Bret Michaels, the world-famous rock star and founder of Poison, has always had a passion for the open road. “I love traveling,” he shared with Fox News Digital. “In another life, if I hadn’t succeeded in music, I would have still been in a cover band. Music is therapeutic for me, but I also could have been a DJ or a long-haul trucker. I love driving and the open road.”
Despite the constant travel, Michaels has always cherished his time on the road. “Being on the road so much was never a down moment,” he said. However, balancing work and family has been challenging. “Becoming a father meant missing special events because I was touring in places like South America. Those are the bittersweet moments.”
Michaels shares two daughters, Raine, 24, and Jorja, 19, with his partner Kristi Gibson. His new biography, “Biography: Bret Michaels,” premiering on A&E on June 16, has given the 61-year-old rocker a chance to reflect on his career. The special includes interviews with his daughters, a first for them despite their nerves. “I like to think I’m a good father, and we have fun,” Michaels said. “The producers said they did great.”
Michaels also shared some of his band’s early struggles and successes. He recalled working as a busboy in Pennsylvania when he heard about Rikki Rockett, a fellow founding member of Poison, who had a house with a basement perfect for starting a band. “I took a loan out, bought my first PA system, and carried it down to his basement in the middle of winter. We hit it off and started playing music.”
The band’s breakthrough came when they opened for Aerosmith, Boston, and Kiss’ Paul Stanley at a Texas stadium in front of 83,000 fans. “It was an insanely awesome day,” Michaels said, although a trip to a truck stop diner later that night reminded them to stay humble as no one recognized them.
Michaels has faced significant health challenges, including Type 1 diabetes, a brain hemorrhage, and heart and kidney surgeries. Despite these adversities, he credits his parents with instilling a positive attitude. “I knew I would face adversity, but my parents taught me ‘victory over victim.'”
Staying in shape is also crucial for Michaels. “I live for endorphins. They put me in a good mood and keep me from getting depressed,” he explained. His workouts vary based on his location, from using rubber bands for resistance training to mountain biking and running around his home lake. He once even conducted an interview while mountain biking.
Michaels’ philosophy is to put “good vibes” into the world. “I love making people around me feel good. I get nothing from putting somebody down. Having good friends and family and putting out good vibes have helped me overcome adversity.”
“Biography: Bret Michaels” will premiere on A&E on June 16 at 9 p.m.