Aerosmith’s Wings Clipped By Ailing Singer, Again

AEROSMITH’S WINGS CLIPPED BY AILING SINGER, AGAIN

July 4, 2009

With a nod to the Who, here’s Aerosmith By Numbers: The veteran rock band has performed seven shows on its summer tour, but now two of its five members are on the sick list forcing the postponement of at least five shows. In the latest development singer Steven Tyler, 61, has been hobbled by a leg injury, putting the kibosh on Cincinnati (July 1), Hershey, Pa. (July 3), Virginia Beach, Va. (July 5), Raleigh, N.C. (July 7) and Charlotte, N.C. (July 9).

Guitarist Joe Perry sent out a Twitter message on Friday expressing “sincere apologies,” and asking fans to pray for Tyler’s speedy return. “It really bums me out too — you have no idea,” he said.

The tour was looking shaky before it even started in St. Louis on June 10. Guitarist Brad Whitford, 57, underwent surgery earlier that month after hitting his head while getting out of his Ferrari. Perry said on Tuesday that “Brad is up and ready to rock as soon as Steven’s leg muscle feels better.” The next scheduled concert is for Tampa, Fla., on July 11.

The band says the five shows (so far) will be rescheduled. Dates are on tap for the North American trek through Sept. 16 in Detroit.

Fans have said Tyler appeared to pull a leg muscle at the band’s last show, on July 29. Tyler has been troubled by his feet: In May 2008, he checked into rehab saying he needed “a safe environment to recuperate” following a series of painful foot surgeries. In 2006, the band was forced to cancel the remaining dates on a tour so that Tyler could undergo throat surgery.

Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com and www.reuters.com