Entertainment
Bret Michaels Brings Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy to Riverside Casino
Riverside, Iowa — Bret Michaels is bringing his vibrant rock energy to the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort on Friday, October 17. The legendary singer, known for his role as the frontman of Poison, is set to perform at 8 p.m. as part of his ‘Rock the World’ tour.
At 62 years old, Michaels remains a passionate performer, exuding energy that captivates his audience. ‘Nothing But a Good Time’ is not just a song; it is a philosophy that Michaels embodies during his concerts. ‘I’m doing what I love, and it’s fun,’ he stated in a recent call from Scottsdale, Arizona.
Michaels’ performances include classic Poison hits like ‘Unskinny Bop,’ ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn,’ and ‘Talk Dirty to Me.’ He leads the crowd through a set filled with sing-alongs, rewarding fans with an upbeat experience that echoes the band’s success during the 1980s, when they sold over 40 million albums.
Despite the decline of hair metal due to the rise of grunge in the early ’90s, Michaels maintains a positive outlook. ‘I accepted that was part of rock and roll,’ he explained. ‘I loved Nirvana‘s music. You have to make changes on the fly and take chances.’
One of the bold steps in Michaels’ career was participating in ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ which he won in 2010. ‘People said, ‘You’re nuts. Why would you take a risk like that?’ But I was up for the challenge,’ he recalled, emphasizing the importance of focus and determination during the competition.
As a type-1 diabetic who has overcome serious health hurdles, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a heart condition, Michaels’ resilience inspires many. ‘I just keep on going,’ he said. ‘I’m still making music.’ Despite promoting his solo career, he remains close to his Poison bandmates. They celebrated a successful reunion tour in 2022 and share a deep-rooted friendship from their early days.
‘We grew up together playing in basements,’ Michaels reminisced, highlighting the band’s humble beginnings and the bond they created through music. He values those experiences, noting that they helped shape him into the performer he is today.
For Michaels, playing music is not just about the fame or fortune. ‘I could have retired after the second Poison album, but it’s about passion for the music,’ he explained. ‘It’s all about the party. I want to see fans have fun and go crazy with their phones.’
As Michaels gears up for his performance, he emphasizes the joy his music brings to crowds, saying, ‘Nothing But a Good Time is a song that connects with people, and that’s what we’re about.’ He encourages fans to leave politics at home and just enjoy the experience.
