Bret Michaels is the definition of the word survivor. He has lived with diabetes since age six; not letting the disease prevent him from doing whatever it is he has wanted to do. He has been successful in the entertainment business for 25 years, selling millions of albums and capturing millions of viewers on television. He has a beautiful, healthy family and lives his life to the fullest every day.
Michaels has championed many causes over the years, but his passion has become focused on showing fellow diabetics that you are in control of your life and with a healthy lifestyle you can do whatever it is you chose to do. He has created a line of merchandise from which the proceeds go to sending diabetic kids to camp where they can learn to manage their disease and be just like every other kid. He continues to raise awareness at every show and appearance, as well as every interview he does. He has worked hard to stay healthy and his resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all.
Michaels’ setbacks over the years haven’t slowed him down over the years. A near fatal car wreck in 1994, and more recently a brain hemorrhage, were life-changing but have only ignited a greater passion in everything he does and everything that he is.
Sell-out tour dates, top ten singles, millions of albums sold and a career spanning 25 years is the definition of Michaels’ music career. As a solo artist and as a member of Poison, he has played around the world to millions of adoring fans. With Poison, Michaels’ had several top ten singles and a number one smash hit with Every Rose Has Its Thorn and sold more than 29 million records worldwide. His first solo album, Songs Of Life, was the #1 Independent album in its debut week of release in 2003. In 2010, his solo record Custom Built debuted as the #1 Hard Rock album in Billboard in its debut week. Michaels has written, recorded and performed Rock, Country and Americana music with notable singers and musicians including Stevie Nicks, Jeffrey Steele, Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, Miley Cyrus, Kenny Chesney, Chris Cagle, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jimmy Buffet, Uncle Kracker and more.
Michaels has also found success on television. From guest appearances on “Martial Law” and “Yes, Dear,” to his #1 Vh1 series “Rock of Love,” “Rock of Love 2” and “Rock of Love Bus,” to being named Donald Trump’s latest “Celebrity Apprentice,” he has proven that his down-to-earth charm and steadfast passion are appealing to the masses. Michaels’ hosted the 2010 Miss Universe pageant and is a ratings-winning, favorite guest on Oprah, The Today Show, The View, Leno and countless other shows. He is a source of inspiration reaching audiences of millions ranging from 3 to 83.
The last year has found Michaels the celebrity spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, the first celebrity spokesperson for Diet Snapple “Trop-A-Rocka” brand beverages and announcing a signature line of guitars with Dean Guitars. Add a brand new show on Vh1 titled “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It” and you have Bret Michaels everywhere all the time. The hard-working, passionate kid from blue-collar central Pennsylvania has done good and shows no signs of stopping.
Michaels will release his autobiography, “Roses and Thorns: The Reality of My Rock and Roll Fantasy,” in early 2011. The book will travel through his life and career, sharing stories and photos of family, friends and a remarkable career.
Bret Michaels defines passion as “do what you love, love what you do.” At 47 years old, Bret Michaels can do whatever it is that makes him happy. He loves spending time with his daughters just as much as entertaining his millions of adoring fans - always living life to the fullest. Over the years Michaels has stated “I would play music whether I made it or not” and “as soon as I ever start to just go through the motions I’ll quit.” Both statements speak to the passion he has for his music, his life and everything he does.
How do you define Bret Michaels? A father, a son, a brother, a friend, a songwriter, a singer, a musician, an actor, a director, a screenwriter, a businessman, an inspiration – but most of all, a survivor.
