Bret Michaels is putting his 2026 touring plans on hold as he focuses on recovering from the health complications that have kept him off the road in recent weeks.
The Poison singer attempted to return to live performances Friday night (August 21), joining his solo band for a show at The Bowl at Sugar Hill in Sugar Hill, Georgia. It was his first performance since undergoing emergency surgery for a complicated kidney stone.
Following the concert, however, Michaels was evaluated by doctors and paramedics, who determined that he needs more time to recover.
Michaels Entertainment Group shared the news Saturday (August 22), announcing that the singer will now take the remainder of the year away from touring.
“Following Bret Michaels‘ attempted show at The Bowl at Sugar Hill, doctors and paramedics determined immediately after the show that he still needs additional rest and recovery from his recent surgeries. Bret will be taking the next several months off to heal and get back to 100%.
“Our deepest apologies from Michaels Entertainment Group, as we were truly looking forward to the rest of this year’s shows, including The Mountain music festival, private events and all the great shows coming up. We now look ahead to 2027 and to Bret being able to return healthy, strong and ready to rock.”
Michaels‘ medical team also confirmed that continuing to tour at this point could interfere with his recovery.
His physician, Abby Borhan, M.D., along with Dr. Patel, stated: “We will be pulling Bret off the road. He wanted to attempt this show, but we feel there is a much-needed period of rest and slow recovery ahead, especially considering the heat and humidity during the summer months and the effect it can have on his blood sugar levels.”
The latest setback stems from a serious medical issue that emerged in July.
Michaels performed in Spokane, Washington on July 18 at an event honoring military heroes and their families. He subsequently revealed that he “experienced severe kidney pain following his recent performance honoring our military heroes and their families.”
He was diagnosed the next day with “a complicated obstructing kidney stone,” which required immediate surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Borhan placed a ureteral stent.
Michaels was initially told to stay off the road for three to four weeks while recovering and waiting for the stent to be removed. His doctors have since determined that a considerably longer recovery period is necessary.
The situation is particularly complicated by Michaels’ lifelong Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. Dr. Borhan previously warned that the condition could make his recovery more difficult and increase the risk of serious infection.
“Because Type 1 Diabetes inherently compromises the immune system and impairs healing, he faces an exceptionally high risk of contracting a serious UTI or developing urosepsis, a blood infection, until the stent is removed,” Dr. Borhan said in a July 22 statement. “The demanding nature of a high-intensity tour schedule makes it impossible to maintain the sterile environments, strict hydration schedules, frequent rest, and precise blood glucose management required for his safe recovery.”
As a result, Michaels‘ remaining 2026 performances, including an appearance at The Mountain music festival and various private events, will no longer take place as planned.
