Poison singer Bret Michaels talks diabetes, turning 60

Resilience, your name is Brett Michaels.

A flaxen-haired poison singer, solo rocker, businessman (from candles to bandanas), and a very jovial human being, he’s celebrated countless triumphs in the music world, but he’s also faced some tough challenges. I have also endured health concerns.

Michaels, who is preparing to turn 60 on Wednesday, credits his “unbreakable, fighting, positive spirit” that continues to push him forward.

He has had type 1 diabetes since childhood. In 2010 he had a brain hemorrhage. He had his heart hole repaired in 2011. And in 2014 he underwent kidney surgery.

He’s also a road warrior with over 100 shows a year, either with Poison or the Brett Michaels Band. The tireless Michaels had just returned from an ’80s-themed cruise, and he loved playing bartending as much as he played music (Coke and whiskey, or vodka and cranberry juice was his favorite). is a simple feat).

Last summer, Michaels and his Poison bandmates took the country by storm with a stadium tour that grossed a staggering $173 million, along with Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. .

This summer, he’ll be gathering some mates for a series of Partis Gras amphitheater shows, and later this year, Michaels will be eligible for A&E’s “Biography” installment.

The self-deprecating multi-hyphen recently caught up with USA TODAY to talk about health, tours and gratitude.

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Question: So what does 60-year-old sexiness look like?

Answer: I am more passionate and excited than before. I went back and pulled out a photo of me and my sister Nicole riding bikes (as kids) and I haven’t changed, it’s like riding Willie during his tour of the stadium . I feel more energetic and grateful. With all the crazy diabetes and brain hemorrhages, I’ve been through a lot of adversity, but I’m still here.

No matter how good your figure is, your lifestyle needs some changes, right?

It’s called adaptation. Of course, I’m not going to tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, but I can play flag football with my friends. I adapt and change to what my body can do. There is no magic potion. I feel like a true muscle car – still fast and fun to drive, but needs a little more maintenance.

Does turning 60 disappoint you in any way?

I am grateful to be on this crazy rollercoaster ride and to be here with some of my good decisions and some of my notorious decisions. I answer when people ask. No. 1, what is my alternative? The alternative is not good. Second, I have no choice. My choice is how I deal with it. No one says “I want to get old”. I feel blessed to be old because I know a lot of my friends didn’t get the chance.

How do you keep track of your health?

Quite the opposite of rockers, I love mornings. If I’m off the road, I wake up at my ranch (in Arizona) first thing in the morning, check my blood sugar, take some insulin, and hang out with my family. I love going outside and jumping on my mountain bike. Rust and dust must be driven out. I like to have fun, but I don’t cheat myself.

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Between Poison and your solo band, you’ve been traveling for most of the year. And this summer, you’ll perform 12 Partis Gras shows with friends like Night Ranger, Jefferson Starship, and Mark McGrath. Was it easy to get them to go out with you?

I called the band individually. Mark is my forever friend. He’s the most cheerful, energetic guy I’ve been around and he brings that to the stage. But my first call was to Knight his ranger Jack (Blaze). I said we’ve done countless shows together over the years. This is the (motto) of the tour – all killer, no fillers. To do.

Last summer’s stadium tour with Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was an undeniable success. what was the best part for you?

In the case of Poison, we just got back together. We were last (playing) together in 2018, so we met a friend. I will always be grateful to Poison and my solo band. they are all my friends. But the show[at the stadium]was incredible. We have three generations of fans and were having the time of our lives. When I reach that stage, it’s pure gratitude. When I was a kid, my parents gave me “Winners Never Quit, Quits Never Win” to help me deal with diabetes. I was hoping for

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