But thats easier said than sung. In addi- tion to making the web site sing with stories from the concert road, insights on band members, photos that can be downloaded, and fan-club-only information, Aerosmith finds ways to get close to fans physically. When fans make contact, they spread stories like wildfire and generate even more interest in the band. Lyndon Johnson may have made pressing the flesh-meeting people and shaking hands-commonplace, but in the rock-and-roll world, Aerosmith is one of the bands that has perfected it. When a e ro s m i th : r e i n v en t i ng a roc k-a nd - ro l l b a nd |     other bands of its stature choose not to deal with fans one-on-one, Aerosmith still does old-fashioned meet-and-greets. The fans who are lucky enough to get backstage, usually by winning a radio con- test, get their pictures taken with the band and have the chance to get something autographed, from album covers to various body parts. But the band members dont sit stoically behind desks as fans parade by with posters and Sharpies; they mingle in an open room with dozens of fans. Tyler takes time with his fans, looking each one in the eye as he speaks to them, making them feel as if they were the only person in the room at that moment. Fans realize quickly that the awkwardly sexy Tyler is even more attracting once theyve met him; he is someone fans want to be with. Fans leave the experience more exuberant than before because of the willingness of the band mem- bers to acknowledge and be nice to them. During its Just Push Play tour, the band devised another way to get close to its fans-a second stage positioned among the lawn seats of outdoor venues. In the middle of the concert, Tyler announces from the stage, "Okay, were coming out to you." On cue, someone begins a deep-thumping drum march, and the band leaves the stage and moves through the crowd, flanked by security. But even a tightly constructed caravan cant prevent the gropefest the band must endure to get to its hard-core fans. The band then takes to the B-stage, giving fans in the cheap seats, from which the band usually looks like a bunch of ants, a chance to be in the front row for four or five songs. The fans appreci- ate the gesture; they feel important, valued, and connected. But the bands attunement to fan relationships doesnt stop there. Aerosmith began offering special backstage experiences to fan club members. For about $595, AeroForce One members can buy the Vel- vet Rope package that includes concert tickets in the first five rows, Aerosmith garb, and a guided backstage tour that explains the inner workings of the stage and crew. While management cant guarantee that groups of fans will get to meet the band, they often do. Finally,