Theory of a Deadman returns to First Avenue after ceiling collapse

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The hard rock band Theory of a Deadman returned to First Avenue for a sold-out show Tuesday night after being on stage while the ceiling unexpectedly collapsed this summer.

"Its been great, the first thing we said after it happened was when are we coming back," lead singer Tyler Connolly said.

On Aug. 12, their performance was cut short when pieces of the iconic Minneapolis venue’s ceiling came crashing down injuring three fans.  

"I saw something happen at the front of the house, people were looking up like there was a leak," Connolly said. "Then it was just chaos. People were running to the exits, screaming, just running through the back."

The portion of the plaster ceiling that fell was 30 feet by 30 feet. About 1,000 people were inside at the time.

"Our sound engineer got in our ear and said 'get off the stage, get off the stage,'" guitarist Dave Brenner said. "It sounded like he meant it. We evacuated the stage to side stage in the back."

First Avenue was closed for three weeks while cleanup and repairs took place following the incident.

"For me I was hoping no one was seriously hurt or dead," Connolly said. "It was possible a huge chunk could fall from the ceiling and kill someone. That was my biggest fear for a while. I didn't want anyone to die at one of our shows."

Danielle Leikam was hurt by falling debris -- "It's a little nerve wracking. I don't want to say much more than that but I'm very appreciative of the band wanting to reach out to us and make sure we're ok. That was really sweet of them," she said.

As happy as they are to be back at First Avenue, this time they're not trying to bring down the house.

"We have some good history here," Connolly said. "Our first U.S. show here. The roof caving in. We're still waiting for Prince to hand us the key to the city. Where's Prince?"