Walk This Way (Live 1987)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Walk This Way (Live 1987)" by Aerosmith from their album Classics Live! II, and Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out to this electrifying performance. Recorded at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston on New Year's Eve 1984, this live version captures the raw energy of Aerosmith's comeback era, with the original lineup reunited after years of turmoil. The song itself, originally released in 1975 on Toys in the Attic, was inspired by a night when the band took a break from recording to watch Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Steven Tyler, struck by Marty Feldman's line "walk this way," penned the title the next morning, crafting a song about a schoolboy's risqué encounter with a cheerleader. The 1987 live recording showcases the band's revitalized chemistry, with Tyler's gritty vocals and Joe Perry's iconic riffs front and center.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from Steven Tyler himself, who revealed in a 1999 interview that the song's lyrics are packed with cleverly disguised, explicit content, making it a bold anthem for Aerosmith's young, rebellious fans. The track's legacy was cemented by its 1986 remake with Run-D.M.C., a groundbreaking rap-rock crossover that won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Single in 1987 and revived Aerosmith's career. A post on Aerosmith's X account in 2021 celebrated this collaboration, noting how it "changed music forever." The live version on Classics Live! II also reflects the band's sobriety journey, as they were emerging from years of drug-fueled chaos, making this performance a testament to their resilience. Fans on the Aero Force One Facebook group often share stories of how this song's infectious energy defined their concert experiences.

Aerosmith began in Boston in 1970, born from the collision of two local acts. Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton were part of the Jam Band, a group gigging around New Hampshire, when they crossed paths with Steven Tyler, Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. Tyler, a charismatic frontman with a knack for theatrics, had been playing in bands since his teens, influenced by his father's classical music background. The group solidified when Brad Whitford replaced Tabano in 1971, and they adopted the name Aerosmith, suggested by Kramer. Their bluesy, hard-rock sound, rooted in influences like the Rolling Stones, took shape with their 1973 self-titled debut album. Despite early struggles, their relentless touring and hits like "Dream On" built a loyal fanbase, dubbed the "Blue Army," setting the stage for their 1970s dominance.

Known as the "Bad Boys from Boston," Aerosmith's journey wasn't without turbulence. Drug addiction and internal conflicts led to Perry and Whitford's departures in 1979 and 1981, respectively, but their return in 1984 marked a triumphant second act. The band's official website, aerosmith.com, offers a deep dive into their storied career, from their Grammy wins to their 2001 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Fans can connect on Aerosmith's Facebook page, boasting over 16 million likes, or follow their Instagram for tour throwbacks and vinyl releases. The X account keeps the conversation alive with #AEROHISTORY posts, while fan hubs like Aero Force One and the Aero Force One Facebook group unite Zoo Freaks and diehards worldwide, sharing memories and celebrating the band's enduring legacy.