Bret Michaels is stepping off the road for three to four weeks after surgery for a complicated obstructing kidney stone, with doctors warning that live performances could trigger severe pain, blood in his urine, or a displaced stent requiring immediate medical care. The 63-year-old Poison frontman says he hopes to return in late August if his recovery goes well.
In a July 27 update posted on Bret’s official site, physician Dr. Abby Borhan said a ureteral stent was placed during surgery and remains in place. Michaels was told to stick to light activity and avoid performing while doctors monitor his recovery.
The timing follows a rough stretch on the road. MLive reported that Michaels played shows while dealing with kidney-stone pain and continued performing after his blood sugar fell to 39 milligrams per deciliter.
Michaels previously said he waited nearly seven days for the stone to pass before the pain became too severe. As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, he performed in Charleston, West Virginia, Grantville, Pennsylvania, and at a private veterans event at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane before being hospitalized.
Why Doctors Ordered A Full Tour Pause
According to iHeart, Borhan said Michaels’ Type 1 diabetes and a lower-back compression fracture make recovery more complicated. The physician also cited the demands of a high-intensity show schedule, including the need for strict hydration, rest and blood-glucose management, while warning of infection risks until the stent is removed.
Michaels’ team has not announced a complete list of replacement dates, saying updates will be shared as they become available. For now, the message to fans is less “the show must go on” and more “the show can wait” while the longtime rocker gets a clean bill of health.
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