In 2010, the Kennedy Center Honors celebrated Paul McCartney’s legendary career with a show-stopping tribute, as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler took the stage to perform the iconic Abbey Road Medley in his signature electrifying style. Dressed in a sleek black suit with his trademark scarves dangling from his microphone stand, Tyler brought his raspy, high-energy vocals to the timeless suite, seamlessly transitioning from “You Never Give Me Your Money” to “Carry That Weight.” Backed by a full orchestra and a rock-solid band, he strutted across the stage with playful swagger, hitting every note with raw passion—especially during the climactic “The End,” where he belted “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make” with a mix of reverence and rockstar flair.
The crowd, including a beaming McCartney, erupted in applause as Tyler took a dramatic knee at the finale, tipping his hat to the Beatles’ genius. It was a perfect blend of classic rock grandeur and Tyler’s uncontainable charisma, making it one of the most unforgettable moments in Kennedy Center history.