Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz recently found one of the most interesting things I have seen in a long time. They did so on the history channels television show, ‘American Pickers’ and their discovery has really sparked some nostalgia for rock ‘n roll fans. It occurred in the woods of Chesterfield, Massachusetts which is about 100 miles west of Boston. Although they are typically looking for a wide variety of antiques, they happened to find the 1964 International Harvester Metro van that was the first tour bus for the rock band, Aerosmith from the 1970s.
One of the founding members of Aerosmith, Ray Tabano got a close look at the old, rusted out van. He was able to confirm the fact that it was the original tour Van for the rock group. It was the one that he and the others traveled around in when they were going to concerts. @jaggerrae wrote on Twitter: “Waaaaaa!! It’s a match!! Ray T confirmed.”
Waaaaaaa!! It’s a match!! Ray T confirmed ???? pic.twitter.com/ByJkwSrrJ1
— Rae® OIIIIIIIO (@jaggerrae) July 31, 2018
“I’m afraid to say how long it is, but it’s been like 40 years since we’ve been in this thing,” Tabano told the show’s hosts. He then showed a picture of himself in the van to prove it.
“We just got a piece of American rock ‘n’ roll history!” https://t.co/cL3ous2bzr
— American Pickers (@americanpickers) August 9, 2018
The owner of the land where the vehicle was discovered is only identified as Phil. He said that the van was there when he purchased the property. He also landed a $25,000 payday when the piece of rock ‘n roll memorabilia was purchased from him.
A throwback picture of the band in the van was posted.
After 45 years rusting away in woodland near Chesterfield, Massachusetts, US, Aerosmith’s first tour van (1970-73) has been found & featured in an episode of US TV’s ‘American Pickers’.
The 1964 International Harvester Metro was verified legit by co-founding member Ray Tabano. pic.twitter.com/K3HT05VDRj— Music History (@RockWalkLondon) August 10, 2018
Aerosmith was originally formed in Boston way back in 1970. They have since sold more than 150 million albums worldwide. They were also inducted into the rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Back when they were still riding around in this van, they were making about three dollars a piece for every show they played. They consider it to be a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come.
“It just reminded me of the humble beginnings and I look at where (the band has) gone today – it’s just amazing,” Tabano said on the episode.
Perhaps the moment is best captured in their song, Dream on:
Steven Tyler recently opened a shelter for abused girls in Atlanta. Janie’s fund, which is named after their song, “Janie’s Got a Gun” opened the shelter that can house 30 girls. It provides medical therapy care.
“I’ve never written a song as beautiful as Janie’s house,” Tyler wrote on Instagram. “This was two years in the making!! Spending the day with these girls…I’m just so proud of them! I’m just relieved they have a safe space to be who they are…to grow into amazing young women who will do great things in the world…#JANIESGOTAFUND.”