Legendary lead singer of Aerosmith and current American Idol judge Steven Tyler will sing the national anthem before the Ravens and New England Patriots square off on Sunday at Gillette Stadium for the AFC Championship.
This isn’t Tyler’s first time at the rodeo however, as he has sung the national anthem before some pretty big-time events including the Indianapolis 500 and the 2010 Boston Bruins season-opener.
But there are ties to Boston for both he and the band and Tyler himself is no stranger to the New England Patriots. The links and ironies are so many, that it feels like the movie “Six Degrees of Separation“, only we’re not just discussing people.
Tyler moved to Boston from Yonkers, N.Y. in 1970 and the band eventually became known as “The Bad Boys from Boston”.
But it doesn’t stop there.
According to Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, “He’s been a loyal, good Pats fan.” Tyler has even performed the national anthem once before a Patriots regular season game in 1999. The opponent that day? The Indianapolis Colts, the home site being in Indianapolis, host of Super Bowl XLVI.
New England went on to win that game, but Ravens fans are hoping that this little “good luck charm” doesn’t send the Patriots onto the Super Bowl. Instead hoping he’ll be just the luck to get the Ravens to Indy.
Ready to have your mind blown again? The halftime performer for the Ravens Super Bowl XXXV win in 2001? You guessed it, Steven Tyler and Aerosmith.
Combating the force that is Idol judge Steven Tyler, the Ravens will have a force of their own, announcing that Orioles legend and Hall of Fame shortstop, Cal Ripken will be the honorary captain on field for the Ravens during the coin toss.
‘Rip’ was a good luck charm once before, being a guest of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti during the Ravens 33-14 trouncing of the Patriots in the 2009 wild-card playoff game in New England.
Not only will the national stage be big with a huge viewing audience, there will be some pretty iconic stars on hand in the building as well.
Let’s just hope for one day, Tyler’s favorite color is “purple.”
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How can you justify having this person “Tyler” destroy our National Anthem. It was not only a disgrace to our National song, but also a disgrace to Football. Our National Anthem deservers better than this. Of all of the people in this country that would be honored to be ask to sing…..why would you get someone that actually disgraces it with the way they try to sing.. Shame on you….shame on you.
I totally agree. It was pathetic. Not only the singing but the ugly dirty looking creep pretending he could sing.
Surely the people who hired that disgrace should be fired!
That was the most disgusting rendition of the National Anthem I’ve ever heard. It was disgraceful for what the Anthem stands for. “Ties to Boston, loyal Pats fan”? my butt. Good Lord people, evidently the National Anthem means NOTHING to the Patriots owner to allow this Tyler guy to even attempt this beautiful song. Kate Smith, I’m so sorry. Who the H— cares what this guy does now, it’s quite evident he surely can’t sing especially without a huge instrumental group backup that could mercifully drown him out. Makes it even more difficult for me to root for the Patriots to win. Time to move on.
I agree. There is way too much other real talent that is available and much more appropriate. Steven Tyler never could sing. Aerosmith was a great band to rock out to 25-30 years ago but Tyler should stick to his nostalgia shows at biker rallys and his seasonal job as a game show judge.
Seriously, the most disrespectful rendition of our National Anthem that I have ever heard.
I think folks may be forgetting Rosanne Barr’s rendition of the National Anthem opening for a San Diego Padre’s game.
Is that the only person available to sing. Not only was it horrible, he flubbed the words. REALLY………….. is this guy even an American??
Aw c’mon… I’d like to see some of you sing the National Anthem!!! There have been worse renditions by opera singers. It’s not easy to sing in that type of forum. I’d be willing to bet most of you cannot carry a tune in a bucket.
Some people just never have anything positive to say, and because no one ever listens to them, they have to make vitriolic comments online. Lighten up people.
Nathan, my man…
An anthem singer should at least make sure he/ she knows all the correct lyrics.
It’s not that tough, especially if you’re a professional.
I guess you like participation trophies, too.
i can’t stand singers ruining our national anthem—-I say “get rid of them!” and get a singer who knows the word, the notes, and the meanig.
He looks like he sings………….ragged………
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.