Bret Michaels plays benefit for tornado-hit Nebraska

NORFOLK, Neb., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Rocker Bret Michaels put on a concert Sunday in Norfolk, Neb., to raise money to benefit residents of a tiny town destroyed by twin tornadoes in June.

The hamlet of Pilger — home to about 400 people — saw many of its buildings destroyed and two people died when the tornadoes struck June 16. Fifteen people were injured.

On Sunday, Michaels held a concert at the DeVent Center, fulfilling a promise he made after he visited the town and saw the destruction first-hand the week after the storm.

"We want people to feel great. I want to make this a celebration of the spirit of really what Nebraska is," he said. "Music has such a healing element to it."

All the money raised from the concert and additional donations to Michaels' foundation, Life Rocks, amounted to $45,000.