The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally always gets a lot of national press, but this morning the wires are buzzing with the news that Steven Tyler, frontman for rock legend Aerosmith, fell off the stage last night during the band’s concert at the Bufflao Chip Campground.

Apparently the sound system went down, and while they were fixing it Tyler began dancing on stage to keep the crowd entertained. That’s when he fell from the stage.

It happened about midnight, seven songs into the show.  Guitarist Joe Perry returned to the stage to announce that the show was over.

I’d venture that Aerosmith is the biggest name to perform during the Sturgis Rally. Ever. Booking the legendary band was a major coup for the Buffalo Chip.

The Chip doesn’t release numbers, but at 6:30 p.m. — 31/2 hours before the concert was to begin — traffic on Lazelle Street in Sturgis was backed up well west of Interstate 90. It bordered on gridlock when I went through there.

Not bad for a Wednesday during Sturgis Rally week.  Things normally quiet down in Sturgis proper on Wednesday’s because the Hulett Ham ‘N Jam across the border in Wyoming draws huge crowds.

From what we understand, Steven Tyler’s injuries weren’t serious. Let’s hope he has a quick recovery — and Aerosmith returns next year for a repeat performance.