Tight-Knit Community in Sunapee Rallies to Honor Aerosmith with Life-Size Statue in Town Square
Fans and locals unite to celebrate the hometown heroes who helped define American rock
SUNAPEE, N.H. — In a heartfelt tribute to one of America’s most iconic rock bands, the small town of Sunapee, New Hampshire, is coming together to construct a life-size bronze statue honoring Aerosmith. The band, which traces its early roots to Sunapee where several members, including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, spent formative years, is being immortalized by the very community that helped shape their early journey.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Sunapee Heritage Society and a group of longtime local fans, has been in the works for over a year. Fundraising efforts included benefit concerts, community bake sales, and an online campaign that quickly garnered national attention — and even a surprise donation from Aerosmith’s own Brad Whitford.
“It’s more than just a statue,” said Diane Keller, chair of the Sunapee Arts and History Committee. “It’s a symbol of pride. Aerosmith’s story started here — playing local bars, writing music in lake houses — and we wanted something permanent to reflect that.”
The statue, currently being sculpted by renowned New England artist Paul Cavanaugh, will feature the band in a dynamic performance pose from their 1970s heyday, complete with Tyler’s signature scarf-draped microphone stand. It’s set to be unveiled in the heart of Sunapee Harbor this fall, with rumors circulating that members of the band may attend the dedication.
Local resident Mark Jennings, 64, remembers seeing Aerosmith perform at a small venue in the early ‘70s. “They were just a bunch of scrappy kids back then,” he said. “Now look at ‘em. Legends. And we get to say they started right here.”
Town officials are also hopeful that the statue will boost tourism and reinforce Sunapee’s place in rock history. Plans for a small adjoining museum exhibit and walking tour of the band’s early stomping grounds are already in development.
As construction begins this month, locals say the project has already done what Aerosmith’s music always has — brought people together.
“It’s just amazing,” said high school junior Ella Morrison, who helped organize a fundraising concert. “It’s like we’re building a piece of music history — in our own backyard.”
