Former Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix sensationally fell from the stage during his debut rap gig in Las Vegas on Friday (January 16th).

Phoenix, who stated his intention to launch a music career last October, performed to a sold-out club crowd at LAVO.

The gig saw Phoenix showcase a host of songs from his forthcoming album, which is being produced alongside P Diddy.

Speaking before the concert, the former actor told People: "After all the years of reading scripts and reading lines, this is my chance to do something straight from the heart and put it out there.”

He told the magazine that he had chosen hip-hop because he enjoyed the “storytelling.phpect” of the genre.

Friday's gig, which ended with the rapper's dramatic fall from stage, was filmed by director Casey Affleck.

Phoenix has stood down from his acting career twice before, although never with such a definite ending.

(by Jason Gregory)