A month on from dropping the original version of My Only Angel, rock titans Aerosmith and chaos-powered Yorkshire export YUNGBLUD are back — and this time, they’ve taken the song on a dusty road trip through the desert.
Their new release, titled the Desert Road Version, is a stripped-back, re-imagined rendition that trades the high-octane energy of the original for something far more soulful and cinematic. Gone are the swaggering guitars and thunderous drums — in their place: soft acoustics, haunting harmonies, and a touch of old-school Americana.
And the cherry on top? Comedy legend Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin from The Jerk and Father of the Bride) joins the track — on banjo. 🪕
Steve himself shared the news with classic Martin humour, posting:
“I’m playing banjo on a Steven Tyler song! Here’s our text exchange for no particular reason.”
Mate, you couldn’t make this up. Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, and Steve Martin on one track — it’s the kind of glorious madness we live for.
The Desert Road Version sounds like it was recorded under a wide-open sky, dust swirling around, and tumbleweeds rolling by — the perfect blend of classic rock soul and modern melancholy. It’s the sort of tune that’d fit right into a late-night drive playlist, or that moment when the credits roll and you just stare into the void of your own emotions. 🖤
And hold onto your denim jackets, because there’s more on the way. The pair are set to drop their collaborative EP, One More Time, on November 21, promising even more surprises (and probably more genre chaos).
Between Aerosmith’s timeless grit and YUNGBLUD’s unfiltered energy, this partnership is proving to be something lush. It’s heartfelt, a bit bonkers, and totally refreshing — like someone handed rock ’n’ roll a new map and said, “Go explore.”
We didn’t expect Steve Martin to be part of the rock revival in 2025, but c’mon… it’s a tidy twist we can all get behind. 🤘🔥
#Aerosmith #YUNGBLUD #SteveMartin #MyOnlyAngel #DesertRoadVersion #NewMusic #RockNews #TheRiffReport
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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