Aerosmith's Steven Tyler

There are nights in music that don’t feel real until you’re telling the story afterward—when it finally sinks in who was sitting across the table.

For Richard Smith, founder of Substantial Music Group, this was one of those nights. A veteran “hired gun” guitarist, Richard has spent his career performing alongside some of the most iconic names in music—sharing stages and studios with legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenny Loggins, Aretha Franklin, and Air Supply.

Through Substantial Music Group, Richard has continued that legacy by curating world-class live entertainment for corporate events, wedding entertainment, and high-energy party bands—bringing arena-level musicianship into unforgettable private and professional celebrations.

But even after all those years in music, some moments still stand apart.

One of them was dinner with his personal hero: Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

The evening wasn’t about credits, tours, or accolades. It was about connection—two musicians recognizing a shared lifetime of stages, stories, and sacrifices. For Richard, who has built a career both performing at the highest level and producing elite live entertainment experiences, sitting across from Steven Tyler felt like a full-circle moment.

From stadium tours to curated private events, from backing legendary artists to leading one of the most respected live entertainment companies, the journey comes down to moments like this—where admiration becomes conversation, and heroes become real.