Rich Fury/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
Rich Fury/Getty Images for Janie’s FundAerosmith frontman Steven Tyler held his inaugural Grammy Awards Viewing Party benefit Sunday in Los Angeles to raise money for Janie’s Fund, the charity he co-founded to help young women and girls who’ve been victims of physical and sexual abuse. The star-studded gala, which was highlighted by a special performance by Tyler and his solo backing group, Loving Mary, brought in more than $2.4 million for the charity.
During his set, which closed the party, Tyler played several Aerosmith classics, including “Sweet Emotion,” “Dream On,” “Jaded” and “Walk This Way.” During the latter tune, Steven was joined by Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer and a West African drumming group that included some girls who are receiving support from Janie’s Fund. Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt also hit the stage to perform his band’s memorable ballad “More Than Words” with Tyler.
The event also included a VIP reception, a dinner, a live auction, and a speech by Tyler about his charity and the inspiration behind it.
“This whole event miraculously is wrapped around a song called ‘Janie’s Got a Gun,'” the singer told the audience, referencing the Aerosmith hit that gave his charity its name. “And why did she feel like getting a gun? My ‘why,’ our ‘why,’ from here on out, it’s to give these girls, young women, some hope and healing and shelter from a storm they didn’t ask for and never deserved.”
Tyler added, “We’re not here just to help a few girls beat the odds, but to radically change the odds for all girls.”
Among the many celebrities who attended the gala were Alice Cooper, ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, Sharon Stone, Bo Derek, Caitlyn Jenner, Cheech Marin, David Foster, Randy Jackson, and Pete Wentz.
Visit JaniesFund.org for more information about the charity.
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