Steve Tyler brought a dying man's dream to life when he made a special online call to his hospital bed, according to HenneMusic.
The fan in question was Lawrence Ori from Illinois, a lifelong rocker and huge Aerosmith fan, with the tattoos to prove it. Even his license plate says "ROCKIN'". Unfortunately, Ori developed supernuclear palsey, a serious condition which makes it difficult to move and speak.
"Lawrence? This is Steven", the frontman said. "I'm coming to you from L.A. and I'm so glad to meet you."
Although Ori couldn't respond, he reported went wide eyed, and his family expressed their gratitude for the gesture from Tyler.
"That's the great thing about music", Tyler said. "It brings people together and really gets into your soul. It's so beautiful to see so much love around him right now."
The call didn’t last long due to Ori's fragile condition, but before going Tyler added "You hold on, Lawrence. I love you man."
Ori passed away that afternoon, with the song "Dream On" playing in the background.
You can see the meeting with the video embed below, but be warned - it's a tear-jerker.
That was so cool of him. That guy probably died in peace after talking to his idol with his favorite song playing. A music fan can't wish for much more.
so cool, way to be steven, thats what being a rockstar should be about. all kinds of people have the ability to reach out and do great things but only a handful do, love seeing it.
damn I bet Lawrence couldn't wish for a better goodbye. They're all good people for setting that up for Lawrence, and I love to see how Steven doesn't forget how much one person means. Hope the man can rest in peace.
I don't even know what to say. With all the drama and shit that goes on in the lives of rockstars, and celebs, it's really cool to see them do things like this for people.
That was so cool of him. That guy probably died in peace after talking to his idol with his favorite song playing. A music fan can't wish for much more.
This was so good to see. With the devastation in Japan, the storms in the midwest taking lives, the ongoing crisis in the middle east, it's just been doom and gloom in the world lately. This was a much needed breath of emotional fresh air.
But regardless, this is pretty awesome. That would be an incredible way to go out in my opinion. Talking to your favorite rock singer at the end. Kudos to Stephen Tyler, and may Lawrence R.I.P.
Clicked on the article, and read this amazing story of a musician showing real humanity. Then, I got to the comments section, with my usual cynicism, ready to read all the comments from the trolls. But all I can find is comments of respect for Steven and kind wishes for Lawrence. Shows that music and kindness can really unite... even the UG Community
R.I.P. Lawrence and good on Steven for doing this for a true fan of Rock.
Goddamn. I don't know who could hate Steven, so fine, he's on American Idol, but his body of work is obviously much more substantial than that. And time after time, he goes out of his way to make his fans feel special. Mucho respect for this guy. Hopefully Mick Jagger will skype him when he's on his death bed. That's what we call the circle of life
sad thing is he died after Steve told him he's been hosting american idol. Sorry, that was wrong, cool stuff on Steve Tyler's part, it's always good to hear about fame being used for good.
I thought human nature was ugly through and through... If a man who COULD be so wrapped up in his own life, in his own status, can take a moment out of his life to give one person a bit of happiness on his death bed, then why is the rest of the world so content with being self-centered, never giving a crap about anybody but themselves? Steve Tyler, you're one sweet human being for this gesture, it has to be said...
It's acts like these that lets me believe there is hope for humanity, yet. RIP Lawrence and thank you Steven Tyler. This act has actually made my day a bit brighter.
NOOOO! it was just a matter of time before thid got screwed. anyway, complete respect for Steve. it's sad i don't see anything like this on yahoo, or other major news websites.
This surely cannot be an easy thing to do if I were Tyler. He volunteered to feel the pain of the family and gf. And he chose to do it for NO monetary gain. I still see the entire event as a very sad thing. Very couragous thing for a celebrity to do.
I always admired Steven for better or for worse because I had heard my neighbor tell me about when he gave Steven a tour of the White House and received front row tix from the man. A few years later, my neigbor ran into him in Boston and he still remembered him. Class act, although misunderstood at times, and one of the all time greats. Rock on Steve and Lawrence!
Now this is what I'm talking about! Steven Tyler is a class act. He's one who really cares about his fans...and that's why rock stars, like him, shouldn't be bashed around. A truly genuine person...so it's true what my buddy says.
Steve is a cool sh!t. Had a friend run into him at a local bar a couple years ago. He was out riding in Sunapee NH and as they got ready to head out Steve said hold on a few Ill go get my bike. He leaves in his car and everyones thinking yeah right he wont be back. 10 minutes later here comes Steve on his Harley. My friend said he was a total riot to ride with and they were both singing Aerosmith songs while riding around.
