Steven Tyler Mesmerizes Fans with an Acoustic Set at The Colosseum in Rome

Every time “Walk This Way” plays, my mind immediately goes to the iconic Run DMC collaboration video. The moment Steven Tyler smashes through a studio wall with his microphone stand to join the rap group next door is unforgettable. Now, there’s another scene that could come to mind: Tyler performing live at Rome’s Colosseum in 2017, backed by an orchestra, with two cellists fervently playing to mimic the song’s legendary guitar riff.

However, I suspect the former image will still prevail. In “It’s About Relationships: Building a Life that Matters,” Jimmy Walker shares a fascinating story about Tyler’s performance at the Colosseum. The event was organized 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 various causes.

Here’s the Tyler performance clip:

Walker recalls a small but memorable moment: as Tyler strides into the Colosseum, he chews gum. Just before starting Aerosmith’s hit “Dream On” on Elton John’s piano, Tyler nonchalantly sticks his gum underneath it. Walker humorously notes that Elton John would likely not appreciate this gesture. Now, whenever I hear “Dream On” or “Walk This Way,” I’ll probably remember Tyler’s gum antics along with the music.

The cellists accompanying 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, offered a luxurious experience with VIP dinners and private concerts in Rome’s stunning settings, all for a donation of €70,000.

And yet, I can’t help but wonder how long Tyler’s gum remained stuck under Elton John’s piano.