NEW YORK - Rock fans are mourning the death of Tom Petty from a cardiac arrest but will be comforted by news about the health of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.

Rumours swirled that the 69-year-old could have suffered a heart attack or a seizure after the American band cancelled the remaining four shows of their South American tour.

Tyler has set the record straight on Aerosmith's website.

"I give you all an A+ for creative speculations but I certainly did not have a heart attack or a seizure. Sorry to have cut the tour short, but I had to have a procedure that only my doctor in the States could perform."

He did not reveal what his health condition was, saying only: "I promise I'll be back… unfortunately, health does not wait and it's something even I can't schedule around our shows."