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Bret Michaels<\/a> won\u2019t be performing at the Great American State Fair.<\/p>\n The ex-Poison<\/a> singer has scratched his name from the line-up, a 16-day free festival in Washington, D.C., running June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall to celebrate America\u2019s 250th\u00a0anniversary.\u00a0He becomes the sixth act to walk away since the music program was announced on Wednesday, May 27 by Freedom 250.<\/p>\n More from Billboard<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately,\u201d he writes in a lengthy social post, \u201cwhat was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.\u201d<\/p>\n Because of that, he continues, \u201cI have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.\u201d<\/p>\n The Great American State Fair is operated by Freedom 250, a not-for-profit organization created by a task force under the Trump administration to plan and spearhead the United States\u2019 official semiquincentennial anniversary celebrations.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t about politics,\u201d says Michaels of his decision. \u201cIt\u2019s about staying true to what I\u2019ve always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That\u2019s one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I\u2019ve always respected. But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n As a member of Poison, Michaels landed 12 titles on the Billboard Hot 100, including a No. 1 with 1988\u2019s \u201cEvery Rose Has Its Thorn,\u201d which paced the chart for three weeks. The rockers also bagged 12 entries on the Billboard 200, including three top 10s. As a solo artist, Michaels has bagged three titles on the Billboard 200.<\/p>\n Michael\u2019s Great American State Fair u-turn follows the exits of\u00a0Morris Day & The Time<\/a>,\u00a0Young MC<\/a>,\u00a0Milli Vanilli<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Martina McBride<\/a>. Artists still on the bill include\u00a0Vanilla Ice<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0C+C Music Factory<\/a>, who\u00a0are doubling down on their involvement. Flo Rida has yet to comment.<\/p>\n Poison is currently celebrating its own anniversary \u2014 40 years since the release<\/a> of the glam metal band\u2019s 1986 studio album,\u00a0Look What the Cat Dragged In<\/em>. Michaels insists his Live and Amplified Tour 2026<\/a><\/em> won\u2019t be affected by his call to pull out of the Great American State Fair.<\/p>\n Best of Billboard<\/strong><\/p>\n Sign up for Billboard’s Newsletter<\/a>. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n