Bret Michaels has canceled the remainder of his 2026 concert dates to allow for additional rest and recovery following emergency surgery for kidney stones. His team announced the decision on Saturday, stating that doctors determined after a recent performance that he still needed time to heal.
"Following Bret Michaels’ comeback 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," Michaels Entertainment Group wrote in a statement on Facebook. The musician "will be taking the next several months off to heal and get back to 100%." Physicians for the rocker confirmed, "We will be pulling Bret off the road for the time being."
Doctors cited the need for rest and slow recovery, particularly considering the potential impact of summer heat and humidity on his blood sugar levels. The company issued an apology to fans for the cancellations, expressing their own disappointment and looking forward to Michaels' healthy return. Michaels, 63, also shared his appreciation for fan messages, acknowledging he may have pushed to perform again sooner than advisable.
The cancellations come after Michaels underwent an emergency procedure on July 19 for kidney stones that caused what he described as "intense" pain. He noted that the stone would not pass after seven days, leading to the hospitalization. He had previously played through some shows before the pain became unbearable.
This year has presented other performance challenges for the rock star. In May, Michaels canceled an appearance at the Trump-affiliated Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair concert series, citing concerns about the event being "much more divisive" than anticipated and raising issues about the safety of his fans, band, crew, and himself.
Additionally, a 40th-anniversary Poison tour was reportedly scrapped in January, with reports suggesting Michaels had requested a significantly higher payout than his bandmates for the shows.