Aerosmith is recognized as one of the most commercially successful and iconic rock and roll bands in American history. Known for their origins on the gritty streets of Boston, the band’s early reputation was as wild as the city itself. However, the story of how they managed to finance their breakout hit “Dream On” is not as widely known. In this episode, Jason Trimmins narrated that, lead singer Steven Tyler, some Boston gangsters, and a mysterious suitcase full of cash played a key role in the song’s journey to stardom.
Trimmins reports that in 1970, Aerosmith’s members lived together in a cramped apartment at 1325 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. At the time, the band was struggling to afford decent instruments and studio time, leaving their aspirations largely tied to Boston’s local bar and club scene. Steven Tyler had been working on “Dream On” for years, influenced by countless hours listening to his classically trained pianist father play the family’s Steinway piano. He noted that Tyler had a vision for the song that required a high-quality keyboard—an investment the band simply couldn’t afford.
The story took a fateful turn when Tyler stumbled upon a lone suitcase on the streets of Boston. Curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to open it. To his amazement, the suitcase was filled with cash. Trimmins narrates that Instead of informing his bandmates, Tyler discreetly took $2,000 and purchased the RMI keyboard he had been dreaming of. Adjusted for inflation, this would be worth roughly $15,000 to $20,000 today. With the new keyboard, Tyler was able to fully realize “Dream On,” which became the band’s first major hit.
The story doesn’t end there. According to Trimmins, it wasn’t long before the true owners of the suitcase tracked down Tyler and showed up at the apartment on Commonwealth Avenue. While the specifics of what transpired remain hazy, the suitcase story adds another layer of intrigue to the band’s rock-and-roll mythos.
Aerosmith’s legend continues to resonate in Boston. The apartment at 1325 Commonwealth Avenue, known as the “Aerosmith Apartment,” is now a part of the city’s musical lore. In 2012, the band returned to their roots, playing an impromptu free concert in front of the building to commemorate a plaque installation honoring their early days. For old-school Bostonians, Aerosmith remains royalty—a symbol of the city’s rich musical heritage.
