Steven Tyler Delights Crowd with Dynamic Performance at The Colosseum in Rome, Sans Electric Guitar

Every time “Walk This Way” plays, I immediately think of the Run DMC collaboration video, especially the part where Steven Tyler smashes through a studio wall with his microphone stand to join the rap group next door. Now, another scene might come to mind: Tyler’s live performance at Rome’s Colosseum in 2017, accompanied by an orchestra and two cellists mimicking the song’s legendary guitar riff. However, the former image will likely remain dominant.

In “It’s About Relationships: Building a Life that Matters,” Jimmy Walker recounts Tyler’s Colosseum performance, an event organized by Andrea Bocelli for Celebrity Fight Night in Rome. Walker, an insurance broker for stars like Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan, co-founded Celebrity Fight Night, raising over $132 million for charity. Here’s the Tyler performance clip:

Walker mentions a subtle moment: Tyler chewing gum as he enters the Colosseum. Before starting Aerosmith’s “Dream On” on Elton John’s piano, Tyler nonchalantly sticks his gum underneath it, a move Walker notes Elton John would likely disapprove of. Now, whenever “Dream On” or “Walk This Way” plays, I’ll likely think of Tyler’s gum antics and Elton John’s piano.

The cellists with Tyler, Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser of 2CELLOS, also joined him for “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” and performed the “Game of Thrones” theme and “Funiculi Funicula” with Bocelli. A fan praised their concert on Rai1 TV, particularly enjoying Tyler’s performance and their collaboration. Here’s another highlight from the event:

This moment marked the grand finale of the Celebrity Gala at the Colosseum, featuring Tyler and Bocelli’s rendition of “Imagine,” with David Foster on piano, Sharon Stone, and other celebrities like Renato Zero and Zara on stage.

The 2017 Colosseum concert was part of the week-long Celebrity Fight Night in Rome, aimed at entertaining charitable donors and special guests, including Sharon Stone and Antonio Banderas. Wanted In Rome reported the event, offering a luxurious experience with VIP dinners and private concerts in Rome’s palatial settings for €70,000. I can’t help but wonder how long Tyler’s gum stayed under Elton John’s piano.