NFL Prospect Michael Jefferson Optimistic For Full Recovery After Car Crash ... Still Hoping To Be Drafted

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UPDATE

5:44 AM PT -- 5/4 -- Cops in Alabama say their initial report of Michael Jefferson's car crash was wrong ... telling TMZ Sports on May 2 they believe the 2023 NFL Draft prospect was the one who was impaired on the night of the tragic wreck -- not Charles Dunn. Click here for the full story.

NFL prospect Michael Jefferson is optimistic he'll make a full recovery from the injuries he sustained in a fatal car crash earlier this month ... and everyone in the former college football star's camp is still holding out hope a team will pick him in next week's draft.

Brad Sohn, Jefferson's attorney, said in a statement Wednesday that while the ex-Louisiana wideout will need to "undergo a grueling rehabilitation" after he was badly hurt in the April 9 accident in Mobile County, AL ... Jefferson still thinks "he can have an outstanding NFL career."

"We believe that optimism is well-founded," Sohn said, "and hope a team still will select this terrific young man and great football player."

Sohn declined to say what injuries Jefferson suffered in the wreck ... though he added in his statement the 23-year-old is "in good spirits under the circumstances."

"Michael would not have made it this far without being a fighter," Sohn said.

We broke the story ... cops say an impaired driver, 55-year-old Charles Dunn, slammed head-on into Jefferson while the two were on a four-lane road on Easter night. Officials say when Jefferson spun out of the initial collision, another car barreled into him. Dunn was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jefferson, who logged 51 catches for 810 yards and seven TDs last season, had been rated by some pundits as one of the 30-best wide receivers available in this year's NFL draft class ... and was expected to be a mid-round pick next weekend prior to the accident.

Originally Published -- 4/19 3:39 PM PT

Frank Ocean Drops Out of Coachella After Fracturing Ankle

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UPDATE

3:16 PM PT -- Blink-182 will reportedly fill the Sunday night headliner position.

Frank Ocean will not return to the Coachella stage for the festival's second weekend, dropping out after sustaining two fractures and a sprain in his left leg.

In a statement provided Wednesday to TMZ, Frank's reps say, "After suffering an injury to his leg on festival grounds in the week leading up to weekend 1, Frank Ocean was unable to perform the intended show but was still intent on performing, and in 72 hours, the show was reworked out of necessity."

They continue, "On doctor’s advice, Frank is not able to perform weekend 2 due to two fractures and a sprain in his left leg."

Frank tells us, "It was chaotic. There is some beauty in chaos. It isn’t what I intended to show but I did enjoy being out there and I’ll see you soon."

TMZ broke the story, Ocean allegedly hurt his ankle on the festival grounds leading up to his show, causing some last-minute set changes ... so it appears things were much more serious than initially thought.

As we reported, fans were disappointed by the singer's performance at the festival Sunday night as he started an hour late -- there was also awkward pauses, fans could barely see Frank, and he didn't sing some of his most popular stuff. He also didn't sing some songs live, with a vocal track playing while he moved around the stage ... though the busted ankle might help to explain a few of those issues.

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BLINK IS BACK

Now the question ... who will take his spot. As we reported, Blink-182 had a hugely successful return to the stage during the group's Friday show.

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CROWD FAVORITE

Calvin Harris also drew a massive crowd to the main stage when he hit the festival Saturday night.

Originally Published -- 2:48 PM PT

Tiger Woods Undergoes Surgery ... For Leg Injured In 2021 Accident

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Tiger Woods is still dealing with the aftermath of his horrific car accident -- the golf superstar just underwent yet another surgery on the leg he damaged in the crash.

The 47-year-old's team shared the update on social media just minutes ago ... saying Tiger had a subtalar fusion procedure to treat post-traumatic arthritis he's experienced after fracturing his ankle bone in the Feb. 2021 incident.

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THE MANGLED CAR

Woods' team says he went to Dr. Martin O'Malley at HSS Sports Medicine Institute in NYC ... and the procedure was a success.

"Tiger is currently recovering and looks forward to beginning his rehabilitation," the statement read.

It is unclear when Woods will be able to return to the golf course ... but he hasn't been 100% ever since the accident.

As we previously reported, Tiger suffered major damage to his right leg, which included comminuted open fractures to both his upper and lower tibia and fibula during the crash. All of it required several procedures to fix.

Most recently, Woods had to withdraw from the Masters in the middle of the third round due to plantar fasciitis.

Tua Tagovailoa I Thought About Retiring From NFL ... After Concussions

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CONSIDERED ALL OPTIONS

Tua Tagovalioa just revealed he considered leaving his NFL career behind due to the numerous concussions he suffered last season ... but ultimately, he couldn't bring himself to retire.

The Dolphins QB -- who missed multiple games last season while battling head injuries -- told reporters Wednesday that the concussion that ended his season in December actually had him thinking about his future.

"I think I considered it for a time," Tua said. "Having sat down with my family and having sat down with my wife and having those conversations. But it would be hard for me to walk away from this game, with how old am I, with my son."

"I always dreamed of growing, playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do. It's my health. It's my body. I feel like this is what's best for me and my family. I love the game of football."

Tagovailoa, 25, suffered what appeared to be his first head injury of the season against the Bills in September -- and then he suffered a devastating concussion just days later against the Bengals.

The scene in Cincinnati was scary ... he lost consciousness after hitting his head on the ground while getting tackled -- and had to be stretchered off the field. He was out of action the following two weeks before returning for the Dolphins' game against the Steelers in Week 7.

Tagovailoa then suffered another concussion against the Packers on Christmas, forcing him to miss the team's final two games. Some head injury experts like Dr. Bennet Omalu strongly urged him to retire.

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WALK AWAY.

But Tua was emphatic Wednesday it's just not going to happen now ... saying he's actually taking jiu-jitsu classes to ensure he learns how to fall safely.

Tua added that he's also been working with neurologists ... who have told the former Univ. of Alabama standout they are not concerned about CTE based on his situation.

NHL's Morgan Barron Needs 75+ Stitches After Skate To Face ... Returns To Game

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Here's more proof hockey guys are the toughest people out there -- NHL center Morgan Barron took a skate to the face that resulted in 75+ stitches on Tuesday ... but somehow, he managed to return and finish the game!!

It all went down at the T-Mobile Arena ... when Barron suffered the injury in the first period in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series between the Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights.

A scrum for the loose puck ensued by the net ... and as players from both teams converged, Vegas goalie Laurent Brossoit's skate inadvertently cut Morgan's face, causing him to bleed.

The 24-year-old -- who got hurt with 10:43 left in the first period -- emerged from the tunnel and returned to the game with 13:24 left in the second.

After the game, Barron told reporters the injury wasn't as bad as it looked, adding the medical staff did an excellent job of fixing him up.

"I was trying to figure out if the puck went in because it was pretty close," Barron said. "I saw the skate coming. It was an unlucky play. The first thought was that I could see out of the [right] eye was the main thing."

Given the magnitude of the matchup, Barron said there was no doubt he would return ... and felt that as long as he was stitched up well enough, he could help his team's chances.

In the end ... the Winnipeg Jets won the game 5-1 over the Knights, and Barron earned his peers' respect for his grit.

Ralph Yarl Will Meet Ahmaud Arbery's Mother ... Accepts WH Invite Too

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Ralph Yarl -- the teenager who survived a close-range shooting which may have been racially motivated, is set to meet with the mother of Ahmaud Arbery ... TMZ has learned.

Ahmaud's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, tells us she asked attorney Lee Merritt -- who reps both her and Yarl's family -- if he could broker a face-to-face so that she could lend the Yarls some moral support during this difficult time ... as she went through something similar.

She says Lee thought it was a wonderful idea, and the wheels are already in motion for a sit-down between them in the near future -- although it's unclear exactly when. As you can imagine, Ralph is still recovering from being shot in the head ... allegedly at the hands of Andrew Lester, who was slapped with criminal charges this week and who's been arrested.

You might've heard ... Ralph was apparently fired upon last week after he rang Lester's doorbell -- mistakenly thinking it was the house his younger siblings were at. His family and family attorneys believe race was a factor ... something investigators are looking into now.

In any case ... Wanda says she thinks she can offer some good advice to both Ralph and his loved ones right now -- telling us that the loss of her son, Ahmaud, came under very similar circumstances ... which, sadly, had a much more tragic result.

She says she wants to let them know that they have her support and that they can get through this trying time ... a road she herself has obviously gone down of late. Wanda tells us she'll be praying for the Yarls through all this too ... and hopes they receive justice.

BTW, Ralph's story is already getting national attention ... including from the White House, which we're told has already reached out to invite him for an in-person visit once he's ready.

Lee Merritt says Ralph is shocked by all the interest and well-wishes he's receiving -- especially from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. We're told President Biden gave him a ring personally ... and that Ralph couldn't believe he was talking to POTUS. He's accepted the warm welcome to the People's House ... but still needs to be cleared by docs before going.

NFL Draft's Michael Jefferson Hit By Suspected Impaired Driver ... Cops Say In Crash Report

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UPDATE

5:43 AM PT -- 5/4 -- Cops in Alabama say their initial report of Michael Jefferson's car crash was wrong ... telling TMZ Sports on May 2 they believe the 2023 NFL Draft prospect was the one who was impaired on the night of the tragic wreck -- not Charles Dunn. Click here for the full story.

The car wreck that left NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson with significant injuries earlier this month appeared to be caused by an under the influence driver ... this according to the crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, authorities say Charles Dunn, the 55-year-old man who died after slamming head-on into Jefferson's Chevrolet Impala on April 9 in Mobile County, AL, was suspected of having both alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

It's unclear why officials believe that ... they said in the docs blood was taken from Dunn, but the results have not come back yet.

Jefferson, meanwhile, was not suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, authorities said in the docs.

According to the report, the Louisiana wide receiver -- who was projected to be taken in next week's NFL draft prior to the accident -- was going 75 MPH in the 65 MPH zone before the collision. Dunn's speed was listed as "unknown."

Officials included a diagram of the crash in the docs -- which showed Dunn's Dodge Charger (labeled Unit 1) had been traveling southbound but moved into Jefferson's northbound lane before they hit head-on. Jefferson's car (labeled Unit 2) was then hit by a third vehicle after spinning out from the initial impact, the diagram shows.

Jefferson's agent, Jon Perzley of Sportstars, said after the accident the 23-year-old sustained injuries that "required multiple surgeries." It's not yet clear how they'll impact his football future.

Jefferson was a star at Louisiana last year, and some pundits had considered him one of the 30 best available receivers in the 2023 NFL draft class.

Originally Published -- 4/19 12:10 AM PT

Ben Crump Ralph Yarl Surviving Shooting Is a Miracle ... Now, Can He Get Justice???

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Attorney Ben Crump says it's a true miracle Ralph Yarl is alive after the Black 16-year-old was shot in Kansas City after ringing the wrong doorbell -- but he adds, the charges against the shooter point to a larger problem in America.

Crump joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to talk all about the aftermath of 84-year-old Andrew Lester shooting Yarl in the head and near the chest-area ... after he had accidentally gone to the wrong house to pick up his younger siblings.

Ben tells us, it is a blessing Yarl survived and is in stable condition and recovering at home with his family. He adds, he hopes Ralph has a full recovery -- mentally and physically -- from all the trauma he's endured.

However, Crump was less hopeful about the shooter being held accountable. FYI, Lester was charged with 2 felonies on Monday - assault in the 1st degree and armed criminal action but he was NOT charged with attempted murder.

Crump tells us prosecutors say they charged Lester with the most they believe would result in a conviction ... meanwhile, he says Black folks are charged to the max and it's not a question about whether they would get convicted.

He also notes police questioned Lester for 20 minutes and let him go to sleep the same night -- something he calls "unbelievable". BC says we never see this happen when races are reversed.

Celebs and folks all over have rallied behind Ralph and his family ... donating to his GoFundMe and showing their support. However Ben says America has a long way to go.

In his eyes, the country has a larger issue with using guns to handle differences. He says we shoot first and ask questions later ... whether it's police or citizens.

Tune into TMZ Live for full interview.

Damar Hamlin 'Fully Cleared' To Play Again ... Reveals Commotio Cordis Diagnosis

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MY HEART'S STILL IN IT
UPDATE

11:06 AM PT -- Damar Hamlin just spoke with Buffalo reporters for the first time since the incident ... and revealed it was commotio cordis that led to his collapse.

UPDATE

Hamlin explained he received multiple expert opinions to reach his diagnosis ... and each came to the same conclusion.

UPDATE

BTW, commotio cordis is sparked by taking a blow to the chest ... and results in an irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.

UPDATE

The safety opened his session by sharing how thankful and grateful he is to have received the best medical care following the emergency ... before officially announcing his plans to return to the football field.

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10:07 AM PT -- Hamlin celebrated the news by dropping a video on his Instagram ... showing him sprinting on a football field during a recent workout.

UPDATE

"Hard times don’t last," Hamlin said in the caption. "My story is my testimony. 3 is back!"

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READY TO HIT THE FIELD

Damar Hamlin has the green light to throw on his helmet and shoulder pads once again -- the Bills safety is "fully cleared" to resume his football career just three and a half months after suffering cardiac arrest during a game, Brandon Beane announced Tuesday.

The Buffalo general manager shared the incredible update just minutes ago ... saying Hamlin's team of specialists are "in agreement" that he is able to resume his football career.

In fact, Beane says Hamlin has been working out lately -- just like any other athlete would after going down with an injury.

"He's fully cleared," Beane told reporters. "He's here, and he is of the mindset, he's in a great headspace to come back and make his return."

Hamlin hasn't played since his medical emergency during "Monday Night Football" on Jan. 2 ... and has used his near-death experience to spread awareness for CPR training and AED accessibility.

Back in February, Hamlin announced his intentions to return to the field in an interview with Michael Strahan ... saying, "That's always the goal, like I said, as a competitor, I'm trying to do things to keep advancing my situation."

"Bu, I'm allowing that to be in God's hands. I'm just thankful he gave me a second chance."

Bills coach Sean McDermott also addressed the news ... adding, "Super excited for Damar.  He's moving forward one step at a time. We'll provide all the mental health we can. Just taking it one day at a time."

Originally Published -- 8:25 AM PT

Jamie Foxx Double Fills His Shoes On Set ... While He Remains In Hospital

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Jamie Foxx is still MIA for his latest flick, stuck in the hospital as doctors continue tests after his medical emergency ... and it appears producers of the film he was shooting are using a body double to complete it in his absence.

"Back In Action" is still going full steam ahead, with Jamie's costars Cameron Diaz and McKenna Roberts filming scenes with his double -- an actor named Chris.

Looks like things are going well, as he and Cameron were yukking it up on set Monday ... shooting a scene together as they walk out of a club.

Worth noting he doesn't have telltale CGI dots on his face, so it seems it's being shot in a way that makes it look like Jamie is in the scene.

As we reported, a stunt double named Travis took Jamie's place last week ... days after the actor was rushed to the hospital for an unknown, serious medical emergency. Doctors are still performing tests to determine what caused Jamie's medical crisis.

Pics show Travis and Chris wearing the same outfit to stand in for Jamie yesterday.

Production sources told TMZ last week ... they were going to wrap filming this week. It appears they're doing so in Jamie's absence, with the help of some actors who look like him.

Jeremy Renner Body Cam Shows Medics Saving Him Moments After Snowplow Accident

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RESPONDERS ON THE SCENE

New footage from the aftermath of the Jeremy Renner snowplow accident shows the actor surrounded by a team of medics racing to save his life.

The police body cam captured the rescue operation ... critically injured Jeremy is on the ground, with 5 first responders working swiftly to stabilize him. The surreal scene is playing out right next to a huge pool of blood where the plow had run over the actor.

Jeremy somehow survived being crushed by his snowplow, and, as you know ... he was eventually airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.

It looks like medics loaded him into an ambulance while waiting for the chopper to arrive. We now know he had more than 30 broken bones, a collapsed lung and punctured liver -- just to name a few of his injuries -- yet he survived the New Year's Day disaster, thanks in no small part to the first responders seen here.

The police footage also shows Jeremy's nephew explaining the harrowing scene ... detailing how Jeremy had gotten out of the snowplow cab to check on him. When the plow kept rolling ... he got sucked under its tread while trying to get back in the cab and stop it from hitting his nephew.

The officers on scene are audibly shocked when his nephew describes Jeremy's heroism in that moment.

The footage is tense and dramatic, but as we've reported ... Jeremy is now in the midst of a miraculous recovery -- he's able to walk again and says it's pure luck he's still alive.

Frank Ocean Suffered Ankle Injury Before Coachella ... Forced Production Changes

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Frank Ocean suffered a serious ankle injury after being involved in a bike accident on the Coachella grounds just days before he was scheduled to perform ... forcing a change to his production.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... the accident occurred when Frank was at Coachella rehearsing his set. He wasn't onstage, though, we're told the mishap involved bikes used to roam around the Empire Polo Club grounds .. and it was serious enough for doctors to advise Frank's production be changed.

One of the major changes involved the use of an ice rink, which was built for Frank's set. Another source with direct knowledge tells us ... a casting director reached out to a bunch of L.A.-based hockey teams in March for an unspecified paid performance. Once the skaters got to the audition, they saw Frank in attendance.

We're told it became clear during the audition that it was for his Coachella set -- and over 100 hockey players were cast. They rehearsed on an elevated ice rink at Paramount Studios, and even got bused out to Coachella for a dress rehearsal the week before Frank's show.

The cast arrived at Coachella on Sunday, but were told the skating routine was scrapped. Instead, they joined Frank on stage as background dancers -- it was more walking than dancing, TBH -- and a source tells us they all got hooked up with custom Prada.

Questions surrounding why Frank arrived at his set late and how production will look for his Weekend 2 set still linger ... but we hope he's a fast healer.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

OSU's Brian Hartline Allegedly Drinking Prior To ATV Crash ... Sister Tells 911 Operator

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Brian Hartline, OSU OC and former NFL player, was allegedly drinking prior to riding an all-terrain vehicle with a buddy early Sunday morning that crashed and flipped, injuring the Buckeyes coach, according to BH's sister, who frantically called 911 trying to get help.

"My friend's husband called us and said 'call 911 right now.' So my brother is out with them and his wife just took a 4-wheeler out to them and I heard a really loud scream," Brian's 33-year-old sister Jamie told the 911 operator in a call obtained by TMZ Sports.

The operator then asked ... "Have they been drinking?"

Jaimie responded ... "Yes, they have!"

We also obtained a short clip from a police-worn body camera ... and it shows what appears to be an injured Brian on the ground while he receives help.

In the background is the flipped ATV.

As we previously reported, 36-year-old Hartline was on his estate in Liberty Township, OH around 1 AM Sunday, riding on the ATV with his friend, when something went wrong.

It's unclear who was driving at the time of the accident.

Hartline was named the Buckeyes WR coach in 2018 ... and worked his way up to OC.

Before he was a coach, Hartline played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008. He was a 4th-round pick who suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.

Hartline is still in the hospital... and has not been charged with a crime. But, that could change if cops determine he was drinking and driving.

Ohio State Football OC Brian Hartline Hospitalized After ATV Accident ... Says He's 'Doing Well'

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Brian Hartline -- offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team -- was hospitalized over the weekend after an early morning ATV crash ... but thankfully, coach says he's "doing well."

The accident happened at Hartline's estate in Liberty Township Ohio on Sunday, the day after Buckeyes' spring game, when his ATV crashed.

The 36-year-old, and a second male passenger, were transported to Riverside Hospital after suffering injuries ... but the good news is he's doing okay. Hartline even gave fans an encouraging update via Twitter after the incident.

"I appreciate everyones support," Hartline tweeted. "I crashed my side by side on my property and have been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. I am doing well."

Hartline was promoted from passing game coordinator to OC in January ... head coach Ryan Day said Brian had been "successful in every football capacity for which he has been engaged."

Hartline, who became OSU's wide receiver coach in 2018, has helped several Buckeye alumni become NFL stars including Garrett Wilson, Paris Campbell, and Terry McLaurin.

"He has progressed incredibly well from college to NFL receiver, and then from quality control coach to wide receivers coach to passing game coordinator. He figures things out quickly and he is more than ready to now transition to offensive coordinator."

Hartline also played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008 and the 4th-round pick suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.

Speedy recovery, coach!!!

Coachella Day 2 Acrobat Crashes to Stage ... Woman is Motionless, Paramedics Rush to Help

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Day 2 of Coachella had a terrifying incident when an acrobat fell from high above the stage and crashed in a heap upon the ground.

The acrobat was performing for around 5 minutes when her leg appeared to slip, causing her to slam to the ground, between 2 speakers. It's unclear if she suffered an injury in the air or simply lost her grip on the aerial silks.

The woman was motionless as members of the acrobatic team scrambled to help her. She had no movement at all.

Paramedics arrived quickly and placed her on a backboard. She appeared to blink as they took her away, which is good news.

The crowd was stunned, with some folks trying to get the DJ to stop playing music. A young girl was so traumatized by what she saw, she fainted.

No word on the condition of the acrobat.

Story developing

Blink-182 Blows The House Down At Coachella Travis Beat Those Drums with No Distress!!!

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BLINK IS BACK

Blink-182 opened Coachella with a mesmerizing performance that blew the house down Friday ... and drummer Travis Barker was in fighting form with no signs of injury.

Trav and bandmates, Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus, stepped out onto the Sahara stage as the sun was setting for their jam-packed concert at the desert festival in Indio, CA. ... and the vibe was joyful for their first show in nine years as Trav hit the skins with everything he could muster.

Of course, one of the main concerns everyone had was Trav's much-publicized hand injury. As you recall, Trav underwent surgery to repair his ring finger back in March and he posted gnarly photos of his injuries during his recovery.

Well, as it turned out, there wasn't a hint that Trav's finger was bothering him throughout the one-hour-plus show. And Trav and Co. never once brought up the issue, probably 'cause there wasn't one.

As for their set list, the band played many of their hit songs, such as “Girl at the Rock Show," “Feeling This," “All The Small Things,” “Miss You” and “What’s My Age Again?” The tunes all sounded great and, in between songs, there was the usual funny banter between Tom and Mark.

Trav's wife, Kourtney Kardashian, was also a main attraction. Donning dark sunglasses and a black feathered shawl with a hoodie, Kourtney stood on the side of the stage, proudly cheering on her husband and playing the role of number one fan.

After the lights dimmed post-performance, Trav walked off stage and got the warmest of receptions from Kourtney, who jumped right into his arms.

On a scale of 1 to 10, mark this performance a thousand!!