Walkin’ The Dog (Live 1978 / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a classic for all the Zoo Freaks out there: "Walkin’ The Dog (Live 1978 / Wildcard Remaster)" by Aerosmith from their iconic Texxas Jam '78 album. This high-energy cover of Rufus Thomas’ 1963 R&B hit was a staple in Aerosmith’s early live sets, showcasing their bluesy roots and raw stage presence. Recorded at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on July 4, 1978, during the Texas World Music Festival, the performance captured the band in their prime, headlining a 15-hour show for over 150,000 fans on one of the hottest days of the decade. The setlist, including “Walkin’ The Dog,” was part of their Draw the Line tour, a period when the band’s gritty, unpolished energy was at its peak, despite internal tensions and substance struggles.

Trivia about this specific performance reveals its cultural snapshot. The Texxas Jam '78 video, directed by Hart Perry, not only showcases Aerosmith’s electrifying set but also includes crowd shots and pre-show footage that freeze the 1970s rock scene in time. Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s raw delivery, with one user noting its place in the band’s early repertoire as a nod to their R&B influences. The performance also featured a guest appearance by Ted Nugent during “Milk Cow Blues,” adding to the night’s legendary status. However, some Amazon reviewers have pointed out the video’s VHS-like quality, as it was never remastered, and occasional “artsy” camera work that shifts focus to the sun-soaked crowd, which some felt detracted from the band’s performance. Still, Steven Tyler’s dynamic vocals and Joe Perry’s searing guitar riffs in “Walkin’ The Dog” make it a fan favorite, with one Amazon reviewer passionately defending Tyler’s improvisational style, saying, “Tyler is riffin’ and rollin’. Let him do his thing.”

Aerosmith’s journey began in Boston in 1970, born from a collision of musical talents and raw ambition. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton were playing in a local outfit called the Jam Band when they crossed paths with vocalist Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. Tyler, already a seasoned performer in the local scene, brought a charismatic edge, while Perry’s bluesy riffs laid the foundation for their sound. After Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford in 1971, the lineup solidified, blending hard rock with blues and R&B influences. They honed their craft in Boston’s dive bars, with Tyler and Perry—nicknamed the “Toxic Twins” for their songwriting and wild chemistry—driving the band’s early vision. Their self-titled debut album in 1973, featuring “Walkin’ The Dog” and “Dream On,” laid the groundwork, though it initially peaked at a modest number 166 on the charts. relentless touring and their 1974 album Get Your Wings propelled them to stardom, cementing their reputation as “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official channels: their website, Facebook (with over 16 million likes), Instagram, and X, where they share throwback posts like their 2016 and 2017 nods to Texxas Jam ‘78. Fans can dive deeper at Aero Force One, the official fan club, or join discussions on Facebook groups like Aerosmith Fans, where devotees swap stories and rare finds. For collectors, Discogs is a treasure trove for tracking down releases like the Texxas Jam '78 CD or VHS. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a lifelong Aerosmith fan, “Walkin’ The Dog” live from ‘78 is a time capsule of rock’s golden era.