Music

Bret Michaels Pulls Out of Freedom 250 Concert, Citing Divisive Atmosphere

Poison frontman Bret Michaels has withdrawn from the Freedom 250 concert, making him the latest artist to drop out of the event, which was initially presented as a nonpartisan celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Rolling Stone·May 29, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Freedom 250

Bret Michaels Ditches Trump’s ‘Divisive’ Freedom 250 Concert

The Poison frontman is the latest artist to drop out of the event, which was purportedly pitched as a nonpartisan celebration of America's 250th anniversary

By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

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May 29, 2026

Poison frontman Bret Michaels is the latest artist to drop out of the Great American State Fair concert in Washington, D.C., saying the type of show he was pitched “evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.”

In a statement shared on Instagram , Michaels said that the event — which is part of the Trump administration’s Freedom 250 initiative to mark America’s 250th anniversary — 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 did not say what exactly about the direction of the show had changed. But like other artists who have dropped out , he seemed to indicate the supposedly nonpartisan concert had become politicized.

“As many of you know, I’ve spent my entire career bringing people together through music, positivity, and good vibes,” Michaels wrote. “My shows have never been about politics. They’re about giving people a place to come together, have a great time and forget about life’s stresses for a few hours.”

Michaels pointedly added that, along with the direction of the show, there were new “concerns” about “the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.” Michaels did not offer any other details, and a rep for the musician did not immediately return a request for comment.

In the rest of his statement, Michaels insisted his decision wasn’t “about politics,” but “staying true to what I’ve always believed in.” He also apologized to fans in the D.C. area, promising to “come back and perform in our nation’s capital under circumstances where the focus can remain on what it should be — the music and the fans.” (Michaels’ full statement is below.)