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| "Last Child" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single byAerosmith | ||||
| from the albumRocks | ||||
| B-side | "Combination" | |||
| Released | May 27, 1976 (1976-05-27) | |||
| Recorded | 1976 | |||
| Genre | Funk rock[1][2] | |||
| Length | 3:27 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Jack Douglas | |||
| Aerosmith singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Last Child" is a song by Americanrock bandAerosmith. It was written bySteven Tyler andBrad Whitford and released as the first single from the albumRocks in 1976. It peaked at number 21 on theBillboard Hot 100, one of a string of hits for the band in the mid-1970s.[3]
The song is one ofBrad Whitford's best-known contributions to the band. "Brad wrote, 'Take me back to sweetTallahassee, home sweet home…'" recalled Tyler. "Whatever he put into 'Last Child', that's his moment. He can take that, and that's his, forever."[4]
Cash Box said that "it's right in the groove: a straightforward rock tune with a slick, rhythm oriented arrangement."[5]
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Long after its release, "Last Child" enjoys regular airplay on rock radio and is regularly rotated into Aerosmith's concert setlist. In concert, it is often Whitford's feature spot, in which Tyler introduces him with something like "Brad Whitford, what do you got to show for yourself?" or "What do you got up your sleeve?" Whitford often does a little bit of an intro before playing the opening notes to the song.
Although it was often assumed that the guitar solo as heard on the studio recording was played by Joe Perry, it was originally rumored to have been played by an uncited (hired) guitarist. During his appearance as a guest onThat Metal Show in 2012, Whitford stated that he actually wrote and performed the solo himself.
"Last Child" has been rereleased on compilations includingAerosmith's Greatest Hits,O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits, andDevil's Got a New Disguise as well as live collections includingLive! Bootleg,Classics Live II, andA Little South of Sanity.
| Chart (1976) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[6] | 26 |
| USBillboard Hot 100[7] | 21 |
