Aerosmith cancels summer Vegas shows after singer Steven Tyler enters rehab

ROCK band Aerosmith cancelled the first 2 months of shows scheduled for its Las Vegas residency after lead singer Steven Tyler suffered a relapse in his sobriety and entered treatment, the band announced on Tuesday (May 24).

The group known for hits including Dream On and Walk This Way plans to take the stage at the Park MGM hotel starting in September, according to a statement posted on Twitter.

Tyler, 74, has been open about past struggles with substance abuse, which had caused tension with his bandmates. In 2009, Tyler told People magazine he was receiving treatment for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers resulting from 10 years of performance injuries.

The band's statement on Tuesday said the singer had "worked on his sobriety for many years" but recently relapsed following foot surgery "and the necessity of pain management".

Tyler "voluntarily entered a treatment programme to concentrate on his health and recovery", the statement said.

"We are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you," the band added. "Thank you for your understanding and for your support for Steven during this time." REUTERS