Poison frontman Bret Michaels is the latest artist to back out of the Great American State Fair. He joins country star Martina McBride, legendary R&B group the Commodores, rapper Young MC, and Morris Day and the Time in canceling their appearances.
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What Is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is slated to take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is scheduled from June 25 to July 10. Michaels was slated to appear with eight other performers.
The event is organized by the nonprofit group Freedom 250. The group describes itself as nonpartisan. However, it was established by Task Force 250, which was part of an Executive Order to mobilize federal agencies in support of the nation's 250th birthday.
"Freedom 250 will lead the delivery of the President's national signature events,' the organization's website reads. "Together, we will ensure that our nation's 250th anniversary becomes a unifying and unforgettable moment for all Americans."
As a lead-up to the fair, the Rededicate 250 event was held on May 17. It was promoted as "a full day of prayer, music, and testimony." Several members of the Trump Administration were in attendance, and President Trump also made a video appearance.
Why Is Bret Michaels Backing Out?
Michaels appears to be backing out for the same reasons as the other performers, calling it a "difficult decision."
In a statement on Instagram, Michaels said the event was presented to his team as "a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life."
He then went on to say the event "evolved into something much more divisive."
Michaels added, "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
The Poison frontman said his decision was "not about politics." He added he is "staying true to what I've always believed in" and letting people have their own opinions.
Michaels' explanation echoes McBride's comments yesterday.
She said that after the performers were announced, "things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening."
The Commodores stated that it chooses "not to publicly affiliate with any single political party."
Rapper Young MC shared that "artists were never told about any political involvement with the event."
Day suggested that he and The Time were never actually booked.
Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory was also not told about Trump's involvement. However, in a wild, profanity-laced video, he indicated that he "might do the motherf*****g show."
The current lineup also includes Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli (Fab Morvan as a solo performer) and Flo Rida.
