When Steven Tyler Almost Moved to North Hampton, New Hampshire
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.
The good news is that Steven Tyler is again out and about in Massachusetts, posing for pictures, looking healthy, and getting ready to return to the stage with his Boston-bred band.
What’s bittersweet is that we almost had him doing it right here on the Seacoast.
Or so the story goes…
My dad was a Selectman in my hometown of North Hampton. After a meeting one night, he said, “Got some news for ya: Steven Tyler is thinking of buying the Fuller Mansion.”
This was news. Aside from the poet Ogden Nash and said Fullers, North Hampton isn’t exactly known for its celebrity culture. After snooping a bit more, I heard rumors from others that the Demon of Screamin’ was indeed linked to the "White House-By-The-Sea." And I thought if I played my cards right, I’d help him move in and become Steven Tyler’s new best friend.
Oh (yeah!), the places we’d go…
The first stop is obvious: L.L. Bean, for scarves. Silk wouldn’t do it in our harsh New Hampshire winters (but did he actually wear them, or were they just for his microphone?).
Canobie Lake Park was next on the docket. Certainly, children would clear a path when the man who sang “Back in the Saddle” approached the merry-go-round.
And what would Steven Tyler yell as he slid down the water slides at Water Country? It would have to be “GOING DOWWaaWOWWaaWWWN!” If he ate some of their Dippin’ Dots, would someone else finally buy some? But I’d never know...
The Fuller Mansion was sold, but not to Steven Tyler (or even Todd Rundgren). Later, Dad would clarify that Steven was actually looking to buy it for a family member as a surprise. Before long, it was as if the rumor had never existed.
Years later I was writing for a TV show, and Steven Tyler was a guest. At last, I could get my answer...
Before he exited to the elevators (to go DOWWaaWOWWaaWWWN), I asked the great Steven Tyler if he had indeed bid on the famed Fuller Mansion.
His response still echoes in my ears: “Brother, I don’t know all the houses I got right now!” he said, before adding, “But I’ll tell you one thing: a fixer-upper…can be a bringer-downer!”
Then, the doors closed.
Was I almost best friends with Steven Tyler? All I can do is dream on…