Dream On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin the iconic "Dream On" by Aerosmith from their debut album, Aerosmith! This power ballad, written by lead singer Steven Tyler, is a cornerstone of rock history. Tyler began crafting the song years before Aerosmith formed, inspired by his father, a Juilliard-trained musician, playing piano at their Sunapee, New Hampshire lodge. At just 17 or 18, Tyler composed the melody on a Steinway upright, describing it as a "little thing" he never imagined would become a real song. He later shared in a 2011 Rolling Stone interview that "Dream On" is about "dreaming until your dreams come true," capturing the band’s hunger and ambition in their early days. The song’s climactic screams, now a Tyler trademark, were a bold choice, as he was initially unsure about his gruff vocal style, which he deliberately softened on much of the debut album to appeal to a broader audience.

Here’s a wild tidbit for the Zoo Crew: when "Dream On" was first released as a single in June 1973, it barely cracked the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 59. But in Boston, the band’s hometown, it was a massive hit, topping the charts on WBZ-FM as the number one single of the year. The song’s true breakthrough came with its 1975 re-release, climbing to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to its full 4:28 album version, unlike the edited 3:25 single cut. Another fun fact? The song’s piano-driven composition was translated into a two-guitar arrangement, with guitarist Brad Whitford explaining in a 1997 Guitar World interview that they aimed to replicate Tyler’s left- and right-hand piano parts. Aerosmith even performed it live with an orchestra for MTV’s 10th Anniversary in the early ’90s, conducted by Michael Kamen, showing its versatility. Oh, and Zoo Freaks, did you know Eminem sampled "Dream On" for his 2002 track "Sing for the Moment," with Joe Perry laying down a guitar solo for it?

Let’s rewind to how Aerosmith kicked off their legendary journey. Formed in Boston in 1970, the band came together when Steven Tyler, who’d been drumming in various groups, caught a performance by guitarists Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton in their band, the Jam Band, at a Sunapee rock show in 1969. Tyler was blown away by their raw energy and attitude. By 1970, Tyler, Perry, and Hamilton joined forces, with Tyler insisting on being the frontman and lead singer. They recruited drummer Joey Kramer, a New York acquaintance of Tyler’s, and initially guitarist Ray Tabano, who was replaced by Brad Whitford in 1971. The quintet moved into a shared home at 1325 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, where they wrote, rehearsed, and lived the rock ‘n’ roll life. Their bluesy, swaggering style drew comparisons to the Rolling Stones, with Tyler’s Mick Jagger-esque presence adding to the vibe. After grinding it out in Massachusetts and New York clubs for two years, they landed a $125,000 deal with Columbia Records in mid-1972, following a standout performance at Max’s Kansas City that impressed label president Clive Davis.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Aerosmith through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and throwbacks like their June 27, 2024, X post celebrating "Dream On"’s release anniversary. For the ultimate fan experience, check out the band’s official site at aerosmith.com, home to their Aero Force One fan club and exclusive vinyl releases like the limited-edition Pump andromeda vinyl. Want to connect with fellow fans? Join the r/Aerosmith subreddit, an unofficial fan page for the Blue Army, where fans share stories, like one who saw the band 17 times since their teens, or debate lyrics like “sweat hog mama” versus “sweet talkin’ mama” in “Sweet Emotion.” There’s also the Aerosmith Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community for sharing memories and news about the Bad Boys from Boston.