Johnny Depp was among the surprise guests as Aerosmith marked a return to the Hollywood Bowl, stepping out mid‑set to pick up a guitar and trade licks with Joe Perry, his bandmate from the Hollywood Vampires.
Perry, now 76, introduced Depp, 63, to a chorus of cheers, while Steven Tyler, 78, grinned and told the crowd that the actor was “here, in the flesh,” as night one of California, Dream On: Aerosmith and Friends unfolded.
The star of Edward Scissorhands later took to the guitar for Train Kept A-Rollin’, earning a roar of applause.
Dave Grohl, the Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana legend, 57, handled drums for every number aside from Walk This Way. The cameo preceded the night’s scheduled closer, Walk This Way.
The star‑studded concert was full of surprises. After their iconic 1994 Crazy video played on giant screens, Liv Tyler, 49, and actress Alicia Silverstone, 50, appeared onstage. Liv quipped, “That was us in the video, in case you missed it.” Silverstone added, “Liv, we were just kids back then. Tonight we’ve brought our own kids. And Liv is Steven Tyler’s real daughter.” Liv looked to the audience and asked, “Are we dreaming? Is this real? How incredible is this?”
Elsewhere, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson, 76 and 72 respectively, delivered one of the evening’s standout moments. Ann teased, “Who says Aerosmith never did any great covers?” before launching into Never Loved a Girl, Aerosmith’s rendition of the Aretha Franklin classic. They also offered their own take on 1989’s Janie’s Got a Gun.
The Black Crowes also paid tribute, with frontman Chris Robinson, 59, recalling how Aerosmith supported them in their early days by taking them on their first arena tour.
He said, “Besides loving the band, we’re grateful for that.”
As the show drew toward its end, Tyler saluted founding drummer Joey Kramer, 76, who had returned to the kit after several years away.
Addressing the crowd before exiting, Tyler reflected on the journey: “What a ride it’s been with my brothers. It’s been 55 years. And we’re the same band that began 55 and a half years ago.”
Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose and Slash brought their own set, paying tribute by performing Aerosmith’s Nobody’s Fault, Last Child and Seasons of Wither, alongside Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City.
Aerosmith were set for a second Hollywood Bowl show on Sunday (01.11.26).
