A decade later, people are still talking about and watching Aerosmith’s performance at the Colosseum in Rome (and for good reason!).
Stephen Tyler took the stage on September 8th, 2017, as a benefit for the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. The night also featured many of the greats, including Elton John, in a beautifully curated show at one of Rome’s most iconic ruins.
In the audience of the €70,000 benefit trip were celebrities like Sofia Loren, Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, and Antonio Banderas.
The program was a perfect blend of high culture and modern music, as Stephen Tyler took the stage wrapped in his signature scarves, accompanied by an orchestra behind him.
In one of the funniest moments in rock history, Stephen Tyler stuck gum to Elton John’s piano, which I’m sure Elton John would have loved if he had seen it.
“Dream On” was first. Rather than the thick, heavy guitars the song is known for, the JunieOrchestra gave it a light, airy sound that fit in perfectly with the event, while Tyler expertly played the piano.
Next, Tyler was joined by 2CELLOS for a stripped-down version of “Walk This Way, ” with the coliseum’s lightning pulsing to the music. You wouldn’t think this bare version would work for Tyler, but there’s something about the minimal arrangement that just works with his raspy voice.
The climax of the program was a stunning rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Tyler was joined by David Foster on piano and the famed Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli (with various other performers like Renato Zero, Chris Botti, and Zara).
This short, three-song set was one of the weeklong event’s great highlights and one of Stephen Tyler’s most endearing performances.
Rai1 later broadcast the performance, and it currently has over 13 million views on YouTube.