California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends provided two unforgettable sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating their unmatched history, explosive live performances and enduring legacy of America’s Greatest Rock Band.
Across both nights, Aerosmith delivered the raw energy, chemistry and stage presence that have made the band one of rock & roll’s most enduring forces. Fans at the Hollywood Bowl witnessed a sweeping celebration of the band’s extraordinary career and timeless catalog, with generations of artists and fans coming together for a pair of high-octane shows.
The two-night event featured an electrifying lineup of artists and special guests including Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, RUN DMC, Heart, Andrew Watt, Billy Idol, Chad Smith, Eric Church, Grace Potter, Jerry Cantrell, Lzzy Hale, Marcus King, Mike Inez, Nuno Bettencourt, Pat Monahan, Richie Kotzen, Sammy Hagar, Steve Stevens, Sully Erna, Tom Morello, Warren Haynes, Adam Wakeman, Audley Freed, Don Was, Kenny Aronoff, Bill Burr and more. Night one saw Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone, who starred in the band’s iconic music video for ‘Crazy’, reunite to introduce Aerosmith before they took to the stage.
Opening with a blistering performance of “Toys in the Attic,” featuring special guest Dave Grohl on drums, the set also delivered epic performances of “Back in the Saddle,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Dream On.” Actor and Hollywood Vampires’ Johnny Depp joined the band for a surprise appearance later in the set, taking lead guitar alongside Joe Perry to perform “Train Kept a Rollin’.”
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came as Tyler paid tribute to his longtime bandmates before welcoming original drummer Joey Kramer back to the stage. “Before we say goodnight, I just want to say what a ride it’s been with my brothers — Joe, Tom, Brad and Joey,” Tyler told the crowd. Making his first appearance with Aerosmith since 2020, Kramer joined Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton, performing alongside drummer John Douglas for a triumphant rendition of ‘Walk This Way’ that brought all five band members together onstage.
Night two saw a host of new guests including Lzzy Hale, Tom Morello, Pat Monahan, Grace Potter, Marcus King and Richie Kotzen perform songs from the Aerosmith catalogue, with RUN DMC joining Aerosmith on stage for a showstopping, thunderous performance of ‘Walk This Way’. Kramer returned to the stage for the second night, once again joining his bandmates on drums for the landmark collaboration. The celebration was anchored by Don Was as Music Director, with an All-Star Band that included Phil X, Kari Kimmel, Windy Wagner, Lois Mahalia, Buck Johnson, Suzie McNeil and Seth Stachowski.
Photos by Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Live Nation
