Walk This Way

Walk This Way is a seminal hard rock song by the American band Aerosmith, released in 1975 on their third studio album, Toys in the Attic. Co-written by vocalist Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, the track is renowned for its distinctive, stuttering guitar riff and playful, double-entendre-laden lyrics. Its 1986 collaboration with the hip-hop group Run-DMC on a groundbreaking cover version fundamentally altered the trajectory of popular music, breaking racial barriers and catalyzing the mainstream acceptance of hip hop music. The song is frequently cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and VH1.

Background and recording

The song originated during rehearsals at the Wherehouse in Waltham, Massachusetts, where the band was preparing material for what would become the Toys in the Attic album. The iconic opening guitar riff was inspired by the 1974 film Young Frankenstein, specifically a scene where Marty Feldman as Igor instructs Gene Wilder's Dr. Frankenstein to "Walk this way." The band recorded the track in early 1975 at the Record Plant studios in New York City with producer Jack Douglas. Drummer Joey Kramer developed the song's signature groove, while bassist Tom Hamilton and guitarist Brad Whitford solidified the rhythm section, creating a tight, funk-influenced foundation for Tyler's vocals and Perry's lead work.

Composition and musical style

Musically, "Walk This Way" is built around Joe Perry's instantly recognizable, syncopated guitar riff, which combines elements of hard rock and funk music. The structure follows a classic verse-chorus form, with a brief instrumental bridge leading into Perry's guitar solo. Steven Tyler's lyrics are a humorous and risqué narrative about a teenage boy's awkward sexual encounter, delivered with his characteristic raspy vocal style. The track's production emphasizes a raw, live feel, with Kramer's drumming prominently featuring a cowbell and a punchy backbeat that drove the rhythm. This blend of rock attitude and rhythmic groove positioned it uniquely within the album-oriented rock landscape of the mid-1970s.

Release and chart performance

Initially released as the second single from Toys in the Attic in late 1975, the song achieved moderate success, peaking at number 10 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 in early 1976. Its performance helped propel the parent album to multi-platinum status, cementing Aerosmith's status as major rock stars. The 1986 Run-DMC cover version, featuring new verses from Run and DMC alongside appearances by Tyler and Perry, became a global phenomenon. That version reached number 4 on the *Billboard* Hot 100, achieved platinum certification from the RIAA, and revitalized Aerosmith's career, leading to their successful late-1980s and 1990s comeback.

Music video and cultural impact

The music video for the 1986 collaboration, directed by Jon Small, was instrumental to its success. It depicted Run-DMC practicing in one studio while Aerosmith played in another, with a wall literally breaking down to unite the bands—a powerful metaphor for the fusion of rock and hip hop. In heavy rotation on MTV, the video introduced both acts to new audiences and is widely credited with helping to desegregate popular music radio and television. The collaboration demonstrated the commercial potential of hip hop music to the mainstream music industry and inspired numerous future cross-genre partnerships, influencing artists from the Beastie Boys to Limp Bizkit.

Legacy and influence

"Walk This Way" holds an indelible place in music history. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and is preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance. The song has been covered and sampled by countless artists across genres and is a staple of Aerosmith's live performances, including their residency in Las Vegas. Its role in bridging rock and hip hop is considered a pivotal moment in late-20th century popular culture, fundamentally expanding the boundaries of both genres and paving the way for the subsequent success of gangsta rap and nu metal.

Category:Aerosmith songs Category:1975 songs