AEROSMITH STILL WALKIN' THIS WAY AFTER THREE DECADES.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

AEROSMITH CELEBRATES its 30th anniversary with a concert tonight at the Hollywood Bowl. But the rock group's appearance at such a historic venue has nothing do with nostalgia.

Except for a minor slump in the early 1980s, Aerosmith is perhaps the only American band to remain vital and vibrant throughout the past three decades. Touring in support of its new greatest-hits package, ``O Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits,'' the Boston five-piece is as popular as ever, evidenced by the fact Kid Rock, a multiplatinum artist in his own right, is merely the opening act.

Guitarist Joe Perry feels more humble than heroic.

``Why are we still vital? I get asked that question a lot, and I really don't know the answer,'' Perry said, calling in a few moments before last week's concert in Houston. ``I guess a lot of the bands we came up with just got tired of touring and tired of the business. But I still love to play and still love to connect with audiences.''

Perry and his bandmates (singer Steven Tyler, co-guitarist Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer) are especially eager to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, where they'll grace the same stage as such legendary acts as the Beatles and the Doors.

``The Hollywood Bowl is one of the gigs we've really been looking forward to. It's kind of like Madison Square Garden,'' Perry said. ``It's a great, old venue with a special vibe right in the heart of Hollywood. Yes, we could have made more money somewhere else (Aerosmith sold out Staples Center early this year), but we're looking forward to the Hollywood Bowl show because the place has history.''

Cyndee Maxwell, rock editor of industry trade magazine Radio and Records, believes Aerosmith's family togetherness has proved to be just as important an element as the group's catchy, chorus-heavy songs or flashy, rock-star image.

``I would have to think the main reason why Aerosmith is still so popular is because they simply want to keep working together,'' Maxwell said. ``That's a big part of it. Other bands outgrew each other while Aerosmith cleaned up their act and overcame problems with drugs and alcohol so they could keep really focusing on their careers. I've met Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton, and they're just really nice guys and very down to earth, even though they know they have a gift.''

At this point in their touring careers, Aerosmith's biggest problem probably is deciding which songs to leave out. Among the selections Hollywood Bowl patrons can expect: ``Same Old Song and Dance,'' ``Walk This Way,'' ``Sweet Emotion,'' ``Back in the Saddle,'' ``Dude (Looks Like a Lady),'' ``Angel,'' ``Big Ten Inch,'' ``Rag Doll,'' ``Janie's Got a Gun,'' ``Love in an Elevator,'' ``Livin' on the Edge,'' ``Crazy,'' ``Jaded'' and of course ``Dream On.''

For Perry, like Tyler a recovering addict/alcoholic with long-term sobriety, the cheers have replaced the beers.

``It's pretty much an adrenaline rush on stage. That's a big part of why we're still in it,'' Perry said. ``I suppose playing live is not unlike a lot of other on-the-edge activities.''

And Perry promises this isn't Aerosmith's farewell tour. Far from it, actually.

``We're not going to let the Rolling Stones be around longer than us,'' he joked. ``That's not going to happen. I know we're going to make another record, although we're not quite ready for that right now. I'm really amazed that we've gotten this far when I look back at where we've been. But then I look at Muddy Waters. He was still playing when he was 67.''

AEROSMITH WITH KID ROCK

Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles.

When: 7 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $43.50 to $154.50. Call [phone]

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With its original lineup intact, Aerosmith will trot out a considerable list of hits Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl.