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Steven Tyler Stuns Rome’s Colosseum Without an Electric Guitar

Every time “Walk This Way” plays, my mind recalls its Run DMC collaboration video, especially when Steven Tyler smashes through a studio wall with his microphone stand to join the rap group next door. A new memory, however, might arise: Tyler performing live at Rome’s Colosseum in 2017, backed by an orchestra and two cellists fervently playing the iconic guitar riff. Still, the original image likely remains stronger.

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, which has raised over $132 million for charity. Here’s the Tyler performance clip:

Walker highlights a quirky moment: Tyler chews gum as he enters the Colosseum and sticks it under Elton John’s piano before starting “Dream On.” Walker humorously notes that Elton John would likely not appreciate this. Now, “Dream On” or “Walk This Way” might remind me of Tyler’s gum antics with Elton John’s piano.

Cellists Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser of 2CELLOS joined Tyler for “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” also performing “Game of Thrones” and “Funiculi Funicula” with Bocelli. A fan praised their concert on Rai1 TV, especially Tyler’s performance and their collaboration. Another highlight from the event:

This moment was 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 a highlight of the week-long Celebrity Fight Night in Rome, entertaining donors and special guests, including Sharon Stone and Antonio Banderas. The event, reported by Wanted In Rome, offered a luxurious experience with VIP dinners and private concerts in Rome’s palatial settings for €70,000. One can only wonder how long Tyler’s gum stayed under Elton John’s piano.

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