Aerosmith's Steven Tyler enters rehab

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an addiction to painkillers his doctor says he has taken to deal with a decade of injuries. In a statement issued Tuesday, the singer said he hopes to quickly rejoin the band, an effort to quell recent reports that the group’s other members were considering hiring a replacement should he decide to take an extended break from his duties fronting the long-running hard-rock outfit.

“Over the past 10 years, Steven Tyler has suffered orthopedic injuries and has been in severe chronic pain which will require further surgeries on his knees and feet,” said Dr. Brian McKeon, who has been treating Tyler at New England Baptist Hospital. “Steven's pain has progressed. The balance between managing his pain and avoiding addiction is tenuous and difficult, and his bravery in persevering through rigorous touring is admirable.”

Tyler broke his shoulder in a fall from the stage while the band was playing in South Dakota in August, forcing the group to cancel the rest of its summer tour with ZZ Top. In the wake of that injury and his physical therapy, reports surfaced that he was planning to take a two-year-hiatus from Aerosmith “to work on the brand of myself -- Brand Tyler.”

In response, Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer, while at a signing last month for his book “Hit Hard,” said the rest of the group would start auditioning singers should that happen. “I support him. I will always love him,” Kramer said, “but we want to play too. I can’t sit around for two years and not play my drums -- or not function as a band.”

Rolling Stone today quoted Tyler distancing himself from the hiatus talk: “I also wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumored two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false and I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled.”

Tuesday’s statement, released by Tyler's management company, also included words from Tyler’s daughter, actress Liv Tyler, saying: “My family and I are in complete support of my dad’s decision to seek treatment. He is a courageous man. We love him and are so proud that he is getting help to balance his pain management, not just for himself but for his family, friends and fans.”

-- Randy Lewis

Comments

[Fan Since Day One]

Thank God! I hadn't given up and Tyler is an artist and he will beat it as he has done in the past. I deal w/ chronic orthopedic pain and having to take strong pain pain meds. I have had no problems w/ addiction, but trying to do the things you love AND deal w/ chronic pain AND not taking too many pills, well it's not easy, it's hell. Long live Aerosmith as we know them now- fans need ALL the guys!

[Rick]

Hang in there Steven and you too Fan Since Day One.

[Kiwi]

Good, I couldn't picture Tyler out on his own after all this time with the band. Still, it's amazing that they've managed to stay together after 40 years. It's commendable, and I'm glad they're sticking together.

[JAKE]

Such great news!
It's been obvious to anyone who follows Aerosmith that Tyler has been on a downward spiral for the last year or so. We've lost so many talented folks this year, that this really does make me hopeful.
Let's all pray that he'll grab this chance to get clean and celebrate life with full force.

At the end of the day, it's all up to him.

[Laura Foukal]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Steven. You are widely loved and many are pulling for you. Merry Christmas.

[Beverly Hills NORML90210]

My heart goes out to Steven Tyler, his family and the members of Aerosmith. I had the honor and privilege of working with them producing a PSA (Public Service Announcement) campaign for Paul McCartney's charity "RADD" a few years ago. It was an experience of a lifetime. Steven was a total professional, had a voice in the live appearance that just blew me away and was incredibly gracious and kind to all of his fans. The PSA was a huge hit and I believe it continues to air today. On this lovely Christmas Eve, I hope you'll join me in sending healing energy and prayers to Steven for a fast recovery.

Respectfully,
Cheryl Shuman
Beverly Hills, California

[drowningboy]

lather, rinse, repeat...

http://no12steps.wordpress.com/

[Alex]

A 61 year old man doing what he did @ 21 or even 31 for that matter is unbelievable, but lets be honesty, does Steven and the rest of the guys need to be touring this heavy at this stage of their careers? I don't want to say things like they don't need the $ because at this point it isn't about that its about doing it because they love it, but at what point will one continue to play at that level?
other artists that has come along 10 to 15 years after them are playing smaller more intimate venues with a much lighter schedual, I think Aerosmith needs to start slowing it down for their own good, they have nothing more to prove.

Get Well Steven, U Rock!

[Teven Styler]

Looks like Steven has healed well enough to move on to an exciting new project:

"On March 26, 2010, it was reported that Steven Tyler, intrigued by the 2009 Chris Cornell record Scream, would be teaming up with Timbaland to record a rap album. Guest appearances by Reverend Run and Darryl Mac of Run-D.M.C., Kid Rock, and T-Pain are rumored to be featured on the new project."

Congrats, Mr. Tyler! Can't wait to hear it!