Despite Injuries, Bret Michaels Says Tonys Were Nothin’ But a Good Time

Live television can sometimes present rocky moments for viewers, but actual onstage bruising occurred at the 2009 Tony Awards telecast when special guest performer Bret Michaels of the band Poison was injured during the ceremony’s opening number. Michaels, who was knocked to the ground by a piece of descending scenery during a performance of “Nothin’ But a Good Time” with the cast of Rock of Ages, took the event in stride—despite a broken nose.

"He told me, 'All I remember is Shrek and the donkey helping me up, and Liza [Minnelli] giving me a towel,'" Michaels' publicist Joann Mignano told Peoplemagazine. "And Bret was laughing when he heard [Tonys host] Neil Patrick Harris said he gave new meaning to 'headbanging.' "

Mignano went on to explain that, despite his injuries, “Bret did not walk off the stage angry or in a hissy fit. He was honored to be asked to participate and be amongst Broadway royalty, like Liza and Sir Elton [John]. He did the red carpet, and he was taking pictures with Angela Lansbury backstage. He was so happy to be there."

Michaels was tended to by paramedics offstage, receiving three stitches to repair a split lip. The rocker’s fractured nose was diagnosed after the awards, when the performer headed to a doctor for X-rays. The rock star, who suffered a previous neck injury during a non-performance-related injury several years ago, reportedly has lingering neck and back pains after the Tony mishap and will be getting a CAT scan “to be on the safe side.” Michaels may have to cancel his next touring performance, but will continue to prepare for Poison’s upcoming tour with bands Cheap Trick and Def Leppard, which is scheduled to kick off on June 23 at New Jersey’s Susquehanna Bank Center.