The Australian band were nearing the end of their second night at London's Wembley Arena, playing their hit "She Looks So Perfect," when the accident occurred. A fan video shows Clifford scooting across the stage through columns of shooting flames. Soon afterward, smoke erupts from his head, and he runs offstage, attempting to put out the fire with a towel.
As MTV reports, drummer Ashton Irwin eventually emerged to tell the crowd that the show was over. "Michael has hurt himself so we will not be continuing the show right now," he said. "Just want to say thank you so much for coming. He is OK. You guys have been the best crowd we could ask for tonight. Thank you so much."
Later that evening, band members sent out a few Tweets to reassure fans that their 19-year-old guitarist would be okay. "No one ever wants to see your best friend in the state I saw mike backstage," wrote bassist Calum Hood. "He's a trooper and is ok."
Clifford posted a photo of himself, with a face half-covered in bandages. "Sorry I couldn't finish the encore, but at least I look like two face," he wrote. "thanks for worrying every1 x." On Sunday, he shared even more good news, indicating that his injuries might not interrupt the band's touring schedule: "Feeling loads better and my face is fine :) excited for the show tonight."
It's been a tough weekend for stage safety. In Sweden on Friday, the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl was hospitalized in the middle of a show after breaking his leg falling off the stage. Although he returned an hour later to finish off the set, the band has canceled their next two shows.
