The Joe Perry Project Rocks The Seminole Hard Rock Event Center In Tampa – 8/13/25

An Electrifying Night at Hard Rock: The Joe Perry Project in Tampa

When Joe Perry—a bona fide guitar legend known for his searing riffs and swaggering stage presence—rallied his Joe Perry Project for the 2025 North American tour, expectations were high. The Tampa debut, held August 13 at the Seminole Hard Rock Event Center, delivered on every front: a cocktail of deep cuts, super‑group chemistry, and a raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

A Tour De Force Begins

Marked as the first of eight dates on the 2025 run, the Tampa show kicked off at 8 p.m. in an arena that promised both intimacy and scale—perfect for Perry’s “garage band on steroids” ethos. The assembled lineup alone was cause for buzz: Brad Whitford (Aerosmith), Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots), and Buck Johnson serving both keys and backing vocals.

Perry himself framed the run as a no‑frills, let‑the‑music‑do‑the‑talking affair—and that’s exactly the energy that opened the night.

The Set List: A Genre-Bending Journey

The 19‑song setlist was a masterclass in eclecticism. Opening with “Let the Music Do the Talking” (the Project version but with Aerosmith lyrics), the band took off with frayed edges that felt intentional—loose, live, and unrefined..

Chris Robinson’s improvisation through “My Fist, Your Face” and the slightly off‑tune “Same Old Song and Dance” only added to the live authenticity. By the time they launched into “Fortunate One” (from Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII), the band was locked in, fueled by Perry’s tongue‑in‑cheek jab at streaming platforms—and Robinson’s dead‑pan reply: “Or you could go to a record store and just steal it.”

DeLeo and Kretz brought their STP sensibilities to the mix with covers of “Vasoline” and “Interstate Love Song.” The former felt a bit rough around the edges, while the latter reimagined the original with a more laid‑back, rootsy interpretation and Robinson’s bluesy vocal spin.

The band also honored the Black Crowes with “Twice as Hard” and “Jealous Again,” the latter climaxing with a soaring Perry solo that turned the crowd electric.

Aerosmith Hits and Deep Cuts Ignite the Stage

Mid‑set, Perry and company delivered back‑to‑back Aerosmith gems: “Combination” and “Get It Up”—rugged, swampy riffs infused with swagger and spot‑on vocal harmonies from Buck Johnson. Brad Whitford stepped into the spotlight for “Last Child,” igniting a groundswell in the crowd. From there, the band barreled into “Chip Away the Stone,” “Draw the Line,” “Train Kept A‑Rollin’,” and the evening‑closing barnburner, “Walk This Way.”.

It was during these closing songs that Perry—clearly rejuvenated by the intimate venue—slung his guitar low, ripped into solos with youthful exuberance, dropped his instrument, and actually bashed it against his shirt in a fit of rock abandon.

This spirit, of a rock legend still roaring to life, permeated the entire evening.

Final Thoughts: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival

As the final notes of “Walk This Way” echoed into the night, it was clear: the Joe Perry Project’s Tampa gig wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it was a revival of rock’s raw potency. Sure, there were a few early stumbles in tuning or delivery, but those hiccups underscored the show’s humanity—and made the victories that much sweeter.

In these post‑Aerosmith days, Perry could have turned conservative—but instead he chose to lean into loose energy, bold song choices, and daring theatrics. It reminded everyone why he remains one of rock’s most effortlessly cool guitar heroes.

Setlist Recap (Aug 13, Tampa):

1. Let the Music Do the Talking (Aerosmith lyrics)
2. My Fist, Your Face
3. Same Old Song and Dance
4. East Coast, West Coast
5. Get the Lead Out / Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker” snippet
6. Twice as Hard (Black Crowes)
7. Fortunate One (Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII)
8. Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots)
9. Combination (Aerosmith)
10. Get It Up (Aerosmith)
11. Vasoline (Stone Temple Pilots)
12. Won’t Let Me Go
13. Jealous Again (Black Crowes)
14. Bright Light Fright (rare Aerosmith deep cut)
15. Last Child (Aerosmith)
16. Chip Away the Stone (Aerosmith)
17. Draw the Line (Aerosmith)
18. Train Kept A‑Rollin’
19. Walk This Way (Aerosmith)

With soaring solos, genre‑blending setlists, and earnest charm, the Joe Perry Project’s Tampa show was an electrifying reminder that some legends not only endure—they thrive.