A conflict between Poison 's Bret Michaels and C.C. DeVille culminated in a fistfight at the Video Music Awards in 1991 . DeVille was fired and replaced by Pennsylvanian guitarist Richie Kotzen . Paul Reubens had his first public appearance , during the opening montage , following an arrest for lewd-conduct earlier that year . Taking the stage in costume as Pee-wee Herman , he received a standing ovation , after which he asked the audience , " Heard any good jokes lately ? " After his appearance , Van Halen made their television debut , performing " Poundcake . " Metallica was another highlight of the performances with " Enter Sandman . " Prince & The New Power Generation performed their sexually charged song " Gett Off " on a Caligula-esque set , with Prince dressed in a yellow mesh outfit which infamously exposed his buttocks . His trousers were parodied numerous times throughout the following year , on In Living Color & even on the next year 's VMAs by Howard Stern
Video Music Awards in 1991
1991 MTV Video Music Awards
MTV Video Music Award