The guitarist for Bret Michaels, Pete Evick, had a clear message for fans who turned against the Poison frontman after his scheduled (and now-canceled) participation in President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 concert series: “FUCK OFF.”

Michaels was set to perform at the concert series in Washington, D.C. as part of the Great American State Fair, running from June 25 to July 10, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. However, shortly after the lineup was announced, artists faced immediate backlash and quickly withdrew from the event.

“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” Michaels stated when announcing his exit from the bill. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable. Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”

Michaels, Martina McBride, Morris Day and the Time, The Commodores, Young MC, and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli have all withdrawn from the Freedom 250 concert series, with some claiming they were misled into believing it was a non-partisan event. Meanwhile, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, and Flo Rida are still scheduled to perform.

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What Did Pete Evick Say About the Freedom 250 Concert Backlash?

On Monday, Evick posted a lengthy message on Facebook praising Michaels for his charitable work for military veterans while criticizing fans who condemned him.

“Bret [has] donated millions of dollars to veteran organizations. He was giving away tickets for veterans long before ‘Vet Tix,'” wrote Evick. “We have brought thousands of troops on stage to honor them and have giant crowds scream for them. On a smaller note, I can’t count the times Bret and I stop at a traffic light and he gives money to a homeless veteran. All of this is actually ‘for veterans,’ all of this ‘helped veterans’ either emotionally or monetarily.”

Evick continued: “This particular concert was going to do ‘nothing’ for the veterans directly. The only people that actually lose out is us; we are now not getting paid. So why do all the actual things Bret has done for veterans seemingly get erased for something that does nothing for them?”

The guitarist then aimed to provide fans with “all the facts if you are literally turning your back on someone you loved 96 hours ago.”

“If Bret or I have ever put a dime in your pocket, given you a free ticket, a free meet and greet, a free hotel room, a free flight, a photo pass, let you or your child perform on stage with us, gotten something signed for you or your charity, let you stand on the side of the stage, let you open for us, given you a shout out on social media, gone out of our way to call or FaceTime a sick or dying relative that we don’t even know, or if you are one of those people when I’ve gotten Bret to show up at one of my local gigs and you were first in line to be close to him who has now openly turned your back on him: FUCK OFF,” Evick stated. “We see you; we see your posts; FUCK OFF. I’m not saying you have to openly support him. But those that called us friends four days ago and have used and abused us and have now turned on us: FUCK OFF.”

See Pete Evick’s Full Message to Bret Michaels’ Freedom 250 Critics

You can see the full, unedited text of Evick’s post below:

I’ve thought for days about how to express what’s on my mind. I also know I should just be quiet, but… those that know me know I just can’t.
I’m not trying to change anyone’s opinions or beliefs on anything; I’m simply going to offer a different perspective on some things.
In 21 years I’ve done and seen many things with Bret.
First and foremost we have traveled all over the Middle East during war and non-war times to perform “For the troops.” We have helped build homes for veterans with our own hands. Bret has bought and given away new homes to veterans. We have cooked and delivered food to troops; we have played at several military bases in the United States “For the troops.” We have partnered with and participated with wounded warriors and many other veteran-helping associations in activities aiding veterans. Bret has donated millions of dollars to veteran organizations. He was giving away tickets for veterans long before “Vet Tix.” We have brought thousands of troops on stage to honor them and have giant crowds scream for them. On a smaller note, I can’t count how many times Bret and I stop at a traffic light where he gives money to a homeless veteran.
All of this is genuinely “for veterans” and has “helped veterans” either emotionally or monetarily.
We have also played countless Fourth of July celebrations which has always been my favorite holiday. At least 16 out of the 21 years I was unable to spend my favorite holiday with my children because we were performing in honor of our nation; many events included fundraising aspects for our troops.
This particular concert was going to do “Nothing” for veterans directly.
The only people that actually lose out are us; we are now not getting paid.
So why do all the actual things Bret has done for veterans seemingly get erased for something that does nothing for them?
Furthermore, if you dig deep enough you will find that on multiple occasions we have played at Trump’s golf course for charitable events. Long before he became a politician we performed at Trump’s daughter’s bachelorette party.
Everyone has opinions; I know I can’t change them but… I would certainly like everyone to know all the facts if you are literally turning your back on someone you loved just 96 hours ago.
Moving on, on a very personal note with a completely different tone.
If Bret or I have ever put a dime in your pocket, given you a free ticket, a free meet and greet, a free hotel room, a free flight, a photo pass, let you or your child perform on stage with us, gotten something signed for you or your charity, let you stand on the side of the stage, let you open for us, given you a shout out on social media, gone out of our way to call or FaceTime a sick or dying relative that we don’t even know; or if you are one of those people when I’ve gotten Bret to show up at one of my local gigs where you were first in line just to be close to him who has now openly turned your back on him: FUCK OFF. We see you; we see your posts; FUCK OFF. I’m not saying you have to openly support him. But those who called us friends four days ago and used and abused us but now turned against us: FUCK OFF.
Also, all of you who are criticizing us over safety concerns should read the article in Forbes magazine about Joe Rogan’s safety concerns then go criticize Joe Rogan for having similar concerns then go FUCK OFF again.