Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry has apologised to fans after the rockers were forced to scrap the remainder of their North American tour to allow frontman Steven Tyler time to recover from a recent stage fall.
Tyler, 61, broke his left shoulder and needed 20 stitches in the back of his head after taking a nasty tumble while performing at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota on 5 August (09).
The group had hoped to resume their roadshow within days of Tyler's accident, but announced on Thursday night (13Aug09) that they had no choice but to cancel the rest of their live dates so the singer can fully recuperate.
Perry is disappointed to have let fans down and has expressed his sorrow in a statement to fans.
He says, "Words can't express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour.
"I would like to thank our loyal fans for sticking by us through thick and thin and all the good energy they are sending our way. We hope we can get the Aerosmith machine up and running again as soon as possible... Hope to see you sooner than later."
Fellow axeman Brad Whitford adds, "We never anticipated this tour coming to such a swift and unfortunate ending. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steven for a speedy recovery and return to good health."
Aerosmith were due to wrap up their tour in Detroit, Michigan on 16 September (09).
Tyler's freak accident was the latest in a string of health-based setbacks to have plagued the group's roadshow. The frontman previously cancelled a series of gigs after he suffered a leg injury, while Whitford was forced to step down from touring duties after undergoing surgery for a burst blood vessel.
The group also pulled out of a planned tour in 2008 and dates earlier this year (09) to allow Perry to recover from knee surgery.