Alabama native discusses experience of being in bands with rock legends and “becoming” Bono
An Alabama native, Buck Johnson, finds himself in surreal situations by being a part of bands with rock legends, a fact he describes with a bite from his room service club sandwich at Boston’s Four Seasons Hotel. As a key member of the touring lineup for Aerosmith, providing backing vocals and keyboard expertise, tonight signifies a noteworthy performance for Johnson. He will grace the stage with Joe Perry Project, the solo band of the esteemed Aerosmith guitarist, Joe Perry. The venue: the iconic Fenway Park, where they will open for the renowned British Invasion ensemble, The Who.
Johnson has a long history with Perry, having been part of previous iterations of Joe Perry Project, including the one with Gary Cherone, the vocalist from the rock group Extreme. However, the current lineup of the band is exceptional. Johnson shares the stage with exceptional talents like Chris Robinson from Black Crowes on vocals, Robert DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots on bass, and Brad Whitford from Aerosmith on guitar. Drummer Jason Sutter, who boasts an impressive résumé with notable collaborations, completes this powerhouse group.
Their summer tour showcases a performance that blends old hits like “Last Child” and “Get The Lead Out” from Aerosmith with lesser-known gems like “East Coast, West Coast.” The setlist spans across various artists, including the Black Crowes with tracks like “Jealous Again” and “Twice As Hard,” as well as Stone Temple Pilots with “Vasoline” and “Interstate Love Song.” Johnson emphasizes the comradery within the band, stating that everyone leaves their egos behind, leading to an electrifying performance that echoes the excitement of younger days playing in bands.
Apart from his stints with Joe Perry, Johnson shares his recent involvements within the music scene. He tours with Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, a position he took over from Edgar Winter due to health reasons. Johnson recalls how he seamlessly integrated into the band with no prior rehearsal, showcasing a laid-back approach that translated into smiles from his bandmates on stage.
Alongside these high-profile gigs, Johnson remains an integral part of Brother Cane, a ’90s Southern hard-rock band, which has recently recorded a new album after a lengthy hiatus. He also ventured into a solo effort with his soulful album “Tongue and Groove” released in 2024. Furthermore, Johnson enjoys performing with U4ia, a U2 tribute band he founded, particularly relishing the opportunity to contribute to charitable causes through the band’s performances.
In a more personal reflection, Johnson discusses the challenges of singing Bono’s iconic U2 songs with U4ia, emphasizing the emotional depth and vocal nuances required for these performances. While his roles in most bands involve backing vocals and keyboards, Johnson embraces the chance provided by U4ia to be the frontman, a role he has always felt comfortable in due to his early days as a singer. This unique experience allows Johnson to explore a different facet of his musical identity, providing him with an outlet to showcase his vocal prowess and stage presence on a new level.