American rock band Aerosmith will make its debut China show at the outdoor space of Shanghai Hongkou Stadium on Aug 21. The venue has a capacity of 25,000 people.

Sometimes known as the greatest American rock 'n' roll band, Aerosmith has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, making it the best-selling rock band in the United States. They are idolized by fellow musicians and bands, such as Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi.

"I am delighted and surprised that we have many fans in China, although we have never performed in China," Tom Hamilton, bassist with Aerosmith, said in an e-mail interview with China Daily.

"It's hard to figure out exactly which song will make the audience the most satisfied. But we know what performance won't let fans down.

"When our manager told us that we have an opportunity to go to China, have a solo concert, all of us were very excited about it. We didn't hesitate and accepted the invitation because we really have been waiting for this chance for a long time."

When asked whether Aerosmith ever considered taking part in the upcoming Sonic Shanghai music festival, Hamilton says, "We have done many similar performances in Europe and the United States. It's like a great party for the fans and bands. But this time, it's our first time to meet Chinese audience, we'd like to present a show for them and need enough time to assure that we can rock all the people on the stage."

Shanghai is having probably its busiest Western music season this summer.

Metallica just sang for two consecutive nights at Mercedes-Benz Arena on Aug 13 and 14. British band Pet Shop Boys will sing at Shanghai Grand Stage on Aug 20, and Sonic Shanghai festival will bring American rock bands Korn and Limp Bizkit to Shanghai Stadium on Aug 17 and 18 respectively.

"Shanghai audiences are ready for more Western music acts," says Wu Liangyu of ShiningOn Culture Co Ltd, promoter of the Aerosmith concert.

The audience's enthusiasm also encouraged the show organizers to bring in more shows.

Another American rock band, Metallica, added one more show when all the tickets to its only concert planned for China sold out within half an hour.

"We both like heavy metal music. Their music is super aggressive. We have also aggressive music, but we also have a lot of gentle love songs," Hamilton says when asked about his opinion of Metallica. "When Metallica came out, we had been together for about 10 years. I'm very glad to hear that they will also come to Shanghai, I hope I can go to their concert, it must be amazing."

Aerosmith was founded in Boston in 1970. Its members have remained unchanged since 1984. They are singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer.

Aerosmith started the Global Warming Tour last June. It has had more than 60 shows in North America and Britain before landing in Shanghai.

"It's a good opportunity to get to know how rock music develops in China, and we want to meet some Chinese rock bands during this tour. I also look forward to hearing Chinese rock music, it must be very amazing and stylish," he adds.

zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 08/16/2013 page1)