Poison frontman Bret Michaels has addressed his recent health struggles after being forced to postpone a series of solo band shows. He shared an update with fans on Instagram.
Michaels revealed that he underwent surgery to address a complicated, obstructing kidney stone. He described the past month as a difficult one filled with unexpected challenges. He also spoke about leaning on his faith, medical team, and loved ones as he works through this week’s medical tests.
“I have found that I truly had to practice what I preach. In light of recent health issues, this week will be an important week going through these medical tests,” Bret Michaels said. “I’ve been surrounded by the grace of God, great medical personnel and family & friends.”
He went on to acknowledge that this situation required him to adjust his usual approach to setbacks.
“And, I’m not gonna lie, it has been a bit of a rough go over the last month, with some unexpected surprises,” he continued. “I thank God for the great doctors and nurses and realize that, this time, I couldn’t use my method of ‘just rub dirt in it & walk it off’ lol.”
Michaels emphasized that, despite his usual all-in approach to life, he is now prioritizing medical guidance.
“As you know, I like to live my life full throttle and give 100% all the time…However, this is a time where I dig deep, find mind over matter and actually (for once) really listen to good medical advice,” he said.
He closed with a message of reassurance for fans regarding future performances.
“But as always, I promise that for any upcoming shows, I will give as much as I’ve got in my mind, body and soul as I find music, family, friends, fans and animals to be healing for me. This week, let’s all stand strong, rock on and remain Unbroken, my friends!” Michaels said.
The rocker’s health scare did not come out of nowhere. It followed weeks of him pushing through severe pain while continuing to honor his tour commitments, a pattern that ultimately caught up with him this summer.
Michaels performed a special private show at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, in July. He played through severe kidney pain before finally heading to the hospital afterward. The stone would not pass on its own. The pain grew too intense to manage on the road.
He was subsequently diagnosed with a complicated obstructing kidney stone. He underwent immediate emergency surgery, during which doctors placed a ureteral stent. His medical team restricted him from performing for three to four weeks. They advised him to stick to light activity during his recovery.
The diagnosis forced Michaels to postpone dates on his Live & Amplified World Tour, including a planned headlining appearance at Fair St. Clair in Belleville, Illinois. Organizers said they were working on an updated solution for fans holding tickets to the postponed show.
Michaels endured nearly seven days of intense pain before agreeing to the procedure, choosing to keep performing rather than cancel shows outright. “The pain became intense but, as usual, I played through it,” he said of the ordeal. This reflects the same full-throttle mentality he has now had to temper on doctors’ orders. He has said he hopes to return to the road in late August if his recovery continues to go well.
