This Aerosmith Member Had a Cartoon-Version Cameo in ‘The Polar Express’

He went from performing at sold-out stadiums to rockin’ at the North Pole with Santa Claus. One Aerosmith member actually appeared in stop-motion animation form for the beloved Christmas movie, The Polar Express.

Here’s what we know about the original song he performed for the film’s soundtrack. 

Tom Hanks starred as several characters for the stop-motion feature film, ‘The Polar Express’

After traveling to the North Pole on a magical train, the main character learned to believe in others and, more importantly, believe in himself. The Polar Express premiered in 2004 and since then has become a Christmas classic for many viewers.

The Polar Express featured a memorable cast, with Toy Story actor Tom Hanks voicing more than a handful of the animated characters, including Hero Boy, Father, Conductor, Hobo, Scrooge, and Santa Claus. 

“It’s not just the multiple roles,” Hanks said during an interview with Ian Winterton. “You can do that with hair and makeup like Peter Sellers or Robin Williams did. It’s the fact that I play an eight-year-old kid that’s the best example of the technology’s potential.”

Even one member of Aerosmith had a cameo in this holiday feature. That was Tyler, who performed one song as a Christmas elf. 

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performed ‘Rockin’ on Top of the World’ during ‘The Polar Express’

The Polar Express featured several original songs, including one performed by Aerosmith frontman Tyler. That was “Rockin’ on Top of the World.” It wasn’t just the voice of Tyler that appeared in this movie. 

There was actually an elf modeled after this actor who appeared toward the end of the film. Tyler even used motion capture technology in conjunction with his appearance in The Polar Express, later using a similar process to work on a video game.

“It was like what I did for the (2004) movie The Polar Express,” the performer said during an interview with ABC News. “You have all these (sensors) on you and they are synched up with a computer.”

Tyler is known for his work with the legendary rock band, Aerosmith. With songs like “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Walk This Way,” the group earned its place in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

‘Rockin’ on Top of the World’ is available on most major music streaming platforms

Fans can hear “Rockin’ on Top of the World” in the original animated holiday film, as well as on most major streaming platforms. On Spotify, the Tyler track has over 2 million plays. The official soundtrack also includes songs performed by Hanks, like the title track, “The Polar Express.” 

Some Christmas classics are also included on Spotify’s The Polar Express soundtrack, including Frank Sinatra’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” There’s also the original song performed by Josh Groban, “Believe.”

The Polar Express is available for streaming with an HBO MAX subscription or a premium Hulu subscription.