Maintenance workers at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax had an interesting find during the Christmas season. While working on a freight elevator, they came across a well-preserved autograph belonging to Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the renowned rock band Aerosmith. The elevator, used for transporting equipment and goods within the facility, had a bumper removed, revealing Tyler’s signature.
Aerosmith, known for hits like “Love in an Elevator” and “Sweet Emotion,” had performed at the Halifax rink on at least two occasions, with the last show dating back to December 28, 1993, when tickets were priced at $32.50. Adria Young, a spokesperson for Events East, which manages the Scotiabank Centre and Halifax Convention Centre, expressed excitement about finding a piece of rock history within their facility.
Young shared that in the late 1980s, performers and bands occasionally used this particular freight elevator to move between the loading bay and the arena, leading to a tradition of signing the walls. Notable signatures from artists like Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses and Bryan Adams were remembered by long-time staff members. Despite signatures from other artists like Neil Young, Billy Idol, and Alice Cooper, the wall became cluttered over time with contributions from various staff members.
The wall, including the Steven Tyler autograph, was painted over in the late 1990s, with the bumper installation intended to protect the walls of the elevator from damage. Young mentioned that it had been around two decades since the Tyler signature was last visible, making its recent discovery a surprise to many in the building.
While the autograph remains protected under the newly installed panel after maintenance work, it serves as a unique memento of the Scotiabank Centre’s rich history as a hub for sports and entertainment in the Atlantic region for nearly five decades. Young expressed hope of uncovering more hidden treasures within the facility from various artists, athletes, and personalities who have graced the venue over the years.
The article also highlighted an incident related to a counterfeit T-shirt scandal during the December 28, 1993, Aerosmith concert, where bootleggers were caught selling fake band merchandise inside and outside the venue. Legal action was taken against the counterfeiters for violating copyright laws, with some individuals later being fined for similar offenses at other concerts in Halifax.
In conclusion, the Scotiabank Centre’s unexpected discovery of Steven Tyler’s autograph serves as a testament to the venue’s history and its connections to iconic figures in the music industry.
