When musicians first started announcing their parts in the Freedom 250 event, the backlash from fans started. Bret Michaels was one of those who shared some of the backlash that he had received, and it led to him canceling his appearance.
Now, guitarist Pete Evick has clapped back at fans for their response. He isn’t mincing his words, as he puts his frustrations out on Facebook.
At the end of May 2026, the former Poison frontman shared that he was among the latest musicians pulling out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair. He joined the likes of Martina McBride and The Commodores, and Michaels made it clear that it was due to how the concert series was presented and what it has turned into.
The concert series, which runs from June 25 to July 10 was initially presented as a way to celebrate the United States turning 250, using music as a way to stand out and bring people together. However, fans quickly turned on the artists, as it became viewed more about politics.
Michaels made it clear that his decision to pull out came due to safety concerns. Threats were made against his fans, the band, the crew, and his family, along with himself.
TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Pete Evick, Norman Voss, and Bret Michaels perform during Extra Innings Festival at Tempe Beach & Arts Park on February 27, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)There have now been comments against Michaels and the band for pulling out, and, now, guitarist Evick has taken to Facebook to share his own thoughts about the entire situation. He called out the critics who attacked Michaels and the band for pulling out, saying in no uncertain terms, “F–k off.”
Many have shared how angry they are that The Bret Michaels Band pulling out means that they no longer support veterans, which is not the case at all. Performing at an Independence Day celebration isn't meant to be about veterans.
Evick wrote a lengthy Facebook post, where he focused on all the charitable donations Michaels and the band have made over the years. Michaels has donated millions to veteran organizations, and he was one of the first to give free tickets to veterans, long before it became a more nationalized thing with “Vet Tix.”
Understandably, Evick is angry at the backlash that Michaels and everyone else in the band have experienced due to decision to pull out of the Freedom 250 concert series. He doesn’t understand how everything good that Michaels has done in the past is erased quickly due to one decision to perform in a concert that was supposed to celebrate July 4.
Evick even went on to share that 16 out of the 21 years he’s been with Michaels, he hasn’t seen his children during this holiday. They love to perform to celebrate America’s birthday.
He also pointed out that this wouldn’t be the first time performing at something President Donald Trump has organized. They performed at Trump’s daughter’s bachelorette party, and at Trump’s golf course for various charitable events, proving that it was never about politics.
He ended the Facebook post, which you can see in full here, sharing:
“Moving on, on a very personal note with a completely different tone.
If Bret or me have ever put a dime in your pocket, given you a free ticket, a free meet and greet, a free hotel room, a free flight, a photo pass, let you or your child perform on stage with us, gotten something signed for you or your charity, let you stand on the side of the stage, let you open for us, given you a shout out on social media, gone out of our way to call or FaceTime a sick or dying relative that we don’t even know, or if you are one of those people when I’ve gotten Bret to show up at one of my local gigs, and you were the first in line to be close to him who has now openly turned your back on him. F–K OFF. We see you, we see your posts, FUCK OFF. I’m not saying you have to openly support him. But those that called us friends 4 days ago and have used and abused us and have now turned on us. F–K OFF.
Also, all you that are slagging on us for the safety concerns, please read the article at Forbes magazine about Joe Rogans safety concerns then go beat up on Joe Rogan for having the same concerns then go F–K OFF again.”
was met with supportive comments from followers. One commenter shared, "Its insane that anyone expects you to stand on stage with someone who intentionally lied and misled you just to turn on you when you stood up for yourselves and protected the legacy you have worked so hard to leave."
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