Steven Tyler and Southern California Children’s Chorus Deliver Most Emotional “Dream On”
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry delivered a poignant performance of Aerosmith’s classic “Dream On” alongside the Southern California Children’s Chorus. This special rendition, titled “Dream On (Boston Strong 2014),” was recorded in Los Angeles and premiered on ESPN’s show “E:60” to commemorate the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. The performance was a tribute to the victims and survivors of the tragedy, aiming to reflect the resilience and strength of the Boston community.
During the recording, Tyler and Perry expressed their heartfelt connection to the event. Tyler noted that the song’s lyrics felt almost as if they were written for the occasion, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance and hope. Perry highlighted the symbolic strength and unity represented by their collaboration with the children’s chorus, which added a hauntingly beautiful layer to the iconic ballad.
The performance took place at The Forum in Inglewood, California, where the band surprised the audience by bringing the Southern California Children’s Chorus on stage. This moment was described as a “true gift from above” by Tyler, emphasizing the emotional and uplifting nature of the event. The video of this performance quickly went viral, accumulating over 52 million views on YouTube, further testament to its powerful impact on viewers.
In addition to the live performance, the track was released as a single on iTunes, with proceeds going to charities supporting the Boston Marathon bombing victims. This charitable aspect underscored the band’s commitment to using their music for positive social impact.
Aerosmith’s performance on “E:60” was part of a broader hour-long special that featured stories of five survivors, narrated by various Boston celebrities. This program aimed to honor the lives lost and celebrate the journeys of those who survived, showcasing their courage and strength over the past year.
Following the release, Aerosmith embarked on their “Let Rock Rule” tour, which included stops across North America and Europe, with special performances at major venues like Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre in New York and The Forum in Los Angeles. The tour, featuring Slash as a special guest, was a significant event, reinforcing the band’s status as rock legends and their ability to cross genre boundaries with their music.
Overall, the “Dream On” performance with the Southern California Children’s Chorus stands out as a deeply emotional and resonant tribute, reflecting both the band’s musical prowess and their empathy for a community in need.
