Steven Tyler Stuns with an Electrifying Show at The Colosseum in Rome, Without an Electric Guitar

Whenever “Walk This Way” comes on, I instantly think of its iconic Run DMC collaboration video, where Steven Tyler famously breaks through a wall with his mic stand to join the rap group. However, a different image might now compete for attention: Tyler’s 2017 live performance at the Colosseum in Rome, backed by an orchestra and two cellists passionately emulating the song’s famous guitar riff. Still, the original scene likely remains more memorable.

In “It’s About Relationships: Building a Life that Matters,” Jimmy Walker recounts Tyler’s act at the Colosseum, part of a concert organized by Andrea Bocelli for Celebrity Fight Night in Rome. Walker, an insurance broker to stars and co-founder of Celebrity Fight Night, which has raised over $132 million for charity, shares an anecdote from this event. Here’s a clip of Tyler’s performance:

An interesting detail Walker points out is Tyler chewing gum as he enters the Colosseum. Just before he starts Aerosmith’s “Dream On” on Elton John’s piano, Tyler casually sticks his gum under it, a gesture Walker suggests Elton John might not find amusing. Now, whenever I hear “Dream On” or “Walk This Way,” Tyler’s gum trick and Elton John’s piano might come to mind.

Tyler was accompanied by cellists Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser of 2CELLOS for performances of “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” and they also played the “Game of Thrones” theme and “Funiculi Funicula” with Bocelli. A fan commended their televised concert on Rai1 TV, particularly Tyler’s act and the collaboration with the duo. Here’s another memorable moment from the event:

This performance was part of the Celebrity Gala’s grand finale at the Colosseum, showcasing Tyler and Bocelli’s version of “Imagine,” with David Foster on the piano, Sharon Stone, and other stars like Renato Zero and Zara onstage.

The 2017 Colosseum concert highlighted the week-long Celebrity Fight Night in Rome, designed to entertain donors and guests, including Sharon Stone and Antonio Banderas. Reported by Wanted In Rome, the event featured exclusive dinners and private concerts in Rome’s grand settings, priced at €70,000. It leaves one wondering how long Tyler’s gum might have stayed under Elton John’s piano.