ST. CLAIR COUNTY – Bret Michaels has canceled his scheduled Friday, July 30, 2026, performance at Fair St. Clair in St. Clair County, Illinois, after doctors instructed him to take three to four weeks of post-operative recovery following surgery for a complicated obstructing kidney stone, according to a statement posted on Michaels’ Facebook page.
Fair St. Clair announced the cancellation in a concert update, saying Michaels would not perform “due to medical reasons.” The fair said it was “actively working on a solution” and would announce updated information “as soon as possible.”
“We know many of our fairgoers were looking forward to the show, and we share in your disappointment,” the fair said in its statement. “Our thoughts are with Bret, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
According to the statement posted on Michaels’ Facebook page, Michaels experienced severe kidney pain following a recent performance at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, he was diagnosed with a complicated obstructing kidney stone that required immediate surgery.
Dr. Abby Borhan, identified in the statement as Michaels’ physician, said Michaels is restricted from performing for the next three to four weeks because of his post-operative condition and underlying health factors, including diabetes and a lower back compression fracture.
“A ureteral stent causes significant internal friction, constant physical discomfort, and localized inflammation,” Borhan said in the statement. “The physical demands of Bret’s high-intensity live performances exacerbate these symptoms.”
Borhan said strenuous physical exertion carries “a high risk of intense pain spikes, gross hematuria, and acute stent displacement, which would require immediate medical intervention.”
The statement also said Michaels’ recovery is complicated by his lifelong Type 1 diabetes.
“Although I understand Bret’s determination to play through the pain, I explained that because Type 1 Diabetes inherently compromises the immune system and impairs healing, he faces an exceptionally high risk of contracting a serious UTI or developing urosepsis, a blood infection, until the stent is removed,” Borhan said.
Borhan added that Michaels “must strictly refrain from all live performances until we re-evaluate his condition in 3 to 4 weeks to determine when he can safely resume touring.”
Michaels said in the statement that he was grateful for the care and support he has received.
“I’m forever grateful for the amazing medical treatment and ongoing medical attention throughout my personal life and career, and truly grateful for family, friends, fans, band, crew and promoters for their understanding and, if all goes well, will hit the road late August back to delivering 1000% energy, intensity and truly nothing but a good time,” Michaels said.
