1988.08.11 - Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, USA

Aerosmith show packs a wallop

Depending on where you were looking, it was a night of rockin’ or a night of sockin'. Either way, it was equally raucous.

Hard rockers Aerosmith and Guns ’n’ Roses — the summer’s hottest tag team — came out swinging Thursday night at Pine Knob. So did their fans; security guards and police officers kept busy breaking up fights and haggling with the overheated and ill-behaved segment of the 11,800 attendees.

Aerosmith, which has been recording for 15 years, turned out close to two hours of stylish, prototypical arena rock with a healthy sampling from its recent “Permanent Vacation” album and such enduring favorites as “Back in the Saddle” and “Dream On.”

Guns ’n’ Roses, meanwhile, came off like an inferior protege during its 55-minute set, flaunting one outstanding song — “Sweet Child o’ Mine” — and a surprising cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”

The show — at least the one on the stage — will repeat tonight and Saturday at Pine Knob.

By Gary Graff