Bret Michaels' "Musical Director" Pete Evick Rants About Poison

[LitaStrauss]

This was on Blabbermouth at https://blabbermouth.net/news/bret-mich ... on-in-2025

But I'll say you the click. Here's the report:

Pete Evick, who is best known as Bret Michaels's music director and guitar player of the last 21 years, has responded to Rikki Rockett's comment that Michaels is no longer interested in touring with POISON next year.
On September 10, the POISON drummer took to his official Facebook page to write: "I keep getting asked multiple times a day, 'Why isn't POISON touring in 2025 now?' Super simple answer, Bret doesn't want to." The following day, Rikki clarified: "People, I never said that Bret is cancelling the 2025 tour. It didn't get booked. I said the reason POISON isn't touring in 2025 is because Bret doesn't want to. Doesn't matter what the reason for him is as far as what I said. I'm simply telling you why so that CC [DeVille, POISON guitarist], Bobby [Dall, POISON bassist] or myself doesn't get blamed. It isn't dirt. It isn't a fight. Just the facts, ma'am. Surmise what you want from it. You will anyway!"

On September 10, Evick took to his personal Facebook page to share a lengthy public post about why Michaels has not committed to touring with POISON next year. He wrote: "Hi. This is a post about Rikki Rocket's post, me posting this may cost me my gig!

"This post is going to be long, I decided not to spam Rikki's page and start a bunch of shit.

"I'm not upset with Rikki, that's not what this post is about. The fact is Rikki's post is 100% true. However, what I am going to address are some of the things the fans are saying that are so ridiculous that I just have to state a few facts. I trust that anyone that reads this will direct people they think should see this to….. this post.

"Before I start, if for some reason you don't know, I have been Bret's solo music director / guitarist for 21 years. I also consider him one of the best friends I have ever had. Also I want to make it very clear that I am a huge POISON fan.

"I'm not a hired gun, I don't go looking for the next big gig, I had, and still have a career outside of Bret with my own band EVICK, we've had record deals, we've toured the world, we had radio singles and videos long before I knew Bret.

"I played POISON songs in talent shows, I saw them live every time they came to town starting with the tour when they opened for RATT. When the opportunity came to perform those songs with Bret, I decided that he's going to do this no matter what so it's best that someone do it with him that loves the songs like there my own rather than some ass hole that probably talked shit about the band take his money.

"So….. First and formost, I wonder, instead of making all these crazy assumptions, does anyone maybe wanna know WHY Bret doesn't wanna tour with POISON next year?

"I've stood on stage with him every night and he has never said 2025. He has consistently says 2026, it's there 40th anniversary and he, along with some of the management team are actively planning the 2026 tour right now.

"Second, he DOES have some serious health issues that MUST be addressed and taken care of. In fact I've urged him to cancel the rest of this year to do so!

"The rest of WHY he doesn't want to is his story to tell but let me tell you something's you are all very off base about.

"I see many of you talking about money and saying some insulting and stupid things about both Bret and the other guys.

"POISON's publishing is split 4 ways. They all get an equal cut when it comes to the catalog, my point. Not one of those 4 guys have to do this, the money 'Every Rose' has made alone should have set there kids kids up. If for some reason any member of that band needs to tour, well…. They are the worst money managers in the world.

"Next, the comment about Bret having to split the touring money equally with POISON verse taking a bigger cut with the solo band is not true, and unfortunately while we all have fantasies of brothers in bands splitting it equal, it's just not reality. Bret makes a certain amount of money himself both in POISON and the solo band that is irrelevant to any guarantees or what any member of either band gets. It is not an equal split in POISON or the Solo Band.

Also many statements about paying the solo band peanuts is dumb, please consider this, I have been in this band 21 years, I live in Northern Virginia, one of the top 3 most expensive places in the country. In the last 20 years I have raised two children and given them everything they ever wanted, brand new cars, mac book pros, every version of the I phone they've ever asked for, beach vacations, trips accross the counrty, on and on and on, I always have a brand new or close to new vehicle of my choice and a guitar collection that grows and grows as well as an ever evolving state of the art audio and video studio. I could not have that if he paid me peanuts. I also have a pension plan, insurance, a certain level of other expenses paid for, and a big year end bonus. Every single year for 21 years. My point, NONE OF THIS is about the money. THAT IS A FACT!

"Some of you have made comments about the solo band playing lesser size or less prestigious venues. Unless you have been under a rock for the last few years you would know that the solo band has been playing the exact same live nation venues that POISON will be playing, Bret created a brand and a concept with Parti Gras, his hopes are to eventually have it be an entity that carries on without him even being there, and he is working tirelessly on this. Again this is an undeniable FACT look at the pictures on his Instagram, packed sheds over and over and over.

"Many people make the comments saying 'I've seen the solo band, it's just not the same'. CORRECT, if Bret wanted 'The Same' he would just have POISON. The whole point of the solo band is to deliver something different. Even though we play the same songs as POISON, they are reimagined and performed different than POISON plays them. Bret loves Southern Rock and Country and our versions are very much more southern with slower tempos, tons of B3 organs, 5 additional background vocals (2 female) and 2 guitars. Not that the POISON songs aren't great as they are (they are perfect),but Bret likes both versions.

"Someone said Bret can't hit the high notes anymore. Are you listening to the same guy? First off he never sang out of his range, he was never Geoff Tate, and he sounds as good today as he ever did.

"Many people said 'Why doesn't the band play with out him'? Bret actually encourages this, he does it, why shouldn't they? And….. He loves Brandon Gibbs [who played with the other three POISON members in the past under the name THE SPECIAL GUESTS], Brandon filled in for me in the solo band in the past!

"There was a comment, if the fans don't support the solo band Bret would have to come back to POISON. Not true, Bret does not have to do anything ever, Bret's children's children will never HAVE to do anything! The amount of money he has is astonishing, He does things soley for the love of doing them.

"There is so much else I'd like to say in defence of my friend but I'll leave it with this, Why doesnt Bret want to tour with POISON next year? Why not ask him instead of making up these crazy ideas.

"Imagine if he read these horrible things. WHY WOULD HE WANT TO COME OUT AND PLAY, With fans like that who needs enemies.

"Bret loves you guys he's given his life for you guys, he sacrifices his own health to bring you guys fun and happiness with POISON and everything else he does."

[FreddyFender]

[rockker]

Evick has always had his lips firmly up Bret’s ass, but this is a new low (or high) for him.

But hey, can’t fault the guy he’s living the dream

[Brainy Lane]

I always thought Al Pitrelli was a pretentious d-ck for the of “Musical Director” for Trans Siberian Orchestra. lol

But this guy!!! Can you imagine introducing yourself as the “Musical Director” for Bert Michaels???

“Corey Feldman’s guitar tech” is a more prestigious title.

[LitaStrauss]

The fact that he calls himself "Bret Michaels Musical Director" says everything you need to know. Is he supervising the musical direction of "Unskinny Bop?" Get the fuck out of here. Pretty sure Evick has no idea what a musical director does. Writing out the setlist with a Sharpie backstage doesn't make you a musical director.

His entire post is one long humble brag and it's rather embarrassing. It reeks of small dick syndrome.

[Brainy Lane]

He lives in one of the most expensive areas in the USA!!!

[ParaDime77]

The fact that he calls himself "Bret Michaels Musical Director" says everything you need to know. Is he supervising the musical direction of "Unskinny Bop?" Get the fuck out of here. Pretty sure Evick has no idea what a musical director does. Writing out the setlist with a Sharpie backstage doesn't make you a musical director.

His entire post is one long humble brag and it's rather embarrassing. It reeks of small dick syndrome.

Pretty damn easy to direct 8 of the same songs every night.

Pete is completely emasculating himself by being Bret’s parrot. Like seriously fuck this fat ass.

[itdoesntmatter]

In addition to the above criticisms, I must assume Pete is purposely refusing to use “their” correctly. I say this because, regardless of the substance of his message, it generally has pretty good spelling and grammar for the most part. Using “there” instead of “their” at least a handful of times must be intentional. Is that some kind of weird thing some people get off on or something?

[demolition23]

I always thought Al Pitrelli was a pretentious d-ck for the of “Musical Director” for Trans Siberian Orchestra. lol.

If he’s actually playing that role, it’s a legit title to claim when working in a production like that.

[Tyketto Meniketti]

All that could've been summed up in one sentence, and one of those "give it 24 hours before hitting send" posts. Tone deaf, poorly written, and from the wrong guy.

[Black Stuff]

WTF with these people calling themselves musical director? Do we really need a title?

[EzyRider]

Thank you everyone for reaffirming my faith in humanity. Every point I thought of while reading this has been touched upon here.

This guy needs to 'sit down and shut up' as the saying goes. He's not about to add 'Bret Michaels Czar of PR' to his titles anytime soon.

So much comedy gold here, it's hard to pick what's best.

This is what he should have waited for, it's what you pay the PR guys for: https://blabbermouth.net/news/bret-mich ... live-stage

Earlier today (Thursday, September 12),Michaels released the following statement via social media: "To clear the air of any confusion, I just want to clarify to all the amazing family, friends and fans who I remain forever grateful for, that it's no secret I have stated previously that in 2025 I'm planning to perform limited shows to focus primarily on health, starting with my diabetes which needs a tuneup, not to mention a little R&R as everyone knows my tireless work ethic and passion for performing music, as well as some much-needed personal family time...like I recently stated, I'm like a classic muscle car - still fast and still fun to drive, just need a little more maintenance lol

"However, in 2026, I'm excited to say it will be POISON's 40th anniversary since the release of 'Look What The Cat Dragged In' in 1986…so it would make perfect sense to have the possibility of a reunion in 2026. In my opinion, it would be the perfect 40th Anniversary Tour, with 40 awesome limited dates to go out, play real live hit songs, and rock the world…for example, in 2018, POISON headlined and rocked, and in 2022 (four years later) POISON joined DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE, Joan Jett and CLASSLESS ACT and rocked the Stadium Tour and now, four years after that, POISON hopefully will continue to rock the world in a 2026 headlining tour.

"Again, although none of this is confirmed and it takes much coordination & planning to have a successful tour...good things happen in 4's for POISON - 4 original band members, 40th anniversary, 40 limited dates, Parti-Gras 4.0 and May The 4's be with you!

"To all the incredible fans, thank you for continuing to rock the world not only with the Bret Michaels Parti-Gras currently touring but also with POISON. I appreciate you letting me take a minute to clear any confusion. Stay tuned & have an awesome day!"

[Anthrax442]

WTF with these people calling themselves musical director? Do we really need a title?

I hate Devils Advocating for Pete here, because he comes off as SUCH a douche, but with the whole Party Gras thing, he's probably coordinating all the different singers, so it's not like he's just responsible for the 10 songs that Bret plays every show.

[DangerZone]

Everyone here bagging on this guy for calling himself music director have obviously never played ‘sweet home Alabama,’ or ‘what i got’

[Black Stuff]

WTF with these people calling themselves musical director? Do we really need a title?

I hate Devils Advocating for Pete here, because he comes off as SUCH a douche, but with the whole Party Gras thing, he's probably coordinating all the different singers, so it's not like he's just responsible for the 10 songs that Bret plays every show.

I get that, but he HAS to have and announce his title? Def douchy!

[keyofgee]

MD’s.. lmao… nashville is full of ppl that call themselves MD..that is why there are few bands there. Most are hired guns to the MD’s that book shows on broadway. The hired guns know the broadway setlist, the MD usually says base pay and these ppl play 4 or 5 hours for $75.00. Yes, some make more but most are running their asses off to play multiple places just to stay alive…
My idea of a MD is going to see a professional symphony with a conductor..

[kc primo]

How about 4 new Poison songs Bret?
Your solo masterpieces from “Musical Director Pete” blows ass.
Wish CC, Bobby, and Rikki would move on with a different singer with name recognition. Inxs had a show based on their search and they found a great singer.
(Someone earlier mentioned Spike, which is an excellent idea. Even Baz should be given a phone call. He just sang a Poison song on the masked singer, give John Corabi a call,
Micheal Monroe…

the minute they get a singer people “know” it’ll be
Bret wanting to hit the studio and tour the new tunes.
The singer they had when they played as The Special Guests
was obviously forgettable …both in performance and voice uniqueness.
What’s the guy from Rockstar Supernova doing?

If Musical Director Pete is for real about Bret encouraging the other guys to go on with another singer….WTH are they waiting for? At least make some new music to make Bret jealous ( 20 + years cmon )
Even The Rolling Stones have made more new music than
Poison in the last 20 years. But yeah that Parti Gra nonsense
is really better than latching on to some big summer tours.
F-Bret

[Playboyliquor59]

As much as rikki and the band want (need) to tour next summer, Bret is smart enough to know that his agent and livenation need to put together a package that not only makes sense financially but also can be wrapped around the selling point of the 40th anniversary to use for PR. Could it be with motley and gnr? Could it be with def lep again who seems to be putting out something new? Who knows, but everyone saw BM this summer and it did good numbers…the tours for next summer are already being routed and we already have holds and/or confirmed dates. It makes sense to take some time away and do it right in 2026 because with poison alone they would be playing house of blues type venues with guys who want to be on separate busses, etc and lose money. Cheap trick or insert token support band isn’t going to support that type of tour either if it isn’t in a shed, so maybe HOB is being generous. Bret may as well do his party bs or casino/state fairs instead because the money doesn’t add up to play the same songs with more headache and less money to smaller crowds. A bus in 2024 is almost 90k all in for 30 days in 2024, it’s all a math equation

[kc primo]

I definitely appreciate the 40 year anniversary LWTCDI plan, but at this point touring the same set list isn’t going to cut it
for a 40 year anniversary.
2 year Absence isn’t going to make tour/anniversary any different from the last 10.

Play LWTCDI front to back and I’ll gladly pay the $200 a seat

[diablomozart]

WTF with these people calling themselves musical director? Do we really need a title?

one of my friends called me a composer because i write songs and classical scores to amuse myself...i looked at him like he was insane and said "don't ever call me that again"...d.m.

[Playboyliquor59]

I know Roger from jellyfish well and he’s Becks “musical director” same with Stacey from American hi fi for Mikey Cyrus and a lot goes into it….dude who make those comments is definitely taking some liberties for the job he actually does compared to others

[Sleek]

I play in a couple bands that have MDs. It just means: "Person who runs the band".

On shows where the MD is not out, one of the other people becomes acting MD. It just gives the crew a point person in the band instead of dealing with 6 people.

[HoldenSSV]

Play LWTCDI front to back and I’ll gladly pay the $200 a seat

Why? Four of those songs suck ass and should never be played live.

[Dr. Hollywood]

Did anyone notice how, throughout The Stadium Tour, Bret repeatedly introduced songs in this manner: "This one's called...Poison's 'Unskinny Bop'!"

Did he really feel obligated to remind the audience night after night, and song after song, which band they were currently seeing? I don't recall him even mentioning Poison during his solo shows except to promote a hypothetical upcoming tour.

[Anthrax442]

As much as rikki and the band want (need) to tour next summer, Bret is smart enough to know that his agent and livenation need to put together a package that not only makes sense financially but also can be wrapped around the selling point of the 40th anniversary to use for PR. Could it be with motley and gnr? Could it be with def lep again who seems to be putting out something new? Who knows, but everyone saw BM this summer and it did good numbers…the tours for next summer are already being routed and we already have holds and/or confirmed dates. It makes sense to take some time away and do it right in 2026 because with poison alone they would be playing house of blues type venues with guys who want to be on separate busses, etc and lose money. Cheap trick or insert token support band isn’t going to support that type of tour either if it isn’t in a shed, so maybe HOB is being generous. Bret may as well do his party bs or casino/state fairs instead because the money doesn’t add up to play the same songs with more headache and less money to smaller crowds. A bus in 2024 is almost 90k all in for 30 days in 2024, it’s all a math equation

As others have mentioned, I've got a feeling we're getting Poison/Twisted Sister. Twisted Sister can claim it's a 50th anniversary tour, because Dee joined the band in 1976.

[Tommy]

Who the fuck is EVICK? I tuned out after that self-felatio. Dude sounds like a clown.

[AJL]

Guys, I would appreciate at bit more respect in this thread. We're talking about the MUSIC DIRECTOR of THE BRET MICHAELS BAND and member of blockbusting, world famous and continuously touring star band EVICK.
He's already a legend, show some fucking respect for Pat Evick.

[Velvis]

I am almost positive Bret said "god-willing the all original Poison will tour next year" when I saw him in February at Mohegan Sun. He may have even said "in 2025". Because of that I was surprised when he said a few months later it would be 2026.

I'm sure somebody video'd it so it may be out there.

[Anthrax442]

I am almost positive Bret said "god-willing the all original Poison will tour next year" when I saw him in February at Mohegan Sun. He may have even said "in 2025". Because of that I was surprised when he said a few months later it would be 2026.

I'm sure somebody video'd it so it may be out there.

He said 2024 NUMEROUS times when talking about Parti Gras early on when they were coming off of The Stadium Tour, because he wanted to make it clear that he was doing Parti Gras first, and then coming back to Poison "next year".

Well, next year came, and rather than tour with Poison, he booked Parti Gras part two, and almost immediately, rather than repeat that mistake, he came out and said that in 2025 he wasn't going to be doing anything other than limited shows for "health reasons".

He may have said Poison early on when he was doing the first run of Parti Gras, but I don't remember it specifically mentioned, I think most people assumed that it was just getting delayed due to the second run.

Either way, Bret is full of shit, and however the Skid Row guys feel about Sebastian, is how Rikki, CC and Bobby should think of Bret, because him holding the band hostage so he can go out and be a star is waaaaay shittier.

[Bono Nettencourt]

He's not holding anyone hostage... the band was DOA before Rock of Love, any revival in interest they had since was due to that. He doesn't owe the rest of them a living.