Train Kept a Rollin'

Zoo Freaks, get ready to hop aboard the sonic express with the Zoo Crew spinning "Aerosmith"'s blistering rendition of "Train Kept a Rollin'" from their 1974 album Get Your Wings. This track, a cover of a 1951 jump blues song by Tiny Bradshaw, was transformed into a hard-rock classic through Aerosmith's raw energy and producer Jack Douglas’s studio wizardry. The band initially wanted to record it live to capture their electrifying concert vibe, but Douglas convinced them to lay it down in the studio at New York’s Record Plant, overdubbing crowd noise from George Harrison’s 1971 Concert for Bangladesh to simulate a live feel. The result? A track that sounds like it’s roaring through a packed arena, with a faux-live second half that cranks the intensity to eleven.

Dive deeper into the guitar riffs, and you’ll uncover a surprising twist: the iconic solos weren’t played by Aerosmith’s Joe Perry or Brad Whitford. Session guitarists Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner, known for their work with Alice Cooper, were brought in by Douglas. Hunter, who laid down the opening solo using his 1959 Les Paul Special, recalled being pulled into Studio C during a break from another session, nailing his part in just two takes for a cool $750. Wagner handled the “live” section’s solos, adding to the track’s gritty edge. Neither received credit on the album, a common practice for session players at the time, sparking years of barroom debates among fans about who really shredded those licks. Thanks to Hunter’s wife, Karen, both guitarists are now recognized and receiving royalties, a testament to the song’s enduring legacy.

The song’s roots run deep in Aerosmith’s history. Joe Perry once said “Train Kept a Rollin’” was the one song they all had in common when the band formed, a bluesy thread tying together their early jams. Steven Tyler’s obsession with the track traces back to 1966, when his band opened for The Yardbirds in Connecticut. Watching Jimmy Page rip through the song left Tyler floored, declaring it “knocked my tits off.” It became a staple in Aerosmith’s early sets, often closing their shows with its relentless drive. The band’s love for The Yardbirds runs so deep that Tyler and Perry later joined Jeff Beck and Page to perform the song at the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for Beck and Metallica, cementing its status as a cross-generational rock anthem.

Aerosmith’s journey to becoming “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band” began in Boston in 1970, when Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar) came together, blending blues-based hard rock with a swagger that would define their sound. Tyler, born Steven Victor Tallarico, had been fronting bands like Chain Reaction, while Perry and Hamilton played in groups like The Jam Band. Their paths crossed in the late ’60s, and after jamming together, they realized their chemistry was undeniable. Moving to Boston, they honed their craft in dive bars and college gigs, building a local following with their high-energy performances. Their self-titled debut in 1973 laid the groundwork, but it was Get Your Wings, produced by Jack Douglas, that propelled them into the rock stratosphere, with “Train Kept a Rollin’” showcasing their raw power.

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and news. Follow their vibe on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe can check out fan communities like the Aero Force One fan club on their official site or dive into the Aerosmith Fans Facebook group, where diehards share stories, rare photos, and concert memories. Keep the “Train” rolling, Zoo Crew!