10 Hard Rock Bands That Made The Same Song Twice

The original Walk This Way was a hit in the '70s, at a time when Aerosmith were thriving, the drugs were flowing and rock could do no wrong. But the subsequent decade's infatuation with programmed drums and rap music meant many of the rock and metal old guard couldn't keep up.

Enter DMC, Jam Master Jay and DJ Run, who had been freestyling over the Walk This Way's iconic riff during their live performances, but who were initially unconvinced about collaborating on a remake. Nevertheless, legendary producer Rick Rubin brought the two groups together and the new track became iconic in a way the original could only dream of.

With record scratches and hip-hop drums, Run DMC take over vocals for the majority of the song, with Steven Tyler singing the final verse and choruses. Not only is Joe Perry's main riff guitar sound beefed right up, but Tyler's vocal performance is more full and less strained on the remake, sporting a variety sorely missing from the original.

The track sent DMC mainstream and revived Aerosmith's ailing popularity, which had been seriously damaged following several early-'80s flops and band departures. It also provided a springboard to a raft of hits that are now regarded as Aerosmith classics -- Cryin'; Dude Looks like a Lady; Love in an Elevator; the list goes on.