Over half of Great American State Fair performers drop out over politics, threats
Michaels said safety concerns and threats drove his decision as the fair loses its sixth act after the lineup was announced.
- On Friday, Poison frontman Bret Michaels withdrew from the Great American State Fair, becoming the sixth act to exit since the program was announced Wednesday for the 16-day Washington celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
- Freedom 250, a non-profit created by a Trump administration task force, operates the event. Michaels cited the festival's evolution into something 'much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of' and safety threats to his fans, crew, and family.
- Poison is celebrating 40 years since releasing Look What the Cat Dragged In, and Michaels landed 12 titles on the Billboard Hot 100, including 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn,' which topped the chart for three weeks.
- Morris Day and The Time, Young MC, Milli Vanilli, and Martina McBride have also exited the lineup, while Vanilla Ice and C+C Music Factory are doubling down on their involvement despite the departures.
- Michaels emphasized his Live and Amplified Tour 2026 remains unaffected, stating his withdrawal reflects safety concerns: 'It's about staying true to what I've always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Trump's Freedom 250 event loses another musician as Bret Michaels drops out
Rock star Bret Michaels is the latest musician to drop out of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 event celebrating the country’s anniversary.Michaels’ departure from the concert series brings the total number of artists who have dropped out up to five. The Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair is a free 16-day festival taking place on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, that will include a UFC fight in a star-spangled octa…
The Washington Post
The Seattle TimesOver half of Great American State Fair performers drop out over politics, threats
Bret Michaels and Martina McBride are the latest artists to pull out of the Great American State Fair concert series organized by Freedom 250 on the National Mall this summer.
Poison Singer Bret Michaels Pulls Out Of Trump's 'Divisive' Freedom 250 Concert Citing Safety Concerns
Bret Michaels has pulled out of the Freedom 250 concert in Washington, D.C., becoming the latest performer to step away after several artists raised concerns about its presentation and political ties. President Donald Trump has injected politics into the celebration of America’s anniversary, which will include a UFC fight on the WHite House lawn. The Poison frontman announced his decision in a statement posted to Instagram. “When this opportunit…
Who Is Bret Michaels' Girlfriend, Kristi Gibson? A Former Model And Actress, Got Engaged On TV
Bret Michaels is a renowned American rock musician. He is widely recognised as the frontman of Poison, which has reportedly sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. Additionally, he has also worked as a solo artist, with his album, Custom Built, reaching No.1 on Billboard's Hard Rock chart. At present, Bret is grabbing all the headlines after he made the decision to pull out of the Freedom250 Great American State Fair. The singer announced t…
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