classic lineup. Their bluesy, hard-rock sound, rooted in the Rolling Stones and Yardbirds, started building a local following. Their self-titled debut in 1973, with tracks like “Dream On,” put them on the map, but it was 1975’s Toys in the Attic and 1976’s Rocks that made them arena-rock giants. Despite drug-fueled chaos in the late ’70s, leading to Perry and Whitford’s brief exits, the band roared back in the ’80s with a Run-D.M.C. collab on “Walk This Way” and albums like Permanent Vacation. Their mix of glam, metal, and R&B influences inspired countless rock acts, earning them the title “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official website, where you can grab merch like limited-edition Pump vinyl or check tour updates. Follow them on Facebook, with over 16 million fans, for news and throwback pics, or catch their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, they share quick updates and interact with fans. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, check out fan sites like Aerosmith Temple for deep dives into their discography or join the Aero Force One Facebook group to connect with fellow devotees. You can also vibe with tribute bands like Last Child NYC, who bring Aerosmith’s energy to stages nationwide, from Daryl’s House Club to music festivals.