Steve Tyler has revealed on Australian show 60 Minutes he spent $6 million on drugs, admitting: “You could say I snorted half of Peru.”
Steve Tyler, 65, who with guitarist Joe Perry was known as one of the Toxic Twins, said he estimated he had shoveled millions up his nose in the years – controversially less than the $20 million than had rumored.
Aerosmith frontman said he spent: “Realistically, 5 or 6 [million]. But it doesn’t matter. You also could say I snorted half of Peru, but it doesn’t matter.”
Steve Tyler had been sober for more than two decades until he became addicted to prescription drugs in 2009, although he later was successful with treatment.
He became addicted to drugs in the late 1970s and continued to take illegal substances until 1986 when he received treatment.
In the interview, to be aired on Australian TV this week, Steve Tyler reveals his relationship with Joe Perry has improved since they famously fell out over the rocker’s stint on American Idol – they made up when Steve quit the band.
Without the drugs Steve Tyler is still no stranger to controversy after he made some remarks over fellow judge Nicki Minaj’s competence in December.
Nicki Minaj then lashed out at the Aerosmith rocker – who she replaced on the panel of the talent show – after he questioned her suitability, claiming she would’ve passed on legendary musician Bob Dylan if he auditioned.
At the time Steve Tyler said: “It was a moment, I’m sorry if it was taken wrong. But I’m the furthest from a racist.
“I’m not sure how she got that from me saying <<I’m not sure she would have judged Bob Dylan>>.
“I was just saying if Bob Dylan came on the show he would have been thrown off. Maybe I spoke out of turn but a racist I’m not.”
Nicki Minaj, 29, was furious when Steven Tyler insisted she would have turned down Bob Dylan if he auditioned for American Idol and took to twitter to blast the Aerosmith frontman.
Taking to the social networking website she wrote: “Steven Tyler said I would have sent Bob Dylan to a cornfield??? Steven, you haven’t seen me judge one single solitary contestant yet.
“I understand you really wanted to keep your job but take that up with the producers. I haven’t done anything to you. That’s a racist comment.
“You assume that I wouldn’t have liked Bob Dylan??? why? black? rapper? what? go f*** yourself and worry about yourself babe. LOL lets make him a shirt that says <<No Coloreds Allowed>>.”
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