October 14, 2005

Tommy Lee Injured In Onstage Pyrotechnics Display

By Chris Harris (MTV.com)

Drummer Tommy Lee was injured onstage before thousands of Mötley Crüe fans in a botched pyrotechnics display during the band's concert in Casper, Wyoming, Wednesday night.

According to a report by The Associated Press, the mishap didn't stunt Lee's performance behind the kit. The drummer -- who was injured toward the end of the band's set -- continued playing with the Crüe for one more number, Casper Police spokesperson Sgt. Doug Beran said. But the concert's usual encore was called off by frontman Vince Neil, who returned to the stage to inform the crowd of Lee's injuries.

The drummer was rushed from the Casper Events Center to a nearby hospital for treatment. Beran told the AP that Lee's injuries were not serious and refused to discuss his condition further, citing privacy considerations.

One witness told the wire service it appeared that Lee was injured when sparks -- described as resembling Roman-candle fireworks -- shot toward Lee, who was suspended on a wire and swinging between drum sets floating several feet above the stage.

It was unclear Thursday (October 13) whether Lee's injuries would affect the next two stops on Mötley Crüe's Carnival of Sins Tour, set for Friday night in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Saturday in Rapid City, South Dakota.