Black Crowes Recall Snatching Aerosmith Tour Spot From Another Band

The band's first Aerosmith tour in 1990 was marked by some backstage drama.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:58pm

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In 1990, the Black Crowes were touring with the McAuley Schenker Group when they landed the coveted opening slot for Aerosmith's Pump Tour. However, there was some confusion as the McAuley Schenker Group thought they were the ones getting the Aerosmith tour. The Black Crowes ended up taking the slot, much to the chagrin of the other band, and had a memorable first show with Aerosmith where guitarist Joe Perry was almost denied entry for not wearing his backstage pass.

Why it matters

This story provides a glimpse into the competitive and sometimes dramatic world of securing high-profile opening tour slots, which can be a career-making opportunity for up-and-coming bands. It also highlights the personal dynamics between bands and the challenges that can arise when opportunities are at stake.

The details

The Black Crowes were touring with the McAuley Schenker Group when Aerosmith put out a call for an opening act for their Pump Tour. The Crowes landed the gig, but the McAuley Schenker Group thought they were the ones getting the Aerosmith tour. This led to some awkwardness between the two bands, with the McAuley Schenker Group telling the Black Crowes they didn't know what they were doing. At the first Black Crowes/Aerosmith show, there was also a comical incident where Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry was almost denied entry to the venue because he wasn't wearing his backstage pass.

  • In 1990, the Black Crowes were touring with the McAuley Schenker Group.
  • That summer, Aerosmith put out a call for an opening act for their Pump Tour.
  • The Black Crowes landed the coveted opening slot for Aerosmith's tour.

The players

The Black Crowes

An American rock band that was just starting to gain popularity in 1990 with their debut album "Shake Your Money Maker" and single "Jealous Again".

McAuley Schenker Group

A hard rock band that was touring with the Black Crowes in 1990 and thought they were going to be the ones to open for Aerosmith's tour.

Aerosmith

The legendary American rock band that was headlining the Pump Tour in 1990 and selected the Black Crowes as their opening act.

Joe Perry

The iconic guitarist of Aerosmith, who almost wasn't allowed into the venue for the first Black Crowes/Aerosmith show because he wasn't wearing his backstage pass.

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What they’re saying

“They were like, 'Nice to meet you kids, but we're going on the Aerosmith tour.' They were like, 'You guys don't really know what you're doing and we've been doing this for quite a while, so enjoy your careers.' We were like, 'Enjoy your time off!'”

— Chris Robinson, Guitarist, The Black Crowes (rollingstone.com)

“He's there in leather pants, no shirt, and like a guitar, and they're like, 'You can't come in, sir.' It's fucking Joe Perry! He is like Joe Perry who ate an avatar of Joe Perry. That guy is only supposed to be reclining on a velvet cushion backstage.”

— Chris Robinson, Guitarist, The Black Crowes (rollingstone.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the competitive and sometimes dramatic nature of the music industry, where up-and-coming bands must fight for coveted opening slots that can make or break their careers. It also shows the personal dynamics that can arise between bands vying for the same opportunities.