Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler goes into rehab

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has checked himself into a rehab clinic to treat an addiction to painkillers.

The 61-year-old had been taking the drugs to help him cope with 10 years of performance injuries.

In a statement released to Rolling Stone magazine, the musician said: "I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain."

He added that he was "eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates".

'Completely false'

His daughter Liv also issued a statement calling Tyler "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," said the actress.

Tyler also reiterated that he had no intention of leaving the band.

"I wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumoured two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false.

"I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled," he said.

Last month Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry reportedly said Tyler had left the band, but the rest of the group planned to continue with a new frontman.

Perry's comments came after Tyler gave an interview to Classic Rock magazine, which stated the star planned to pursue a solo career.

However, days later Tyler ended speculation that he was leaving by joining guitarist Perry on stage in New York's Irving Plaza.

"I just want New York to know, I am not leaving Aerosmith," Tyler declared, before launching into the group's hit Walk This Way.

Tyler last entered rehab in 2008 to deal with pain from foot surgery.

He also had problems with drugs and alcohol in the 1970s and 1980s before completing rehabilitation in 1986.

Tyler fell off the stage during a South Dakota show in early August, forcing the band to cancel the remainder of its summer tour.

At the time, Tyler told Rolling Stone he resented implications that the accident occurred while he was intoxicated.

After the tour was cancelled, there were reports of tensions within the band.

In early November, Tyler told a reporter he was taking time off to work on "Brand Tyler" and his bandmates responded by announcing they were beginning to search for a replacement singer.