5 Interesting Facts About Aerosmith’s ‘Mama Kin’

One of Aerosmith’s greatest songs, “Mama Kin” was originally featured on their self-titled debut album released on January 5, 1973. Written by Steven Tyler, it’s a fan favorite and has become a staple in their concerts. Here are interesting facts about it:

1. This song helped them land a record deal with Columbia Records.

Aerosmith was doing shows in 1972, and this was part of their setlist. Columbia Records’ Clive Davis saw their show at a New York club called Max’s Kansas City. Unfortunately, their debut LP didn’t get a lot of promotion upon its release.

2. Tyler had it inked on his left biceps.

He went to Eddy’s tattoo parlor in Providence, Rhode Island just to have “MA KIN” tattooed on him. He believed in the song so much that he told his bandmates it would help them become rich and famous. But, why not the whole title? Because apparently, his arm was too thin. (https://www.topskitchen.com)

3. In 1994, they opened the live music venue Mama Kin Music Hall near Fenway Park in Boston.

Sadly, it closed down a few years later.

4. Guns N’ Roses covered it in 1986.

https://youtu.be/fJi2qOBMYeA

They released it on their four-track EP, “Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide”. Two years later in 1988, GNR opened for Aerosmith and during the last show on their tour, Tyler brought out GNR for an extended live performance of “Mama Kin.”

5. The lyrics referenced their former road manager, Mark Lehman.

The lines “Bald as an egg at 18, and working for your daddy’s a drag” referred to the poor guy who had taken a lot of abuse for a measly pay.