Aerosmith Bassist Tom Hamilton Update

Tom Hamilton

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has shed light on his absence earlier this year from a handful of the band’s tour dates. Though he’d previously issued a vague statement about needing time to recover from “non-invasive surgery,” Hamilton is now admitting that the throat cancer he was diagnosed with in 2006 had returned and had to be treated.

Hamilton says, “I love the expression ‘non invasive surgery.’ I’ve rarely heard anything as brilliantly vague and at the time it’s exactly what I wanted to convey. Let’s just say that old prick Mr. C needed to get hit in the nose a few more times. He must not have liked it because he hasn’t been seen.”

The 58-year-old bassist, who co-wrote Aerosmith hits like “Sweet Emotion” and “Janie’s Got A Gun,” hasn’t taken his recovery lying down. He told Rock Radio that he’s been out to see a heap of concerts recently, including the Kings of Leon and U2.

“Kings of Leon played really tight,” said Hamilton. “They totally get dynamics and how to structure their stuff. I’ve been a fan of theirs since the Youth record. I’m happy they’re having a lot of success now – just be careful, boys.”

Of U2, Hamilton raves, “I saw U2 the other night. Joe Perry and I have been fans for a long time. They played great and I’m always impressed how good it feels to hear the texture of their sound.

“But the thing that got my jaw to drop was their production — it was on a scale that nobody’s ever done and possibly never will again. The effect of being up close to it is beyond massive.

“Before they went on I was wondering if they would fall into the trap of being spread out in different time zones but they did a very good job of spending enough time as a unit on the main part of the stage.

“It was inspiring and I found myself in my studio working a little bit earlier than usual the next day.”

Despite an array of inter-personal and medical problems, Aerosmith is set to reunite on stage in Hawaii for two dates this month.