“That’s the Only Guy Who Can Hit Those Notes.” — Steven Tyler Stuns Fans by Admitting Ronnie James Dio’s Dream On Cover Made Him Feel Vocally “Threatened”. Steven Tyler is famously protective of his signature high-octane “scream,” but one cover actually made him feel vocally “threatened.” When heavy metal god Ronnie James Dio took on “Dream On,” Tyler was forced to admit that Dio was the only singer who could truly master those impossible notes.

In the world of rock and roll, Steven Tyler is the undisputed architect of the “scream.” His 1973 masterpiece, “Dream On,” features one of the most difficult vocal climaxes in music history—a series of high-octane notes that have humbled many professional singers. Tyler is notoriously protective of this legacy and is often critical of those who attempt to replicate his signature wail. However, in 1999, a version emerged that did the impossible: it made the Aerosmith frontman feel “threatened.” That version was the heavy metal reimagining by the “Voice of Metal,” Ronnie James Dio, alongside guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen.

The cover was recorded for the tribute album Not the Same Old Song and Dance: A Tribute to Aerosmith (1999). It featured an all-star lineup that read like a dream for any hard rock fan, with Stu Hamm on bass and Gregg Bissonette on drums. While Malmsteen added his signature high-speed neoclassical arpeggios, it was Dio’s vocal performance that stole the spotlight. He didn’t just sing the song; he transformed it into an operatic metal anthem. Critics have frequently noted that Dio is one of the rare breeds of singers who could hit those challenging notes with full “chest voice” power rather than relying on falsetto.

Tyler’s Rare Admission: “The Only Guy”

Steven Tyler has never been shy about his vocal prowess, but upon hearing Dio’s take on “Dream On,” his typical critical guard dropped. He famously admitted that Dio was the only singer who could truly hit those notes with the same power and grit as the original. “That’s the only guy who can hit those notes,” Tyler reportedly remarked, acknowledging that Dio’s technical precision made him a true vocal equal. For Tyler, seeing his most personal song—written when he was just a teenager in a guest house in New Hampshire—handled with such absolute respect and staggering technique was a rare moment of professional kinship.

Redefining the Power Ballad

What makes the Dio and Malmsteen version so notable is the contrast in styles. Where Tyler’s original is a slow-burn, bluesy power ballad, the 1999 version is a driving display of technical virtuosity. Dio brought a sense of “dark majesty” to the lyrics, turning the song into a prayer for the dreamer delivered with the weight of a heavy metal god. Music critics still debate which version is superior, with some arguing that Dio’s version actually outclasses the original due to the sheer intensity of the “Dio factor.”

A Mutual Respect Between Legends

This story serves as a testament to a bygone era of rock—one where legends recognized legends. Steven Tyler’s admission wasn’t a sign of weakness but a badge of honor for Ronnie James Dio. In a genre often defined by massive egos, the mutual respect between the “Demon of Screamin’” and the “Man on the Silver Mountain” remains one of the most inspiring footnotes in music history. Even after Dio’s passing in 2010, this recording remains a “hidden gem” that continues to stun new listeners with its raw power.