Steven Tyler Made A Disabled Fan’s Dreams Come True
It's not every day that you get to meet one of America's most renowned rock musicians. It's even more unlikely that said musician would treat you like a close friend. Yet, that's what happened when Anthony Yorfido, a young man from Niagara Falls, ran into Steven Tyler, the frontman of Aerosmith. What began as a chance encounter at a medical supplies store soon became a moment that would change Anthony's life forever. Read on to see what amazing things Tyler did for this kind fan.
Just An Ordinary Day
It was a Wednesday in March when Anthony and his mother, Diane, headed to a store in Niagara Falls. Diane is a waitress in the Fallsview Casino nearby and Anthony is a busy bee, working two jobs.
Despite having Down Syndrome, Anthony's infectious personality makes him a shoo-in for customer service. He works at both 7-Eleven and Walmart, but is far from burning out thanks to all of his passion. Anthony's true dream has nothing to do with retail, though.
Anthony Has Big Dreams
The 24-year-old has dreamed of being a performer. He loves singing and dancing and isn't shy about trying out some new moves. Between his extraverted personality and his passion for performing, it's no surprise that Anthony would be attracted to the world of rock and roll.
More specifically, Anthony absolutely adores Steven Tyler, the frontman of the band Aerosmith. For decades, Tyler has wowed audiences with his incredible stage presence. Naturally, Anthony idolized the famed rockstar.
Steve Tyler Was In Town
As fate would have it, Steven Tyler was touring in Anthony and Diane's area. In fact, he would be performing at the Fallsview Casino, where Diane works. However, Anthony was unable to get tickets for the shows that Tyler would be playing.
Despite being in such close proximity to the legendary rockstar, odds were slim that either Anthony or his mom would run into Tyler, let alone get a chance to have a conversation with him.
Then They Spotted Him
The first thing that was unusual about the day was that a limousine was parked outside of the store. When they went in, Diane thought that a man checking out looked familiar.
Despite the odds, Diane was sure she was looking at someone famous. She told the National Post that she could recognize the face but couldn't put her finger on what this mystery man's name was. Anthony, on the other hand, knew the name right away.
Anthony Is A HUGE Fan
The moment Anthony saw Steven Tyler, he couldn't believe who he was looking at. However, he recognized the singer for a few reasons. For one, he listens to Aerosmith often, according to his mother, Diane.
Anthony became further familiarized with the singer and his look nowadays due to the popular singing show American Idol. Tyler joined the show as a celebrity judge briefly, during which Anthony was an avid watcher. He departed the show in 2012 to return to the band Aerosmith.
Half A Century Of Success
Despite having encountered a few ups and downs, Aerosmith is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, having sold more than 150 million records. They formed in 1970, and have been rocking for about 50 years since.
Part of their success is due to the huge charisma and fantastic stage presence of their frontman, Steven Tyler. Today, they are known to some as "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band." They've had dozens of Billboard top hits and awards, including four Grammys.
Tyler's Success Transcends His Band
Not only has Tyler become one of the most iconic rock figures in American culture by heading Aerosmith, but he's also gained high acclaim for his work as a soloist. He released his first solo album, We're All Somebody From Somewhere, in 2016.
He toured while backed by The Loving Mary Band. One of his solo songs, "It Feels So Good," made it to the Billboard Hot 100. He's also collaborated with artists such as Santana, Pink, and Eminem.
Tyler Has Various Projects Under His Wing
Tyler has also appeared on film and television. In addition to American Idol, he also played a part in Two and a Half Men, Be Cool, and was even the voice of The Mad Hatter in an episode of the children's series Wonder Pets!
He also wrote a well-received memoir, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? Perhaps most honorable of his endeavors, Tyler also began Janie's Fund in 2015, an organization that aims to bring safety and counseling to girls who have been abused.
Anthony Was Not Shy
Some may be timid around a celebrity, especially one who has achieved such a successful and well-rounded career. However, Anthony wasn't willing to let this rare chance slip past him.
So he marched up and have Steven Tyler a hug. Best of all, Tyler hugged him right back. He even gave some attention to Anthony's mom, Diane, offering her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Naturally, Tyler asked if they would be at the concert that evening.
Tyler Pulled Some Strings
Diane explained to Steven Tyler that they were not able to get tickets for the now-soldout casino shows. Tyler, being the charismatic frontman that he is, was not going to just send these two home after bearing witness their obvious admiration of the star.
Diane told the National Post that Tyler assured them both that they would be going to the show. Even better, he scored them backstage passes to the packed Aerosmith show.
There Was Just One Problem
Diane, being the hard worker that she is, had to work that evening. This meant that she wouldn't be able to take Anthony to the concert. However, she quickly came up with a new plan.
She got in touch with Jordan Setacci, who was Anthony's dance instructor at the time. Jordan agreed to accompany Anthony to the rock concert, meaning that the arrangements for that evening were back on. Upon arriving, they were led to a spot right next to the stage!
Then Something Incredible Happened
Jordan and Anthony were right by the stage, overlooking thousands of cheering fans. Steven Tyler was not afraid to break the rules, like having everyone standup when the casino usually requires audience members to remain seated.
After warming up the audience with his rambunctious attitude and a few hits, the band played "Sweet Emotion." At this time, Steven approached Anthony and brought him onstage. Steven proudly shouted to the audience "Anthony is in the house!"
Anthony's Dream Came True
Equipped with maracas, Anthony shook to the beat of the song standing right next to one of his favorite musicians of all time. Steven was smiling and encouraging him on. Standing in front of thousands of screaming fans, Anthony wore a huge grin while shaking the maracas into the microphone.
Meanwhile, Steven had the band lower their music to ensure that Anthony would be heard. He let Anthony steal the spotlight for a little while before snagging the microphone to belt out a note.
No One Could Believe It
After his stage debut, everyone cheered as Anthony gradually made his way back to the spot he and Jordan were placed at the side of the stage. The thrilled men jumped for joy, giggling like excited kids.
Jordan got the entire thing on camera. He turned his filming device on himself and Anthony once he returned from the stage. The video shows both men ecstatic and in a state of disbelief at what had just happened.
One Person Was Not So Excited
The one person who was left disappointed was Diane, Anthony's mom. Waiting tables not that far from the concert, Diane could only hear about the incredible experience through text messages.
She told the Niagara Falls Review, "I was dying! I'm like, 'Are you kidding me? I can't be there?' I was so upset." Some of her coworkers had even seen Anthony and were sharing with her the following day how incredible the experience was as an audience member.
Anthony's Excitement Didn't End There
Even into the next day, Diane recalls that Anthony woke up overjoyed. He was crying with excitement as he told his mother that the special night was the best thing he'd ever experienced in his life.
Anthony also told CBC News that he was completely caught by surprise when Steven asked him to come onstage. He had no idea that would happen, but took the challenge, saying, "It was my dream come true."
The Experience Changed Diane's Mind
While before Diane hadn't been the world's biggest Steven Tyler fan, she was moved by how wonderfully he treated her son. She wasn't the only one who was deeply touched by the story.
Of course, Anthony's friends and family were in awe of the epic moment. However, even strangers began reaching out to the Niagara Falls Review to say how much the story made their day. One reader wrote that they had tear-filled eyes and said that it was "Truly beautiful."
But Now What?
After loads of hype and various interviews, the question finally was put out there by CBC News: would the Yorfidos remain in touch with Steven Tyler? Diane unabashedly expressed her hope that they would still be in contact.
An experience like that rarely comes around once in a lifetime, let alone again and again. Still, Diane admitted she was hopeful that they might get together again one day. Miraculously, her idea made its way back to Steven Tyler.
The Party Was Far From Over
Steven Tyler wrapped up his "Out on the Limb" tour with one final show in September. When one of Aerosmith's most famous smash hits, "Walk This Way," came on, none other than Anthony Yorfido appeared onstage.
This time, prepared and extraverted as ever, Anthony busted a few dance moves in front of the enthusiastic crowd. He showed off the dancing he had worked on with Jordan Setacci, the teacher who had accompanied him to the last show, in front of thousands of people.
This Time Diane Got To See It
One of the best parts of bringing back Anthony Yorfido for another performance was that his mother, Diane, finally got to be there. Now that she and Anthony knew what was going to happen and could plan, the proud mama got to experience it for herself.
While she had seen the photos and the videos, nothing could compare to being there to watch her son onstage and to feel the joy radiating from him. In a conversation with CBC News, she referred to Steven Tyler as a "wonderful, wonderful man."
Then Anthony Took To A Different Stage
All of the recognition and validation Anthony received from the huge rockstar Steven Tyler definitely left a lasting impression. Just two months after being brought back on the stage by Steven, Anthony set his sights on a different stage.
This time, Anthony took to television, breaking into dance while in the audience of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While most audience members dance in the tiny space in front of their seat, Anthony leaped out and onto the stairwell, dancing like no one was there.
It Was Meant To Be
While celebrities encounter fans all the time, something about meeting Anthony tugged on Steven Tyler's heartstrings. While the chances of running into one of the biggest musicians in the country at a local store are slim, it seems like it was destined in this case.
Diane told CBC News that Tyler told her he wasn't really in the medical supplies store, where they met, for a back brace like he originally intended. Rather, Tyler assured Diane that the true reason he had to stop in was so he would run into his friend, Anthony.
