Aerosmith band member Steven Tyler is taking time off to focus on his health. In a new update released by the rock group, the band shared that their June and July shows in Las Vegas would be canceled. As fans of the band know, the former American Idol judge has worked very hard to maintain his sobriety for so long years, so there's no doubt this news was not easy to share.
Steven Tyler, 74, Enters Treatment After Relapse
Getty Images | Amy Sussman
Aerosmith band member Steven Tyler has been open with fans about his ongoing battle with substance abuse.
As reported by People, the 76-year-old was first treated for addiction in 1988 after an intervention by his bandmates and management.
Speaking with Haute Living back in 2019, the rock n' roll legend recalled that difficult moment.
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"There was a moment in '88 where management and the band pulled an intervention on me. They thought, 'Get the lead singer sober, and all our problems would be over.'"
"So I got sober and, you know, it took me many years to get over the anger of them sending me to rehab while they went on vacation."
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Despite the anger, he eventually recognized that it was the right thing to do and that it was, in fact, an act of love.
"But today, because of that moment … I am grateful and owe a thanks to them for my sobriety."
Speaking with "Entertainment Tonight" in 2016, the singer gave thanks for his support system for their dedication to his health.
"Whenever someone dies, like Prince, I think to myself, 'They died so I could live.' I am just as much an addict as he was—[but] none of his people spoke up," he admitted at the time.
"I say that with hope that the next time this happens to one of our other stars, somebody speaks up."
He continued: "My beautiful girlfriend at the time spoke up for me and I'm alive because she said, "You're going to Betty [expletive] Ford!"
Part of Steven's sobriety plan included the 12-step program.
Speaking with GQ, the Aerosmith lead said: "I got a band that's still together, the guys are still alive, everyone's healthy. We play better than we did 50 years ago."
"I mean, there was a certain rawness when we played clubs and we were all [expletive] up. Sure, I get it. But the band is still together and still sought-after."
"People still want us for a million-plus dollars a night," he continued.
"And that's what's at risk if I use again. And my kids. My cats. My dogs. My beautiful [expletive] house in Maui. My girlfriend. Everything is at risk."
It's clear the singer and his entire band know the importance of his health and are making it clear that Steven's well-being will always be a top priorty.
With this in mind, Aerosmith is announcing that the first two months of their Las Vegas residency have been canceled after the 74-year-old's relapse.
Sharing the update on their Instagram the statement read: "As many of you know, our beloved brother Steven has worked on his sobriety for many years."
"After foot surgery to prepare for the stage and the necessity of pain management during the process, he has recently relapsed and voluntarily entered a treatment program to concentrate on his health and recovery."
"We will continue our 2022 dates starting in September, and we'll let you know any further updates as soon as we can. We are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who often travel great distances to experience our shows."
"Thank you for your understanding and for your support for Steven during this time," the statement concluded.
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We are thinking of Steven and his loved ones during this undoubtedly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please visit the link here.
