Tyler (left) said thunderstorms delayed the band's set by an hour, then fuses blew and the audio systems failed shortly after the concert began. -- PHOTO: AP

LOS ANGELES - AEROSMITH has cancelled the remainder of its summer tour.

In a statement issued late on Thursday, the band's publicist MSO said 'it is with great regret' that the band is cancelling the rest of its tour because of injuries that frontman Steven Tyler suffered when he fell off the stage during an Aug 5 performance in South Dakota.

Tyler broke his left shoulder and needed 20 stitches in his head. The statement said doctors have advised Tyler to take the time to properly recuperate from his injuries.

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

Perry said he wanted to thank the band's loyal fans for sticking by them, adding that the band hopes 'we can get the Aerosmith machine up and running again as soon as possible.'

The statement said ticket refunds for the remaining tour dates will be available at the place of purchase.

Earlier on Thursday, Tyler released a lengthy statement thanking the Sturgis, S.D., police department and others who helped him after the fall. The 61-year-old also thanked the band's crew, the helicopter that evacuated him 'for getting me outta there before I bled to death' and the doctors and nurses who treated him.

Tyler said thunderstorms delayed the band's set by an hour, then fuses blew and the audio systems failed shortly after the concert began.

'Well, I wasn't gonna go hide under the big top and play 'ROCK STAR' and wait for everything to be fixed,' Tyler said. 'I wanted to go out to the crowd to continue the show.' He said he was doing 'the Tyler shuffle' when he slipped and fell off the edge of the stage.

'I just want to say that I' m plain grateful that I didn't break my neck,' he said. 'In truth, after thousands of live shows, falling off the edge four times ain't too bad.' -- AP

OFFICIAL BAND STATEMENT:

It is with great regret that AEROSMITH are canceling the remainder of their summer tour.

Due to injuries STEVEN TYLER sustained last week when he fell from the stage during a concert in Sturgis, SD, doctors have advised the lead singer to take the time to properly recuperate from the accident that resulted in a broken shoulder and stitches to his head. In his current condition, TYLER is unable to tour and the band wants to give him time to get healthy.

AEROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE PERRY (guitar), BRAD WHITFORD (guitar), TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KRAMER (drums)--want to thank all their fans for their incredible ongoing support and understanding at this time.

"Words can't express the sadness I feel for having to cancel this tour," says JOE PERRY. "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. I sure am going to miss playing with ZZ Top just as I'm sure the fans are going to miss seeing them playing with us as well. Hope to see you sooner than later." JOE adds, " My hat's off to our crew for putting up with this crazy stop and start tour. In my estimation, it was one of the best looking and best run tours we've ever had. Us road dawgs will meet again. May your wheels keep turning and your load in's stay smooth."  AF1 Customer Service can be reached at 508-791-3807 or via email at: customerservice@aeroforceone.com