Steven Tyler In Rehab

The band’s future has been up in the air as of late. The singer told Classic Rock Magazine in November that he was concentrating on “Brand Tyler” – a comment that was interpreted by press and fans as well as his bandmates that he was leaving the group he’s fronted for 40 years.

Tyler is now saying none of that is true. In a statement released to Rolling Stone and People, Tyler said he “loves Aerosmith” and is eager to return to the band’s biz.

“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,” Tyler said.

“I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith. I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of.”

Aerosmith’s latest tour was cut short in August when a misstep sent Tyler tumbling off the stage during a gig in South Dakota, breaking his left shoulder and injuring his neck. The tour was subsequently canceled and Tyler kept a low profile for a few months.

Then Tyler did a make-up date in Hawaii as well as a few choice one-off shows, including a performance in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi. That’s when he told Classic Rock Magazine about “Brand Tyler.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing yet,” Tyler said in November, “but it’s definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself.”

Not only was Tyler’s quote heard around the world, but it evidently came as a surprise to his Aerosmith comrades. Speaking only a few days later, Joe Perry told the Las Vegas Sun that Tyler’s statement appeared to indicate he was leaving the band.

“Steven quit as far as I can tell,” Perry told the Sun. “I don’t know anymore than you do about it. I got off the plane two nights ago. I saw online that Steven said that he was going to leave the band. I don’t know for how long, indefinitely or whatever. Other than that, I don’t know.”

Comments from other band members soon followed, along with revelations that Tyler and his Aerosmith mates rarely talk with each other when the band is on hiatus. There was even talk of bringing in a replacement singer.

But all that might be water under the bridge for one of most legendary rock bands in history.

“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.

Along with Tyler’s remarks, the statement also included a quote from his physician, Dr. Brian McKeon, a team doctor for the Boston Celtics and Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at Tufts School of Medicine.

“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,” McKeon said. “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.”

Tyler’s daughter, actress Liv Tyler, also had something to say about her pop’s condition.

“My family and I are in complete support of my dad’s decision to seek treatment,” Liv Tyler said. “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.”

Click here to read the complete Rolling Stone article.

Click here to read the complete People article.