Aerosmith enroute recovery as Steven Tyler sets up second stint in rehab

The 61-year-old musician has admitted that he needs to combat pain to be able to get back on track and start performing with his bandmates.

In a statement to People magazine, Tyler acknowledged receiving treatment at an undisclosed facility.

"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," said the celebrated singer.

Pulling through drugs and deceit
Drugs, deceit and divisions have been a part of the history of Aerosmith, whose establishment goes back to 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Internal conflicts, in part fueled by Tyler's plans to record a solo album, had once taken a toll on the band’s performances which were even looking to jeopardize Aerosmith’s future.

However, Tyler’s recent statements indicate the band, counted among America's most successful rock bands, is ready to rock.

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

This must come as a relief or the fans who feared they’d have to bid adieu to Aerosmith, following Tyler’s behavior that irked his band members.

Brand Tyler
After injuring himself during a concert in June, 2009, Tyler pulled away from his planned tours and seemed to be keen on pursuing solo projects.

He told Classic Rock magazine, "I don’t know what I'm doing yet, but it's definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself – Brand Tyler."

Palpably annoyed at the fact that Tyler was using e-mails sent by his newly hired management team to communicate with the band, Aerosmith looked vulnerable till last month.

In November 2009, Joe Perry revealed that Tyler had been out of touch with the band and hinted his exit from Aerosmith. The band members were already "looking for a new singer to work with”.

On the road to recovery
However, with the grievances behind them, Aerosmith is looking to recuperate, not only as individuals but also as a band.

Dr. Brian McKeon, Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at Tufts School of Medicine, says that Tyler may require additional surgeries on his knees and feet so as to be able to get back on top form.

"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,” said the doctor.

"My family and I are in complete support of my dad's decision to seek treatment," Tyler’s daughter Liv told People.

With support from family and colleagues, Steven Tyler, who had earlier entered rehab in May 2008, seems to be on his route to recovery, as do the famed “bad boys of Boston”.