Needham Resident Parties with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler

According to Needham resident Kim Herman, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler’s creditability as an American Idol judge is rooted in his sincerity.

“When you see him on Idol, he seems really focused on giving every contestant his full attention,” said Herman, who met the flamboyant front man a few months ago at an exclusive party thrown for a select group of the band’s luckiest fans. “Based on how excited he was to interact with his fans, I think that aspect of his personality is the real him, not just an act for the cameras."

As a partner and chair of trademark practice at the law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Herman helped broker a licensing agreement between the Rhode Island based company GTECH and Aerosmith, which resulted in a lottery scratch ticket series based on the band's music. Ticket prizes included cash, exclusive Aerosmith merchandise and the opportunity to meet Tyler and lead guitarist Joe Perry at a special event held inside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Because of her involvement in the deal, Herman was invited to the grand prize festivities in Cleveland, where a few hundred lucky fans participated in a question and answer session with Tyler and Perry and a one-on-one autograph session afterwards.

During the Q&A Tyler and Perry fielded many questions from the audience about their song writing process, long history together and inspirations behind many of their biggest hits. Afterwards they retired to a more intimate setting where fans lined up for a personal interaction with their musical heroes.

“People in attendance were all very excited, with almost everyone sporting an Aerosmith tattoo or some type vintage merchandise,” said Herman. “But that came as no big surprise. Why would you by an Aerosmith lottery ticket if you weren’t a big fan?”

But the extent of that devotion became very apparent about half way through the evening, when Herman noticed a crowd gathering around a woman who left the private meet and greet area with one shoe off, her foot wrapped in plastic.

“I saw people circling around this woman after she just met Steven and Joe, so I headed over to see what the buzz was about,” she said. “Turns out Steven had not only autographed her foot, but adorned it with a really artistic drawing that was pretty impressive. After showing it off for a few minutes she ran out the door to get it tattooed on her foot permanently.”

The scene was a fitting tribute to the dedication displayed by the Aerosmith faithful in attendance, but given Tyler’s approachable, down to earth attitude, Herman says she’s not surprised that the band elicits that kind of response from fans.

“Steven was so friendly, giving hugs, making jokes and talking to me about everyday stuff like where I bought my jewelry or my jogging routine,” she said. “It was such an easy going, non pretentious atmosphere, it’s no wonder he and the band is still so popular.”