Vocalist Steven Tyler, right, and lead guitarist Joe Perry of the rock band Aerosmith perform June 10, 2009, in Maryland Heights, Mo. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

Steven Tyler, who is in rehab for an addiction to painkillers, has threatened legal action if he is replaced as lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith.

Tyler's attorney Skip Miller has sent a letter to Aerosmith manager Howard Kaufman to "cease and desist from engaging in acts" Tyler considers detrimental to the band.

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry has spoken publicly about replacing Tyler, with singers such as Chris Cornell, Paul Rodgers and Lenny Kravitz being mentioned about taking his place.

Miller said in his letter that without Tyler there would be no Aerosmith, which boasts hits like Love in an Elevator and Walk This Way, among others.

"Can you imagine the manager of the Rolling Stones calling for the replacement of Mick Jagger?" Miller writes in his letter dated Jan. 27. "Steven is Aerosmith, along with the others. He's the guy the public knows. He's the singer."

Meeting called for

Miller told Billboard he has called a meeting of Aerosmith members on Feb. 9 to discuss the band's future, a future that would include a tour of Europe and South America, with Tyler singing, he said.

In the past year, Tyler has suffered a bout of pneumonia and fell from the stage while on tour in August, forcing the cancellation of Aerosmith's North American tour, before checking into rehab.

Miller said his client does not want to sue, but would consider legal action if the band opts to go on without him.

Miller said that Tyler has been writing songs for a new Aerosmith album which has been repeatedly delayed.

Perry, meanwhile, is touring to promote his latest solo album, Have Guitar, Will Travel, while Brad Whitford is gearing up for an Experience Hendrix tour in March.

Drummer Joey Kramer is promoting his autobiography, Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top.