The Time Aerosmith Opened For The Rolling Stones And Almost Stole The Show

March 20, 2025

It was the summer of 1975, a time when rock ‘n’ roll was blazing through the airwaves and electrifying young hearts. The anticipation was palpable as thousands of fans gathered at a massive stadium for a night that promised to go down in history: Aerosmith was set to open for the legendary Rolling Stones. For most bands, this was a dream come true, but for Aerosmith, it was a chance to show the world that they were ready for the big leagues. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the crowd, the stage lights flickered to life, and the boys from Boston prepared to take the spotlight.

As the opening chords of “Dream On” rang out, the energy in the air shifted. Steven Tyler, with his trademark scarf-draped microphone stand, leaped across the stage, his voice soaring and full of emotion. The crowd was initially skeptical, whispering about how they came mainly to see the Stones. However, as Aerosmith played hit after hit—“Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way” electrifying the audience—it became clear that something special was happening. There was a raw passion in the air, an infectious excitement that connected the band and the audience in a way that was electric.

The band’s performance was not without its challenges. Tyler’s wild antics and unpredictable stage presence sometimes veered into chaos. During one memorable moment, he slipped on a wet patch on the stage and nearly fell. Instead of being embarrassed, he laughed it off and turned the mishap into an impromptu dance move, bringing the audience to their feet with laughter and cheers. It was moments like these that highlighted not only their musical talent but also their complete commitment to entertaining every person in the stadium.

As Aerosmith finished their set, there was a buzz in the air; the audience had been won over. People were shouting for encores, a rare feat for an opening act. As they walked off stage, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins, Tyler and his bandmates exchanged looks of disbelief and joy. They had not only opened for the Rolling Stones; they had delivered a performance that nearly stole the show. The Rolling Stones followed, of course, bringing their own legendary showmanship. But Aerosmith had left a mark, igniting something within the crowd that was hard to forget.

The aftermath of that night changed everything for Aerosmith. They weren’t just the opening act anymore; they were a force to be reckoned with in the rock realm. Fans who had attended that show rushed to buy their albums, and soon radio stations were playing their music nonstop. The success didn’t come easy, as the band’s struggles with fame and personal issues lay ahead, but they had proven to themselves and the world that they belonged in the spotlight.

Looking back on that night, both Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry often recalled how a single performance could shift the course of a career. The exhilaration of almost stealing the show from the Stones pushed them to keep creating, keep performing, and keep fighting for their place in music history. Aerosmith’s resilience shone through the ups and downs that followed, and their story became one of perseverance, showing that sometimes, all it takes is one unforgettable moment to change everything.