Despite being put together in mere weeks, the Boston Strong concert, which took place last night at Boston’s TD Garden, was a complete success. Headlined by acts like Aerosmith (who flew in from Singapore for the occasion,) J. Geils and James Taylor, the gig had enough energy and momentum to ring as a celebration of Boston’s spirit, not a lament of the bombing, which rocked the city in April. Rolling Stone recapped the gig.

The show began, appropriately, with guitarist Tom Scholtz’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and continued with acts like Aerosmith, New Kids On The Block, blue-collar rockers J. Geils Band ripping through enthusiastic, high energy sets, interrupted by the occasional teary-eyed moment, where appropriate. Naturally, powerhouse rockers Boston made an appearance, in keeping with the night’s theme of Bostonians helping out and performing for other Bostonians.

It was definitely a celebration of Boston’s spirit and culture, with comedian as comedian Steve Sweeney, a local legend, said before introducing the Geils Band, when people ask, "How you doin'?," locals are liable to reply, "Mind your own goddamn business, you nosy bastard!"

Even self-aware humor had a place at the benefit. But at the end, Aerosmith brought it back to the spirit of togetherness, when they prompted an all-inclusive singalong to their version of "Come Together." It was a night of unity and one to be remembered for sure and the best part – the performers offered their services for free, as did Ticketmaster and TD Garden, meaning that most of the proceeds will go to the One Fund and from there, to victims of the bombing and their families.

Aerosmith, iHeart Radio
Aerosmith brought the house down - or up on its feet - with their final number.

James Taylor, Organizing for America
James Taylor was one of the stars who donated their time for the event.