Steven Tyler enters rehab

BOSTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. rocker Steven Tyler says he has checked into a rehabilitation facility for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers.

The 61-year-old lead singer of Aerosmith revealed in a statement to People magazine late Tuesday that he is undergoing treatment for the issues at an undisclosed location. The move follows months of rumors that Tyler has been self-medicating for past performance-related injuries and that he plans to quit the band.

"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 band mates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford," Tyler said in the statement. "I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith. ... I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of."

The musician's daughter, actress Liv Tyler, said she and her family "are in complete support of" the rock star's decision to seek treatment.

"He is a courageous man," Liv Tyler told People. "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."