Bret Michaels recently addressed his show cancellation in a statement shared on Instagram. While he did not go into detail about the specific issues he’s facing, he framed the message around staying positive during difficult times.
Michaels stressed the value of having a strong support system and knowing when to step back and reset. “Always keep great memories and reminders around you – good for purpose, good for the soul,” he said. “On this Motivational Monday, I focus on companionship, friendship, and surrounding yourself with good people, and trying to keep so positive during adversity that it kicks negative’s ass.”
He went on to reflect on his outlook on life and work, explaining that meaningful relationships matter just as much as career milestones. “After taking a few days to reset and listening to my body telling me to get it together, taking a bit of a roller coaster ride recently, the one thing that came through was a positive state of mind,” he continued. “Hope, faith, love – they work.”
Michaels also expanded on what truly matters to him. “From birth until now, it’s just as important for me to hang out with family and friends, race go karts or have a wiffleball contest on an old dirt baseball field. Things of this nature are just as important as putting together performances and great shows, I give 100% to everything I do and even enjoy the challenges.”
The show’s cancellation followed Rikki Rockett’s announcement that Poison would be scrapping tour plans for the coming year. Michaels’ message, however, points to a focus on his health and personal balance during this time. Rockett said, “I’ll set the record straight as far as Poison touring: at this point in time, there is nothing on the books for a 2026 40th-anniversary tour.”
He added, “I said it months ago when we got presented a contract from Live Nation to go on tour next year. C.C., Bobby and I agreed. We thought it was great. We thought the money was great. We thought the lay of the land looked great. Then Bret looked at it and has not agreed to anything. So literally that is where we’re at.”
Michaels’ most recent postponement, for a show originally set for November 15, has been moved to May 16, 2026. It comes against the backdrop of ongoing health struggles. Throughout 2025, he has faced serious complications related to his Type 1 diabetes, which he has lived with since childhood. According to American Songwriter, he suffered a dangerous episode in late June when his blood sugar dropped to a critical 39 shortly after a meet-and-greet and an extended performance.
Following that scare, Michaels announced in September that he would limit his performances for the rest of 2025. Blabbermouth reported that he said his diabetes required a “tune-up” and that he needed time for rest and recovery.
These health challenges have raised questions about Poison’s planned 40th-anniversary tour in 2026, which was meant to mark the milestone of their 1986 debut “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” Rockett recently suggested the tour is unlikely to happen, explaining that large-scale tours need to be in motion by October of the previous year.
Communication problems within the band have added another layer of difficulty. Metal Wani reported that Rockett said internal communication has broken down, with Michaels not responding to messages regarding tour logistics. Rockett described the situation as “frustration” rather than “hate,” hinting that Michaels may now be more focused on his solo endeavors than on Poison’s touring future.
