Bret Michaels Cancels Remaining 2026 Tour Dates on Doctors' Orders
Bret Michaels has canceled the remainder of his 2026 tour dates to rest and recover after recent medical procedures. The announcement follows his performance on Friday at the Bowl at Sugar Hill in Sugar Hill, Ga., where doctors and paramedics determined afterward that he still needs additional recovery time.
According to an update posted to the singer's Instagram and website on Saturday, Michaels will be taking the next several months off to heal and get back to 100%. His doctors said they are pulling him "off the road for the time being" because they believe there is a much-needed period of rest and slow recovery ahead, especially considering the heat and humidity during the summer months and the effect it can have on his blood sugar levels.
Michaels was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 6 years old, a condition that affects his recovery process. He had been dealing with a complicated obstructing kidney stone diagnosed in July, which required immediate surgery and the placement of a ureteral stent. He was unable to perform until the stent was removed.
The cancellation extends beyond the Sugar Hill show. According to People Magazine, the rest of Michaels' 2026 fall tour was also canceled after doctors told him he should rest and recuperate after having several procedures, including kidney stone surgery in July. After that surgery, Michaels had already postponed some dates while he recovered; those postponements have now turned into the cancellation of all remaining shows.
Grand Casino Hinckley announced that its Friday night show, which was supposed to feature Michaels, was canceled due to health concerns. The casino said ticketholders would receive refunds, but those who purchased tickets from a third-party website were advised to contact that seller directly.
It remained unclear if Michaels would eventually reschedule any of the shows at a future date and time.
On Sunday, Michaels shared his own update on social media, writing that he is working diligently with his doctors and physical therapists to adjust his medication and factor in variables like heat and travel schedule, which he had initially not taken into account in his excitement to return to the stage. He wrote: "I truly felt I would be able to do all these shows in spite of the recent medical domino effect that has occurred. You've gotta know that my energy and my soul really want to play music. Hopefully, I will get this figured out much sooner than later. If I could, I would be back out there tomorrow."
He also thanked his fans, family, crew and other musicians for the support and well wishes sent his way.
This is not the first time health concerns have affected Michaels' touring. In 2025, he had a health scare during a meet and greet that was severe enough for him to issue a statement, which People Magazine shared at the time: "I vow in the near future, I'm going to take that time needed, and please forgive me if I have to move some of the shows around until I get this under control."
The broader impact of the tour cancellation on venues and fans remains to be seen, but the priority for Michaels, according to his doctors, is a period of rest and recovery.