Steven Tyler Gets MAP Honor
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has won many awards in his career,
but few meant as much to him as the honor bestowed on him at the
fourth annual MAP (Musician’s Assistance Program) Awards
dinner/performance, hosted by Sharon Osbourne, in Los Angeles last
night.
Before an audience that included Jerry Cantrell, Slash, Anthony
Kiedis and Gene Simmons, Tyler, who’s been sober for seventeen
years, was presented the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his
contributions to advocating sobriety through MAP. “To receive an
honor named after Stevie for his commitment to sobriety is a great
honor,” Tyler said upon picking up his award. “Stevie continues to
be an inspiration in so many ways.”
Tyler also took a moment to recognize MAP’s founder, jazz
musician Buddy Arnold, who was unable to attend the event; Arnold
remains hospitalized after undergoing heart surgery last week.
“It’s all about Buddy Arnold tonight,” Tyler said.
Following Tyler’s moving speech, during which he spoke about his
sobriety, he led the house band through a three-song set that
included recent Aerosmith hits “Amazing” and “Pink.”
Making the night even more poignant was that Vaughan’s brother
Jimmie Vaughan, a longtime contributor to MAP, was on hand to
receive the organization’s Buddy Award, named for Arnold.
Vaughan and jazz legend Diane Schurr also performed during the
ceremony, which capped a tumultuous year for MAP, which, like most
of the music industry, has been hit by hard times financially.
Arnold’s wife and co-founder, Carole Fields, spoke openly about the
tough times during her introductory remarks. “There were moments of
doubt and concern. Would we actually make it to our awards this
year?”
Prior to the evening’s festivities, Tyler spoke about the need
to support MAP, its services and its message. “I think it’s real
important,” he said. The strongest part of AA [Alcoholics
Anonymous] or any twelve-step program, is the message and being a
powerful example.”