The story of an elusive remix of Aerosmith’s “Just Push Play” featuring popular musician Kid Rock is interesting and the anecdote first surfaced on the old Aerosmith Fan Club (AF1) forum around 2005 via Aerosmith Back Burner. It is a blend of rock history, fan intrigue, and a touch of the unknown.
Aerosmith song remix featured Kid Rock
It all started with a post by a new AF1 user who claimed to have discovered a CD in a store containing a remix of “Just Push Play” featuring none other than Kid Rock. The user noted that the remix was an incredibly rare find, and he was looking to put in for sale for about $80.
He proved his claim as he shared a short MP3 sample of the bridge, featuring a vocal exchange between Kid Rock and Steven Tyler. The snippet featured Kid Rock who said, “I’m gonna grow my hair right down to my feet,” followed by Steven, and then back to Kid Rock.
Fans were certainly intrigued with this unexpected collaboration. However, the excitement soon turned into frustration. Several users demanded the entire MP3 be posted for free. It has been noted that the original poster, annoyed by the constant requests, eventually stopped responding, and the mysterious CD vanished from the forum. It is speculated that the band management might have purchased it to take it out of the market.
Many theories circulated about the origin and authenticity of the remix. One possible scenario was that the remix was supposed to be released as a single in December 2001. However, due to the album’s disappointing performance, the plan was abandoned. The sample prominently featured Aerosmith’s track with Kid Rock’s vocals, suggesting a genuine collaboration rather than a fan-made mix.
Adding credibility to this theory is the fact that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry had collaborated with Eminem and Dr. Dre in mid-July 2001 for “Sing For the Moment.” In addition to this, Aerosmith’s return to Detroit in late October 2001 for a show at the Palace of Auburn Hills could have provided an opportunity for Kid Rock to lay down his vocal tracks.
The Guitar Hero Aerosmith game included a tidbit about the collaboration in a loading screen reading: “After the Hall of Fame Ceremony, Steven went to recut ‘Just Push Play’ with additional vocals from Kid Rock.” This acts as further evidence supporting the remix’s existence, dating to the recording collab in late March 2001. The source of this tidbit was likely a casual conversation between the game producers and the band or management.
Kid Rock’s official collaborations with Aerosmith are limited to performances of “Sweet Emotion” at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and “Walk This Way” at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1999 and during the 2002 tour with Aerosmith.
Some fans believe that several Aerosmith shows were canceled not because Steven Tyler was sick, as officially stated, but because the band took time off to re-record their song “Just Push Play.”
When the band reappeared on MTV’s TRL Live in New York City, they were promoting the song as their new single after their performance of the song at United We Stand was used as a video clip. This added weight to the theory that the song had been re-recorded.
The “Just Push Play” remix featuring Kid Rock remains a mystery. Its origin and existence have never been confirmed, and it has become part of fan folklore. As we celebrate Aerosmith’s legacy, stories like these remind us of the band’s enduring impact. Whether the remix is ever found or remains a mystery, it will always be a part of Aerosmith’s history.
