Bret Michaels’ solo band guitarist, Pete Evick, has issued a passionate public statement addressing the backlash against Bret Michaels following his withdrawal from the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair, as shared on Pete Evick’s Facebook.
Evick’s statement defended Michaels’ long record of supporting veterans and military causes, while also delivering a sharp message to fans he felt had turned their backs unfairly.
“I’ve thought for days how to say what’s on my mind. I also know I should just shut up, but… those that know me know I just can’t,” Evick said. “I’m not trying to change anyone’s opinions or beliefs on anything, I’m simply going to offer a different perspective on somethings.”
Evick went on to outline the extensive work he and Michaels have done for veterans and military personnel over the past two decades.
“In 21 years, I’ve done and seen the following things with Bret,” he continued. “First and foremost, we have traveled all over the Middle East during war and non-war times to perform ‘For the troops.’ We have, with our own bare hands, helped build homes for veterans. Bret has bought and given away new homes to veterans. We have cooked and delivered food to troops, we have played several military bases in the United States ‘For the troops.’ We have partnered with and participated with wounded warriors and many other veteran-helping associations in activities helping veterans. Bret had donated millions of dollars to veteran organizations.”
“All of this actually is ‘for veterans’ all of this ‘helped veterans’ either emotionally or monetarily,” Evick said. “We have also played countless 4th of July celebrations, which is and always has been my favorite holiday. At least 16 of the 21 years I was unable to spend my favorite holiday with my children because we were out performing in honor of our nation, many with fundraising aspects for our troops.”
Evick then addressed the specific Freedom 250 concert, arguing that canceling it had no direct impact on veterans — and that the only financial loss fell on the band itself.
“This particular concert was going to do ‘Nothing’ for the veterans directly,” he said. “The only people that actually lose out is us, we are now not getting paid. So why do all the actual things Bret has done for the veterans seemingly get erased for something that does nothing for them? Furthermore, if you dig and do enough research, you will see that on multiple occasions, we have played Trump’s golf course for charitable events. Way before he became a politician, we performed at Trump’s daughter’s bachelorette party.”
“Everyone has opinions, I know I can’t change them, but… I would certainly like everyone to have all the facts if you are literally turning your back on someone you loved 96 hours ago,” Evick added.
In a more personal closing, Evick directed a blunt message at fans who had previously benefited from the band’s generosity but had since publicly turned against them.
“If Bret or me have ever put a dime in your pocket, given you a free ticket, a free meet and greet, a free hotel room, a free flight, a photo pass, let you or your child perform on stage with us, gotten something signed for you or your charity, let you stand on the side of the stage, let you open for us, given you a shout out on social media, gone out of our way to call or FaceTime a sick or dying relative that we don’t even know, or if you are one of those people when I’ve gotten Bret to show up at one of my local gigs, and you were the first in line to be close to him who has now openly turned your back on him. F*CK OFF,” he said.
“We see you, we see your posts, F*CK OFF,” Evick continued. “I’m not saying you have to openly support him. But those who called us friends 4 days ago and have used and abused us and have now turned on us. F*CK OFF.”
Evick’s statement comes amid a broader wave of controversy surrounding the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair. The event has seen a string of high-profile artist withdrawals and sparked a wider debate about the nature and politics of the celebration.
A growing number of artists withdrew from the event, including Martina McBride, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores, with several citing that they felt misled about the event’s true nature, ABC News reported. The mass exodus of performers drew significant media attention and intensified public scrutiny of the fair’s organizers.
Michaels’ own decision to withdraw was framed around concerns of safety and divisiveness. The Poison frontman cited the event’s growing divisiveness as his primary reason for pulling out, as Washingtonian noted. His spokesperson added that the situation had been presented to him differently than expected and that threats to fans, crew, and family had become a serious concern.
The event’s organizers, meanwhile, pushed back against claims that the Great American State Fair was a partisan affair. Freedom 250 organizers insisted the event was not being scrapped and announced they were adding an opening ceremony for President Trump, as ABC News reported. They doubled down on the celebration’s scope rather than scaling it back in response to the withdrawals.
The fallout has placed Michaels in an unusual position — a performer with a notably pro-military track record and prior ties to Trump-affiliated events, now caught in the crossfire of a politically charged controversy. As Loudwire noted, Evick’s statement was a direct response to fans who turned on Michaels despite his long history of supporting veterans and performing at Trump-related charitable events well before Trump entered politics.
No further official response from Michaels himself has been issued at this time.
