Bret Michaels Swears He Got Threats, You Gotta Believe Him

When Bret Michaels backed out of the Freedom 250 concert, it was surprising for two reasons. One, that he even backed out in the first place. Let’s be real, the crowd for this event is his target demo. Two, that he tried to blame nebulous “threats” for his decision. Granted, Michaels echoed the other fleeing artists who said the event was not what they were pitched, but he’s the only one who took it an extra step further by saying his family, fans, band, and crew were in danger by performing. Well, Bret really needs everyone to believe that last part.

After getting ripped apart by Republicans for backing out, Bret shared a Facebook post from his “security professional and personal assistant” John Murray, who had clear instructions to play up the threat stuff and make sure everyone knows that Bret loves the troops.

As many of you know, I have spent the last almost thirty years working for Bret Michaels and Poison, along with others as both a security professional and personal assistant. I have been very lucky in my career and lucky to work with some of the greatest entertainers in the world and become close with many. That being said, I must state on the record that Bret absolutely wanted to do this show had there not been legitimate threats made. For the record he and I have never spoken about politics. I do know for a fact that Bret for the last almost thirty years has done nothing more then be supportive, encouraging, and very vocal of his military support,as his father and generations before have proudly served. Bret and Poison have consistently supported, hired, and continue to employ Vets to this day and graciously give of both their time, and financially to Vets and Vet Organazitions. I have been proud to stand along side him and the other band members for almost 30 years. The decision to withdraw from the 250th Celebration was based on threats and fear of not only the band itself, but the crew, families, friends, fans, and everyone attending. The agreement to perform as well as the very hard decision to withdraw was, nor is a political statement. It is simply an Artist who looked at the “Big Picture” and made a decision based on safety and well being of others, and I respect the fact this was no money grab that could have potentially brought harm to others if the security issues were not made aware of. This is, was, and never should be a question of loyalty, or patriotism as I and many Vets know he has always been there for them and supports this country with all of his heart. Please respect the fact that the decision was made based on safety and security concerns that were brought to his and other artists attentiotn following the announcement of the event.

Again, very weird! I keep coming back to the fact that Bret Michaels had nothing to lose by doing this show. As he’s now discovered, bailing is an instant political landmine that’s already taken a chunk out of him. But at the end of the day, he did back out, and that’s what I can’t wrap my head around.

It’s hard to say Bret made a principled stand because he’s doing everything in his power to sell to his MAGA fanbase that he had no choice because of “legitimate threats.” Do I believe that? No. Did some randos say some things online? Maybe, but when is that not happening?

What I am coming to believe is that Bret’s people started asking about security when this thing turned radioactive, and because everything about this production has been duplicitous as hell, his team found those measures to be severely lacking. That I could see pulling the plug over, and if that was the case, then just say that! The promoters weren’t upfront about the nature of the event and security sucked. Simple as that.

Instead, Bret is out here throwing red meat to his fans, and as much he wants to say he’s not political, this sure feels pretty political.