Aerosmith receive raptuous greeting in Chch

Don Scott

KIWI WELCOME: Aerosmith lead singer Steve Tyler receives a hongi.

DON SCOTT/Fairfax NZ

KIWI WELCOME: Steve Tyler is the lead singer of well-known rock band Aerosmith and the father of Actress Liv Tyler.

An Auckland couple who had a stopover in Christchurch on their way to the Aerosmith concert in Dunedin were treated to a surprise encounter with the stars themselves last night.

The band, dubbed the "Bad Boys from Boston", touched down at Christchurch International Airport about 7.20pm, and were met by a small but enthusiastic reception.

It is the first time the band, fronted by lead singer and American Idol judge Steven Tyler, has visited New Zealand.

Band members, with about seven trolleys of luggage in tow, posed with fans after being welcomed with a spirited powhiri in the arrivals lounge.

Among those gathered were Aucklanders James and Rebecca Jones.

The couple, who used to live in Boston, bought tickets to tonight's Aerosmith concert as soon as it was announced.

They flew into Christchurch to stay with friends last night, and were booking a rental car when the teller told them Aerosmith was arriving any moment - so they stuck around.

Tyler later posed for a photo with their son Will, despite the 7-year-old having no idea who they were.

During the powhiri, Tyler accepted the challenge, dropping to his knees.

He then spoke a few words in Maori before singing some lines from his hit song I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - albeit a touch wonky on the tuning.

''It's an honour and a pleasure and a privilege [to meet you]," he said.

He told The Press it felt great to be in New Zealand, a place he had h! eard a lot about from daughter Liv Tyler, who starred in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The band stayed at The George hotel in Christchurch last night, and will fly in their private jet today to Dunedin for tonight's show at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Aerosmith are a best-selling United States rock band, with more than 150 million albums sold worldwide.

- Fairfax NZ News

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