Steven Tyler Enchants Fans with Acoustic Show at The Colosseum in Rome

Every time “Walk This Way” comes on, I’m instantly reminded of the iconic Run DMC collaboration video. The scene where Steven Tyler smashes through a studio wall with his microphone stand to join the rap group next door is unforgettable. However, there’s now another image that could come to mind: Tyler performing live at Rome’s Colosseum in 2017, accompanied by an orchestra, with two cellists energetically playing the song’s famous guitar riff.

Yet, I suspect the first image will still dominate. In “It’s About Relationships: Building a Life that Matters,” Jimmy Walker shares an intriguing story about Tyler’s performance at the Colosseum. The event was put together by Andrea Bocelli for Celebrity Fight Night in Rome, a charity event co-founded by Walker. Celebrity Fight Night has raised over $132 million for charity, supporting numerous causes.

Here’s the Tyler performance clip:

Walker recalls a small but noteworthy moment: as Tyler enters the Colosseum, he’s chewing gum. Just before launching into Aerosmith’s hit “Dream On” on Elton John’s piano, Tyler casually sticks his gum underneath it. Walker humorously points out that Elton John probably wouldn’t be thrilled about that. Now, whenever I hear “Dream On” or “Walk This Way,” I’ll likely remember Tyler’s gum antics alongside the music.

The cellists playing with Tyler were Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser of 2CELLOS. They joined him not only for “Dream On” and “Walk This Way” but also for other pieces, including the “Game of Thrones” theme and “Funiculi Funicula” with Bocelli. A fan praised the concert, broadcast on Rai1 TV, for its energy and the unique collaboration between Tyler and the cellists.

Here’s another highlight from the event:

This performance was part of the grand finale of the Celebrity Gala at the Colosseum, where Tyler and Bocelli delivered a powerful rendition of “Imagine.” The performance featured David Foster on piano, with Sharon Stone and other celebrities like Renato Zero and Zara also joining the stage.

The 2017 Colosseum concert was a significant event during the week-long Celebrity Fight Night in Rome. It was designed to entertain charitable donors and special guests, including Sharon Stone and Antonio Banderas. The event, as reported by Wanted In Rome, provided a luxurious experience with VIP dinners and private concerts in Rome’s breathtaking settings, all for a donation of €70,000.

And still, I wonder how long Tyler’s gum stayed under Elton John’s piano.