In response to reports last week that he had checked himself into a Pasadena, California drug rehabilitation clinic, Steven Tyler has disclosed why he entered the facility. The 60-year-old Aerosmith singer says he entered Los Encinitas Hospital's treatment facility earlier this month after a series of surgeries and post-operative physical therapy to correct long-time foot injuries resulting from his athletic stage performance.

"The doctors told me the pain in my feet could be corrected but it would require a few surgeries over time," Tyler says. "The 'foot repair' pain was intense, greater than I'd anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet."

Although Tyler made no reference to substance abuse allegations he ensures fans, "Make no mistake, Aerosmith has no plans to stop rocking. There's a new album to record, then another tour."