Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Enters Rehab, Vows To Stay In Band

AEROSMITH’S STEVEN TYLER ENTERS REHAB, VOWS TO STAY IN BAND

December 22, 2009

Rolling Stone (www.rollingstone.com) can confirm that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has entered a rehab facility to treat an addiction to prescription painkillers. “With the help of my family and team of medical professionals I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford,” the singer said in a statement.

Tyler also addressed, in an exclusive statement to Rolling Stone, his bandmates’ recent allegations that he demanded a two-year break from the group. “I 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,” Tyler said.

Tyler’s daughter Liv also issued a statement expressing her support for her father. “He is a courageous man,” she said. “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.”

The physician treating Tyler at the New England Baptist Hospital, Dr. Brian McKeon, noted that Tyler’s addiction stems from difficulties with pain management. “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,” McKeon said. “Managing and controlling his pain has been challenging and despite our use of alternative therapies and the creation of custom shoes built by a team of engineers from Timberland, 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. As with many athletes, Steven put his performance first as he struggled with acute pain for years.”

Rolling Stone will have more news on Tyler’s condition and the state of Aerosmith as information becomes available.

Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com and www.rollingstone.com