Bret Michaels has canceled his scheduled performance at the Trump-backed “Freedom 250” concert, joining a growing list of artists who have withdrawn from the event amid controversy over its direction and branding.
The former Poison frontman announced on Thursday that he was bailing on the event touted as a celebration of America’s 250th birthday noting that he was misled about its purpose when he booked it, saying:
“Unfortunately, what 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.”
The “Freedom 250” concert series was being promoted as part of a broader set of live entertainment events tied to the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
Michaels had been listed among the rock and pop performers scheduled to appear as part of a patriotic-themed lineup meant to highlight American music and culture.
The performance was expected to feature a multi-artist bill with live sets, festival-style staging, and national-themed programming, with organizers describing it as a large-scale celebration of American history and unity.
However, after the lineup was announced, several artists reportedly began distancing themselves from the event, citing concerns over how it was being framed and its political associations.
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