Steven Tyler & 2CELLOS Bring Epic Energy to “Dream On” and “Walk This Way”

The stage was set for something extraordinary when Aerosmith’s legendary frontman Steven Tyler joined forces with Croatian cello virtuosos 2CELLOS for a genre-defying performance of “Dream On” and “Walk This Way.” From the first dramatic bow strokes, it was clear this wouldn’t be your typical classical crossover – Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser attacked their instruments with the ferocity of rock guitarists, transforming their cellos into screaming, wailing rock machines. Tyler, ever the dynamic showman, matched their intensity with his signature raspy vocals and boundless energy, proving at 70+ years old he could still out-perform artists half his age.

The arrangement of “Dream On” was particularly breathtaking – what began as a haunting, almost orchestral interpretation gradually built to an earth-shaking crescendo, with Tyler hitting those iconic high notes while the cellists sawed at their strings with rockstar aggression.

Their version of “Walk This Way” was pure fire, transforming the funky rock anthem into a whirlwind of plucked cello rhythms and bow-shredding solos that would make Joe Perry proud. The chemistry was undeniable – Tyler clearly relished performing with the younger musicians, at one point wrapping his trademark scarves around Hauser’s cello in a playful moment of rock ‘n’ roll camaraderie.

This wasn’t the first time 2CELLOS had rocked out with music legends (they’ve collaborated with everyone from Elton John to Red Hot Chili Peppers), but there was something especially magical about their pairing with Tyler. The performances went viral.

There are moments in music that transcend performance and become something spiritual—and Andrea Bocelli’s 2023 rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine at Celebrity Fight Night Italy was one of them. The legendary tenor, joined by an extraordinary lineup of guest artists, transformed the iconic peace anthem into a breathtaking, multi-genre masterpiece that left audiences in awe.

Filmed in the picturesque Italian countryside and broadcast globally on Rai 1, the performance began with Bocelli’s rich, emotive voice floating over a delicate piano arrangement. Then, one by one, his guests added their magic: Italian pop sensation Tiziano Ferro brought smooth, soulful warmth; country superstar Kenny Chesney added a touch of Americana with his signature rasp; and the electrifying Sophia Loren—yes, the legendary actress—even made a surprise appearance, reciting the opening lines with poignant grace.

But the true showstopper was the addition of The Harlem Gospel Choir, whose soaring harmonies elevated the song to near-celestial heights. As the arrangement swelled, Bocelli’s operatic power blended seamlessly with Ferro’s pop sensibility, Chesney’s country twang, and the choir’s uplifting spirit, creating a version of Imagine unlike any before it.

The performance wasn’t just a musical triumph—it was a celebration of unity, perfectly embodying Lennon’s vision of a world without divisions. Bocelli, ever the maestro of emotional delivery, later shared that singing this song with such diverse artists reminded him that “music is the universal language of peace.”

By the final note, with the stage bathed in golden light and the choir’s voices ringing out, it was clear: this wasn’t just a cover. It was a moment of pure, transcendent beauty—one that proved, once again, why Andrea Bocelli remains one of the most beloved voices in the world.