Bret Michaels Drops Out Of Trump-Backed Freedom 250 Concert Series In D.C.

Former Celebrity Apprentice winner Bret Michaels is the latest performer to drop out of the lineup for a series of concerts on the National Mall during the Great American State Fair, which is billed as “a World Fair-style celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”

Echoing the sentiments of many others who’ve bowed out, Michaels wrote in a statement posted tonight to his web site, “When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described 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…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 former Poison lead singer is at least the third performer to reconsider participation in the Freedom 250 event in the past 36 hours. Others include Martina McBride, The Commodores, Morris Day and Young MC.

Freedom 250 is the public-private group formed by the Trump administration to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Also scheduled is Milli Vanilli. But Jodie Rocco, one of the singers for the group, told the Associated Press that she and her sister, Linda, were surprised to see the Milli Vanilli listed in the lineup. The group’s remaining original member, Fab Morvan, however told Consequence of Sound that he will be performing.

Morvan, whose career floundered when it was revealed that he and partner Rob Pilatus only lip synced to vocals from Rocco and others, promised that, this time around he would be singing.

“Looking forward to reconnecting with you across the USA this summer and to finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live in person!” he said in a statement.

That leaves Morvan, C+C Music factory, Flo Rida and Trump stalwart Kid Rock as the only remaining acts on the five-night bill. With more than half of the performers bowing out and three of the remaining acts scheduled to perform on the same night, it is unclear how the remaining slots, including the June 25 opener — which was to be McBride — and the July 3 finale — which was to be Michaels — will be filled.

There is, of course, always Lee Greenwood, who is curiously not on the bill. Organizers could also spread the word among those who turned out to play Trump’s inauguration, including Carrie Underwood, the Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean. 

The Great American State Fair is set to run through July 10.