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during a performance, audience demanded multiple encores for the opening act; incident involving Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Brad Whitford and up-and-coming star Rory Gallagher where they were overpowered on stage

Festival takes place in Central Park

Audience relentlessly demanded more: Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Brad Whitford recall the night their...
Audience relentlessly demanded more: Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Brad Whitford recall the night their support act, Rory Gallagher, outshone them, leaving them to perform three encores.

during a performance, audience demanded multiple encores for the opening act; incident involving Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Brad Whitford and up-and-coming star Rory Gallagher where they were overpowered on stage

In the summer of 1974, the Schaefer Music Festival in New York City played host to a memorable concert that has become a part of rock lore. Rory Gallagher, an acclaimed Irish blues-rock guitarist, was the support act for Aerosmith, a band that was not yet widely accepted in the city.

Despite Aerosmith headlining the event, Gallagher's performance is said to have "kicked their ass" with its power and passion. According to some rock historians and fans, Gallagher's show was one of the most stunning of his entire career, overshadowing Aerosmith's performance that same day or evening.

Brad Whitford, a member of Aerosmith, confirmed that Gallagher performed three encores during the concert, while Aerosmith's performance was initially met with indifference, with people leaving before they started playing. Rory Gallagher was called back for multiple encores during his performance, a testament to the electric energy he brought to the stage.

The conversation about the Schaefer Music Festival gig was part of a wider discussion between Whitford, Joe Perry, and Rick Beato. In 1974, both Whitford and Perry performed at the festival with Aerosmith. In a 2025 interview with Eddie Trunk, Perry expressed his apprehension about putting together the setlist for a potential final Aerosmith gig. He also raised hopes that Steven Tyler might be persuaded to participate, despite his vocal injury.

Unfortunately, without specific citations from the search results, detailed information such as exact dates, setlists, audience reactions, or press coverage for that concert cannot be confirmed here. For a full account, consulting dedicated rock music archives, biographies of Rory Gallagher and Aerosmith, or vintage music magazines from 1974 might be necessary.

The Schaefer Music Festival was an annual summer concert series in New York City during the 1970s, featuring many rock acts. This particular concert remains a fascinating chapter in rock history, a testament to the power of music and the enduring legacy of Rory Gallagher.

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