BRET MICHAELS Says Prop 'Should Have Been Stopped' Until He Cleared The Stage

POISON singer Bret Michaels has released the following statement regarding the incident at Sunday's (June 7) Tony Awards when he got clocked in the head by a descending set piece during his band's performance.

"I am trying to remain very positive and somewhat humorous about the whole situation.

"I apologize that I did not make a statement earlier as I have been feeling pretty beat up over the last few days. The fact is I was honored to be asked to perform at the event. The entire 'Rock of Ages' production [with whom POISON performed] were awesome, and even though I was completely out of my element, I was really enjoying myself prior to my injury. In fact, all involved at the awards show treated me good.

"I had a great time at the Tonys right up until I got blindsided. I must admit it was a little blurry after that. In hindsight, there is no doubt I got my bell rung. Unfortunately, it has been posted and perhaps funny to watch, but I can assure you it has been painful to experience.

"In all honesty, I had absolutely no idea what struck my head. Upon impact, I thought a piece of the lighting rig had fallen out of the ceiling and as I fell back it seemed like my head struck the stage and I blacked out for a second. When I opened my eyes, I noticed a large set prop coming down straight for me. I immediately pushed myself out of the way, and amidst the chaos, I laid on the floor and asked, 'What the hell just happened?' My nose, mouth and the back of my head felt numb. I vaguely remember asking Big John [head of Bret's security], 'Do I have any teeth left in my mouth?' I knew I could move my arms and legs and that was an instant relief. Somebody handed me a towel to wipe the blood from my face, and in my dazed state, I recall staring at what seemed to be Shrek, a talking goat head and several monkey like creatures.

"Over the last few days, a lot of speculation as to what happened and who is to blame have surfaced. I need to make clear at no point since the incident occurred do I feel like the accident was malicious in any way and I feel this will all work itself out. However, I must state I found it a little strange that the only statement released by the Tony organization was that I missed my mark and that I was completely fine. First, I thought, 'What mark?' as there was no official mark, just a retracting drum riser and an overhead prop being rapidly lowered which was out of my view. Second, I think it was slightly irresponsible for them to report that I was fine without full knowledge of my condition when a doctor hadn't even looked at me yet and I surely don't remember any x-ray machines backstage.

"I am not looking for an apology; I only hoped that on a human level that the Tony organization's representative would have expressed some concern for injury in their statement or at the very least claim they would be looking into the matter. Whether it was a miscommunication, missed cue or missed mark, no matter what the situation was, the prop should have been stopped, or at least slowed for a few more seconds, until I cleared the stage. I apparently had less than two seconds to avoid being hit. It was evident I was backing up and moving in the direction to exit the stage for at least 30 to 40 feet and it is plain to see I had no clue this prop was descending. For God's sake, they have at least a five second delay to prevent the airing of unapproved expletives and nudity!

"For the record, never at any point during my Sunday morning rehearsal was I ever instructed that the piece was coming down and that I had very little time to get off the stage; otherwise, believe me, I would have stopped or at least ducked so as not to be knocked out at the Tonys.

"Trust me, I never wanted any of this to happen. I was simply doing as I was told, which was to exit the stage as POISON's song 'Nothin' but a Good Time' came to a close.

"I feel for the actors and actresses who put in so much time and hard work on or off Broadway to get to the Tonys. This is their moment and I am sorry that some of it may have gotten overshadowed by my thick rocker cranium being struck by a stage prop.

"On a high note, I hear it was the highest-rated Tonys they have had in years. However, I was bummed that I did not get to see any of the acts perform during the Tonys as I have never seen a play on Broadway before. [I] probably would have enjoyed it, and [I was] even more bummed that I did not get to attend the after parties, 'cuz rumor has it Anne Hathaway was going to be there and she is hot.

"I would like to personally thank Bobby and C.C., Mark Hogue, Larry Morand and my crew, along with Liza Minnelli, Mark Indelicato and Carole Propp, for rushing to my dressing room to check on my condition.

"In closing, I truly appreciate everyone's concern. I thank the good Lord I have a thick skull and I have a feeling this may have been my first and final curtain call at the Tonys."

Photos of Bret Michaels' nose fracture and busted lip can be viewed below. The POISON singer and reality TV star's publicist Joann Mignano said that Michaels received three stitches in his lip and had a CAT scan on Monday (June 8) as a precautionary measure. "His neck was hurt in an accident years ago, so he's being cautious," she told People magazine. "He said he wanted to make sure this was all looked at and taken care of, and I said it was the right thing to do."

Michaels, who is currently on a solo tour, postponed his show scheduled for last night in Myrtle Beach to Thursday, August 6. Bret Michaels solo tour dates will resume June 12 in Gadsden Alabama and will continue throughout the summer.

Bret Michaels pre-Tony Awards interview: