August 14, 2009 11:07

Aerosmith cancel tour after Steven Tyler's accident

Plus guitarist Joe Perry pays tribute to Les Paul

Photo: PA Photos

Aerosmith have cancelled their summer tour following singer Steven Tyler's onstage fall in South Dakota.

On August 5 the frontman was hospitalised after the accident, in which he injured his neck and shoulder. The band have now confirmed they will not be able to fulfil their remaining tour dates, reports BBC News.

Aerosmith had been due to play gigs in the US and Canada before the announcement was made.

"Words can't express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour," guitarist Joe Perry explained.

Meanwhile, Perry also paid tribute in a statement to guitar pioneer Les Paul, who died yesterday (August 13).

It read: "As a guitarist and a fan of music in general, I know the amazing contributions Les Paul made in his lifetime to the art of making music. I think if the general public knew how much of that influence is heard every day in the music that they listen to, they would be amazed.

"He was a true genius. The few times that I had met him, he made me feel like I had known him forever. He was always sharp, ready to rock, and he was always talking about his next gig.

"Knowing that he is not walking the earth anymore is sad and I have lost a friend. But every time I pick up a guitar I'll know that his spirit is alive and well right next to me."

Read NME.COM's Les Paul obituary.

Blog - Les Paul: the man who made rock'n'roll look cool