Aerosmith breakup rumors on the rise

BOSTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- A string of health setbacks and rumored internal bickering is fueling speculation that U.S. rock band Aerosmith is breaking up, observers say.

The appearance of a fan video showing vocalist Steven Tyler, who broke his shoulder from a fall from a stage this month, looking frail as he shopped at a Pembroke, Mass., liquor store is making fans wonder if the end is near for the legendary group, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.

In addition to Tyler's Aug. 5 fall in Sturges, S.D., he also hurt his leg at show earlier this summer, causing seven dates to be canceled. Guitarist Brad Whitford hit his head getting out of a car, forcing him to miss the band's first shows in June, and bassist Tom Hamilton, a throat cancer survivor, skipped shows due to an unspecified medical treatment, the newspaper noted.

Guitarist Joe Perry, however, posted a series of Twitter messages Saturday denying the speculation, saying, "Aero is Not breaking up!" and asserting the band is only on hiatus until Tyler recovers.

The Globe said Tyler's recent decision to hire a separate management company and the continued absence of a long-promised new album are also reinforcing reports of tensions within Aerosmith.