It’s not every day you see Adam Sandler channeling his inner Steven Tyler — but on May 15, 2015, at a low-key charity concert in San Francisco, the comedy legend delivered a performance that no one saw coming.
With just a stool, a worn acoustic guitar, and that signature grin, Sandler strummed the first (slightly wobbly) notes of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” — a song known for its soaring vocals and iconic guitar run that even seasoned musicians think twice about.
“That guitar run at the beginning’s always been tricky,” Sandler joked to the crowd. “But hey… what’s life without a little risk?”
A Surprise Rock Supergroup
Just as the audience started to lean in, the night took an unexpected turn.
Train frontman Pat Monahan stepped out with a mic, instantly lifting the energy with his powerhouse vocals — effortlessly climbing those high notes Sandler modestly sidestepped.
Then, behind them, came Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith, sliding in behind a minimalist cajón setup, adding the perfect heartbeat to the stripped-down version.
🎤 “Sing with me, sing for the year…”
Sandler and Monahan harmonized with surprising grit, while Smith’s rhythmic touch gave the acoustic cover a pulse that felt both intimate and explosive.
A Crowd That Knew They Were Watching Magic
The venue — a mid-size hall filled with about 800 people — quickly erupted.
Phones went up, mouths dropped, and one concertgoer later posted:
“We came for Sandler jokes… we got a full-blown rock revival instead.”
More Than a Gag — A Genuine Tribute
While Sandler is often known for goofball comedy and lovable ballads like “The Chanukah Song,” this performance showed his deep appreciation for the music that shaped him — especially ‘70s rock legends like Aerosmith.
“I used to scream that song into a hairbrush when I was a kid,” Sandler said post-performance. “So I figured I’d scream it into a microphone as a grown-up… with some serious backup.”
A Moment That Still Lives On
Though no official footage was ever released, fan-shot clips of the performance continue to circulate on YouTube and Reddit threads titled “That One Time Sandler Sang Aerosmith Like a Legend.”
And yes, even if that guitar run at the start was a little shaky, the heart, humor, and harmony more than made up for it.
One night. One unlikely trio. One unforgettable version of “Dream On.”
Sometimes, the best rock moments come when you least expect them. 🎸🎤🥁
