The venue was the only thing that was small about Aerosmith's first show on British soil for almost eight years.

They were last seen on stage at the old Wembley in 1999 and this intimate promotional taster saw the ageing rockers, soon to top the bill at this summer's Hyde Park Calling event, working the room as if it was one more stadium to be conquered.

See more pictures from the gig here

Leading the way was Steven Tyler, at 58 still disturbingly pretty if you squinted, hair full of bits and bobs like a girl on a gap year. Even after throat surgery last year, he remained in full possession of that scorched primal howl, one of the key elements of rock 'n' roll.

His microphone stand was a seamless extension of his body, draped in scarves and studded with tiny mirrors, lowered deep into the audience for vocal assistance on 1975's Sweet Emotion and ultimate power ballad I Don't want to Miss a Thing.

He pretended to play it like a guitar on the vintage blues of Baby Please Don't Go, and held it aloft like a trophy at the frantic climax of The Train Kept A Rollin'.

Often, though, he was reduced to percussion-duties when song after song became a showcase for the abilities of guitarist Joe Perry.

The other Toxic Twin made much of a filthy slide riff on Draw the Line, before effortlessly switching to funk on a timely spontaneous cover of James Brown's Mother Popcorn and, of course, Walk This Way.

If some of the other band members looked like your grandad in a wig, no one will notice at the big shows. It's been such a long time, London will be more than ready to walk their way again.

• Hyde Park Calling, Sunday 24 June. Tickets on sale from 9am on Friday (0870 400 0688).