In 'Walk This Way', Geoff Edgers embarks on an electrifying journey to reconnect with the legendary rock band Aerosmith, blending humor with poignant reflection. As he seeks to fulfill his childhood dream of strumming alongside his idols, he uncovers the complexities of fame, friendship, and the relentless passage of time. Through witty anecdotes and heartfelt encounters, Edgers reveals the humanity behind rock stardom, leaving readers questioning what truly drives our passions. With each page, the story captures the essence of nostalgia while celebrating the power of music to heal and inspire. Will Edgers succeed in his quest, or will he discover that some dreams are meant to evolve rather than be realized?
By Geoff Edgers
Published: 2019
"Life is an unpredictable journey; sometimes, the only way to walk our path is to embrace the chaos and adventure around us."
Washington Post national arts reporter Geoff Edgers takes a deep dive into the story behind “Walk This Way,” Aerosmith and Run-DMC's legendary, groundbreaking mashup that forever changed music. The early 1980s were an exciting time for music. Hair metal bands were selling out stadiums, while clubs and house parties in New York City had spawned a new genre of music. At the time, though, hip hop's reach was limited, an art form largely ignored by mainstream radio deejays and the rock-obsessed MTV network. But in 1986, the music world was irrevocably changed when Run-DMC covered Aerosmith's hit “Walk This Way” in the first rock-hip hop collaboration. Others had tried melding styles. This was different, as a pair of iconic arena rockers and the young kings of hip hop shared a studio and started a revolution. The result: Something totally new and instantly popular. Most importantly, "Walk This Way" would be the first rap song to be played on mainstream rock radio. In Walk This Way, Geoff Edgers sets the scene for this unlikely union of rockers and MCs, a mashup that both revived Aerosmith and catapulted hip hop into the mainstream. He tracks the paths of the main artists—Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joseph “Run” Simmons, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels—along with other major players on the scene across their lives and careers, illustrating the long road to the revolutionary marriage of rock and hip hop. Deeply researched and written in cinematic style, this music history is a must-read for fans of hip hop, rock, and everything in between.
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“Life is an unpredictable journey; sometimes, the only way to walk our path is to embrace the chaos and adventure around us.”
Walk This Way
By Geoff Edgers
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Geoff Edgers is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful explorations of culture and the arts. He is a writer for The Washington Post and has garnered attention for his books such as "Walk the Line" and "The Joker's Wild." Edgers' writing style is characterized by a blend of humor and keen observation, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for a wide audience. He often delves into the world of entertainment, examining the intricacies of celebrity and the creative process.
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