Aerosmith set to begin concert tour

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NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- Aerosmith's publicist says the iconic rock band is gearing up to start its "Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock Tour" in Oakland, Calif.

The 18-city U.S. summer tour is to begin Friday, Liz Rosenberg Media said.

The group recently completed a string of successful dates in Europe and South America.

Aerosmith is scheduled to play their hometown of Boston, along with the J. Geils Band, at a sold-out Fenway Park show Aug. 14.

"After last summer, we've been looking forward to getting back out there with a vengeance. I can't wait to feel the roar of the American audiences again and give this summer what it needs -- a double dose of Aerosmith!" Steven Tyler said in a statement Thursday.

The band's guitarist, Joe Perry, had a motorcycle mishap last week, but added: "Just like the name of the tour, I am 'cocked, locked and ready to rock.' It was a close call. My bike is smashed, but I am OK from head to toe. I want to thank all of the fans for their e-mails and support."

"After all the trials and tribulations we've come out into one of the most fun tours in recent memory. We had an amazing time in South America and Europe and now we're ready to bring it home," said band member Tom Hamilton.

Sammy Hagar and the Wabos will open 11 of the 16 announced shows.