Ray Tabano

Raymond Tabano, also known as Crazy Raymond, is an American musician best known as a founding member and original rhythm guitarist of the rock band Aerosmith from 1970 to 1971.^[1]^[2] Born Raymond Jay John Tabano on December 23, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, he grew up in the Yonkers area as childhood friends with future Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.^[3]^[4] Tabano and Tyler co-founded Aerosmith after their previous band, William Proud, dissolved, with Tabano introducing drummer Joey Kramer to the group during its early rehearsals at Boston University.^[3]^[2] He contributed to the band's formative sound by co-writing portions of songs such as "Woman of the World" and "Mama Kin," as well as helping arrange "Walkin' the Dog" for their debut album.^[2] Tabano also opened "The Yellow Cow," a leather goods shop in Boston that served as an initial hub for the band's activities.^[3] His tenure ended in 1971, following a gig in Menlo Park, Massachusetts, when he was replaced by Brad Whitford.^[1]^[2] Despite leaving the lineup, Tabano remained closely involved with Aerosmith, managing their fan club "Aero Knows" and launching their merchandising operations in the 1970s, including the first merchandise flyer in the Draw the Line album.^[3]^[2] He redesigned the band's iconic logo, oversaw backstage logistics such as contract riders and catering, and helped build their headquarters, "The Wherehouse."^[3]^[2] In later years, Tabano discovered the band's original van in Northampton, which was later featured on the TV show American Pickers.^[2] More recently, Tabano has pursued his own musical projects, leading the band The British Invasion since at least 2018 and recording with a new group called The 3rd Step, which includes contributions from Steven Tyler.^[3]^[2] His early work in merchandise also influenced enduring practices in the music industry.^[3]

Early life

Upbringing

Raymond Jay John Tabano was born on December 23, 1946, in The Bronx, New York.^[3] His family soon relocated to Yonkers, New York, where he spent much of his childhood in the northeast section of the city.^[5] Tabano grew up in a close-knit, local neighborhood alongside future Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, with whom he shared an early friendship that would later influence their musical paths. The two were involved in teenage gangs typical of the era, including the non-violent Green Mountain Boys, which focused more on pranks and social dynamics than serious conflict. These experiences shaped their youthful environment in the working-class communities of New York.^[5] During the 1950s and 1960s, Tabano's early exposure to rock 'n' roll came primarily through radio broadcasts and the burgeoning local music scenes in the New York area. Iconic tracks like The Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now," heard on stations such as WABC, ignited his interest in the genre and its raw energy.^[2]

Musical beginnings

Tabano began playing the guitar in his early teens, teaching himself the instrument after being captivated by the British Invasion rock music broadcast on New York radio stations, particularly The Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now" as introduced by DJ Cousin Brucie.^[2] His primary influences during this period included iconic 1960s acts such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, which shaped his affinity for rhythm guitar and the energetic style of the era's rock sound.^[2] While attending Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, New York, Tabano found music to be a vital social outlet amid the vibrant local youth culture.^[6] He shared these high school years with Steven Tyler, where their mutual passion for music provided early encouragement and connection.^[6] Tabano refined his skills on rhythm guitar and bass through informal jamming sessions with peers, often fueled by the communal energy of local gatherings and parties in the Yonkers area.^[2] These experiences allowed him to experiment with the blues-influenced rock he admired, building confidence in his playing style.^[2] As the 1960s New York rock scene exploded with energy from the British Invasion and emerging local talent, Tabano shifted from casual self-taught practice to actively pursuing opportunities in a band setting, driven by the era's infectious musical momentum.^[2]

Musical career

The Strangeurs

The Strangeurs were formed in the mid-1960s in Yonkers, New York, as Steven Tyler's first band, with Ray Tabano joining based on their childhood friendship. Originally named The Strangers, the band added a "u" to its name to distinguish itself from another group sharing the same moniker.^[7] Tabano served as the band's bassist and occasional rhythm guitarist, while Tyler played drums and provided vocals. The group specialized in Top 40 cover songs, adopting a lively party band style that emphasized energetic performances for audiences.^[8] The Strangeurs played local venues across New England, building a reputation as a reliable cover band and attracting a dedicated fan base in New York and the broader region during the late 1960s.^[7] The band, later known as Chain Reaction, dissolved around 1969. Tabano and Tyler then briefly formed another group, William Proud, which also dissolved soon after, marking pivotal early collaborations that fostered the musical rapport between them leading to Aerosmith.^[9]^[3]

Aerosmith

Ray Tabano joined Aerosmith in 1970 as a founding member and the band's original rhythm guitarist, having been recruited by his childhood friend Steven Tyler during the group's formation in Boston. Building on their prior collaborations, including in The Strangeurs and William Proud, which had fostered a strong musical rapport, Tabano completed the initial lineup alongside Tyler on vocals, Joe Perry on lead guitar, Tom Hamilton on bass, and Joey Kramer on drums. The band, drawing from influences like the Rolling Stones and blues artists, began rehearsing in a communal house in Revere, Massachusetts, where they honed their raw, high-energy sound through intensive sessions amid financial hardships and logistical challenges typical of an emerging rock act.^[2]^[3] Tabano played a key role in the band's early development, participating in their debut live performance on November 6, 1970, at Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon, Massachusetts, a gig secured through connections with local school officials. During this formative period, he contributed to song arrangements, such as adapting covers like "Walkin' the Dog," and provided lyrical input for original tracks including verses for "Woman of the World" and "Mama Kin," helping shape Aerosmith's gritty blues-rock style characterized by aggressive riffs and swaggering attitude. The group's rehearsals emphasized original material and a hard-edged aesthetic, navigating internal dynamics and the grind of local gigs to build cohesion despite limited resources.^[2]^[10] Tabano's tenure ended in late 1971 when he departed following a performance at Menlo Park in Massachusetts, replaced by Brad Whitford amid concerns about his eccentric behavior—earning him the nickname "Crazy Raymond"—and perceived limitations in playing skill, which exacerbated internal band tensions over musical direction and reliability. Though the exit was amicable in Tabano's recollection, viewing it as a natural progression, it marked the solidification of Aerosmith's classic lineup as they pursued recording opportunities.^[2]^[7]^[11]

Post-Aerosmith roles

Following his departure from Aerosmith's lineup in 1971, Ray Tabano maintained a significant behind-the-scenes role with the band throughout the 1970s, leveraging his original position as rhythm guitarist to support their operations as a close friend and team member. He managed the Aerosmith fan club, dubbed "Aero Knows," handling fan correspondence, engagement initiatives, and early merchandise distribution, including designing the band's iconic winged logo inspired by Harley-Davidson motifs and producing T-shirts sold at concerts to capitalize on growing popularity.^[2] Tabano also served as an occasional roadie and advisor, assisting with backstage logistics, dressing room setups, and catering—earning him the affectionate nickname "Ray Gourmet" among the crew—while traveling with the group during their ascent. His enduring personal bond with lead singer Steven Tyler, a childhood friend from Yonkers, New York, kept him involved amid the band's 1975 breakthrough with the album Toys in the Attic, which solidified Aerosmith's status as rock superstars through hits like "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way."^[2] Tabano's tenure ended in the late 1970s amid internal conflicts, including his advisory role in personal band matters such as urging Tyler toward an abortion during a relationship with Julia Holcomb in 1975, which deeply affected Tyler emotionally. By 1979, he was dismissed from fan club duties by managers Steve Leber and David Krebs, reportedly for conducting business independently. Despite this, Tabano remained a lifelong friend to the band members, transitioning away from direct involvement by the early 1980s.

Later life

Media appearances

Ray Tabano appeared as himself in the 2016 comedy pilot Stand-Up Neurotica, where he shared personal anecdotes from Aerosmith's early days as a founding member.^[12] In the 2021 episode of the VH1 series Breaking the Band, Tabano was featured in the installment dedicated to Aerosmith, offering insights into the band's formation and internal dynamics during its formative years.^[13] Tabano participated in the 2007 episode of E! True Hollywood Story profiling Steven Tyler and his daughter Liv Tyler, providing insider perspectives on Aerosmith's 1970s era, including recollections of the band's early struggles and camaraderie.^[14]^[15] Beyond television, Tabano has contributed to print media through interviews that highlight his role in Aerosmith's history. In a 2021 Goldmine magazine feature, he recounted the band's formative years, including basement rehearsals at Boston University and his close friendship with Steven Tyler.^[2]

Recent activities

In 2016, Ray Tabano returned to his hometown of Yonkers, New York, where he had grown up, and resumed performing locally as a longtime resident, often reflecting on his roots in the area during events.^[16] Tabano has remained active in the local rock scene, participating in performances such as a 2016 concert at Untermyer Park with his band The Bourbons to support Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund for abused girls.^[16] He has also been involved in charitable efforts, including a 2018 benefit performance at Barney McNabb's in Yonkers with his band 3rd Step to raise funds for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23.^[7] In a 2021 interview with Goldmine magazine, Tabano discussed the chaotic early days of Aerosmith, including raucous rehearsals marked by Steven Tyler's outbursts over sound issues and the band's impoverished lifestyle in a Boston apartment involving heavy drinking and petty theft for food.^[2] He expressed personal regrets over not receiving songwriting credits for contributions to tracks like "Woman of the World" and "Mama Kin," though he stated he harbored no resentment about leaving the band, viewing it as destined.^[2] Tabano participated in a 2025 video interview with producer Jack Douglas and Aerosmith archivist Neill Byrnes, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the band's album Toys in the Attic by reflecting on its recording process and innovative techniques.^[17] Known enduringly as "Crazy Raymond" among friends and fans, he continues to lead bands like The British Invasion for regional shows in the Northeast.^[2]