Bret Michaels' Grit: Performing Through Pain and Emergency Surgery
Bret Michaels revealed he underwent an unexpected surgery after experiencing “intense” pain from a kidney stone.The Poison frontman, 63, shared an update from his hospital bed via Facebook on Wednesday, telling his followers that he’s learned “complete gratitude” for the hospital workers who helped care for him this week.Michaels was taken to the hospital when the stone “would not pass” after seven days of waiting as the “pain became too much,” he shared.Bret Michaels, pictured above in a hospital bed, revealed he underwent an unexpected surgery to have a kidney stone removed after performing three concerts. BretMichaels/FacebookThe rockstar (seen here performing for a crowd) told his followers on Wednesday that he was admitted to the hospital when the stone “would not pass” after a week of waiting. BretMichaels/Facebook“The pain became intense but, as usual, I played through Charleston [West Virginia], Grantville, [Pennsylvania], and a special private show at Fairchild AFB in Spokane for veterans, active duty and their families,” he wrote, adding that he was hospitalized “immediately, the next day” after his Spokane appearance. “The operation has been done and is complete & I’m out of post-op recovery, and I’m doing everything within my power to feel better and continue playing great shows for great fans when I’ve got a complete clean bill of health.” Michaels then expanded on his earlier “WisdomWednesday” lesson, noting that he’s “wise enough to know how important family, friends, fans, doctors and nurses play such a vital role in our everyday health.”The “pain became intense,” but Michaels (pictured above at the 2023 Super Bowl) still pushed himself through three performances in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and in Spokane. Getty Images for SiriusXMHowever, the “pain became too much” after his Spokane concert. (Seen above is Michaels on stage at the 2026 Exra Innings Festival.) Getty ImagesThe “Every Rose Has its Thorn” hitmaker is next expected to hit the stage July 31 in Belleville, Illinois, as part of his string of North American shows. The slate of performances is scheduled to run through September. Michaels was also previously scheduled to take part in the President Trump-affiliated Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair concert series, which ran from June 25 to July 10. However on May 28, he canceled his performance — along with several other announced acts — citing concerns regarding safety and that the show had “evolved into something much more divisive” than what he signed up for.After the procedure, Michaels (seen above performing at Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium) told his fans he’s “doing everything within my power to feel better and continue playing great shows.” Getty ImagesThe musician (pictured here at a press conference with Mötley Crue, Def Leppard, and Poison in 2019) is scheduled to perform next on July 31 in Belleville, Illinois. Getty Images“When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” Michaels wrote.“As the son of a veteran, and coming from a family that has proudly served, that is something I have always been honored to support.”“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” he continued. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
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