Steven Tyler has revealed he battled Hepatitis C in secret three years ago.

The Aerosmith singer said the potentially-fatal virus "about killed me" - but he was saved by chemotherapy.

The star spoke out on American television show Access Hollywood in a bid to raise awareness of the the disease, which can kill by causing serious liver problems.

"Of all the people in this room, at least three have it and don't know it," he explained to the studio audience. "It's the silent killer."

The disease - passed on by blood through, for example, sexual contact, blood transfusions and sharing needles - is carried by an estimated 170 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.

Tyler, whose classic rock band are currently touring with Motley Crue, added: "It's one of those things people don't speak about it, but it is treatable."