BOSTON (CBS) – Aerosmith came home to Boston Monday afternoon and put on a free concert for thousands of fans outside the band’s old apartment in Allston.

Gallery: Aerosmith’s Allston Concert

People began gathering as early as 7 a.m. outside 1325 Commonwealth Avenue for the noon-time show.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Bernice Corpuz reports

The band arrived in Duck Boats in time for a ceremony declaring the building a musical landmark in the city.  Aerosmith’s members lived together in the apartment in the early 1970′s before they hit it big.

The City of Boston presented Aerosmith with a special plaque marking the place where it all started.

“This is cool to see this as a fan. This is where it all started and it’s awesome they are putting on a free show for everybody,” fan Joe Martins told WBZ-TV’s Paul Burton.

Thousands  stood on rooftops and danced in the streets as Aerosmith played some of their most beloved songs like “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion.”

“I’ll be 50 next year and I grew up with Aerosmith. I am their biggest fan,” fan Carolina Abolndoi said.

The free concert was billed as a “pre-election day party” but it came the day before Aerosmith released their new album “Music From Another Dimension!”

New England Patriots Tom Brady, Jerod Mayo, Robert and Jonathan Kraft introduced the band, with the help of the Patriots cheerleaders.

Keller @Large: Aerosmith Comm. Ave. Concert A Bad Move

The band ripped through several of their classic hits, including “Walk this Way” and “Sweet Emotion,” playing on a flatbed truck brought in for the once-in-a-lifetime show, which lasted about an hour.

The city has yet to announce the official estimated attendance.

WBZ-TV’s Paul Burton contributed to this report