History of Bret Michaels in Timeline
Bret Michaels, whose real name is Bret Michael Sychak, is a prominent American singer and musician widely recognized as the lead vocalist of the rock band Poison. Poison achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 65 million albums globally and 30 million within the United States. Their musical impact is further evidenced by their impressive chart performance, with 10 singles reaching the Billboard Hot 100's Top 40. This includes six singles that landed in the Top 10 and the iconic number-one hit, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." Michaels's role as the frontman and Poison's musical achievements cement his status as a notable figure in the rock music scene.
1944: Death of Bret Michaels' Great-Uncle
Bret Michaels' great-uncle, Nick Sychak, was killed in action in France in 1944 during the Invasion of Normandy.
March 15, 1963: Birth of Bret Michaels
Bret Michael Sychak was born on March 15, 1963, in Chicora, Pennsylvania.
1983: Formation of Paris
Bret Michaels formed the band "Paris" in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1983.
1984: Formation of Poison and Move to Los Angeles
In 1984, the band changed their name to Poison, moved to Los Angeles, and Bret Michaels met Tracy Lewis.
1987: Breakup with Tracy Lewis
Bret Michaels' relationship with Tracy Lewis ended in 1987.
1987: "Talk Dirty to Me" Success and Health Scare
Poison's "Talk Dirty to Me" video propelled the band to fame in 1987. Bret Michaels also collapsed onstage due to insulin shock.
December 1988: Release of "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"
"Every Rose Has Its Thorn," inspired by Michaels' breakup with Tracy Lewis, was released in December 1988.
1990: Start of Flesh and Blood Tour
Poison embarked on their "Flesh and Blood" world tour in 1990.
1991: C.C. DeVille Leaves Poison
C.C. DeVille left Poison after a fistfight with Bret Michaels during the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards.
1998: A Letter from Death Row Soundtrack Release
Bret Michaels released the soundtrack album for "A Letter from Death Row" in 1998.
1998: Film production with Charlie Sheen
In 1998, Bret Michaels and Charlie Sheen founded Sheen/Michaels Entertainment, producing films such as 'A Letter from Death Row' and 'No Code of Conduct'. Michaels was involved in writing, directing, and acting in these projects.
1998: A Letter from Death Row
In 1998, Bret Michaels starred in, wrote, and directed the film "A Letter from Death Row," also releasing the soundtrack album.
1999: Poison Reunion
Poison reunited with C.C. DeVille in 1999 and went on a successful greatest hits reunion tour.
November 6, 2000: Appearance on Yes, Dear
On November 6, 2000, Bret Michaels appeared in Season 1, Episode 6 of the CBS sitcom 'Yes, Dear', titled 'Greg's Big Day'.
2000: Show Me Your Hits Release
Bret Michaels released "Show Me Your Hits," featuring re-recorded Poison classics, in 2000.
2001: Ballads, Blues & Stories Release
Bret Michaels released the storytellers CD "Ballads, Blues & Stories" in 2001.
2003: Songs of Life Release
Bret Michaels released his solo rock album "Songs of Life" in 2003.
2003: Songs of Life and "Raine" Music Video
In 2003, Bret Michaels released "Songs of Life," including the single and music video for "Raine," dedicated to his daughter.
2003: "Raine" Release
In 2003, Michaels released the single "Raine," dedicated to his oldest daughter.
2005: Freedom of Sound Release
Bret Michaels released the country rock album "Freedom of Sound" in 2005.
2005: Nashville Star and Freedom of Sound
In 2005, Michaels judged on "Nashville Star" and released his country-influenced album "Freedom of Sound".
2006: Hit Parader Ranking
Bret Michaels was ranked No. 40 on Hit Parader's list of greatest heavy metal singers of all time in 2006.
July 2007: Premiere of Rock of Love Season One
In July 2007, Bret Michaels starred in the premiere of the reality TV series 'Rock of Love with Bret Michaels'. Jes Rickleff won the season, but announced in October 2007 that she was not right for Michaels.
January 13, 2008: Premiere of Rock of Love Season Two
On January 13, 2008, the second season of 'Rock of Love with Bret Michaels' premiered. Michaels selected Ambre Lake as his choice on April 13, 2008, though they parted ways after a few months.
May 1, 2008: Appearance on Don't Forget the Lyrics!
On May 1, 2008, Bret Michaels appeared on a special celebrity edition of 'Don't Forget the Lyrics!', raising $200,000 for charity.
June 2008: Rock My World Release
In June 2008, Bret Michaels released a best-of album titled "Rock My World," featuring music from his reality show "Rock of Love." The album included new singles like "Go That Far," "Fallen," and "Start Again," accompanied by music videos with clips from the series.
December 2008: "Driven" (Rock Mix) and "Fallen" Re-Release
In December 2008, Michaels released a rock mix single version of "Driven" with a music video featuring previews for "Rock of Love Bus." He also re-released the single "Fallen" with acoustic, piano, and demo versions.
2008: Hard & Heavy Confidential and Acoustic Sessions Release
In 2008, Michaels released a 30-minute DVD, "Hard & Heavy Confidential," and a CD, "Bret Michaels Acoustic Sessions," both through Time Life. They featured acoustic versions of his hits and interviews.
2008: "All I Ever Needed" Chart Success
The music video for "All I Ever Needed" appeared on Billboard's "Hot Videoclip Tracks" chart in 2008.
January 4, 2009: Premiere of Rock of Love Bus
On January 4, 2009, the third season of 'Rock of Love', titled 'Rock of Love Bus', premiered, achieving high ratings for VH1. Taya Parker was chosen as the winner.
April 2010: "Lie to Me" Release
Bret Michaels released his second single, "Lie to Me," from his upcoming album "Custom Built" in April 2010.
May 2010: "Wasted Time" Release
In May 2010, Michaels released "Wasted Time," the third single from his forthcoming album "Custom Built."
May 31, 2010: Preview of Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It
On May 31, 2010, VH1 aired a preview of 'Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It', a series depicting his life at home. Filming was initially suspended due to his health issues.
June 18, 2010: Performance on Good Morning America
On June 18, 2010, Bret Michaels performed a duet of "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with Miley Cyrus on Good Morning America.
July 6, 2010: Custom Built Album Release
Michaels released his album "Custom Built" on July 6, 2010, which became his highest-charting solo album.
August 4, 2010: Appearance on America's Got Talent
On August 4, 2010, Michaels appeared on America's Got Talent, performing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."
August 23, 2010: Hosting Miss Universe 2010
On August 23, 2010, Bret Michaels hosted the Miss Universe 2010 pageant alongside Natalie Morales.
October 7, 2010: "Riding Against the Wind" Music Video Release
On October 7, 2010, the music video for "Riding Against the Wind," the theme song for Michaels' reality show, was released.
October 18, 2010: Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It Premiere
Michaels' reality show, "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It," premiered on VH1 on October 18, 2010.
2011: "Hit and Roll" Recording for Top Gear
In 2011, Michaels recorded "Hit and Roll" for Top Gear, accompanied by a music video.
December 31, 2011: New Year's Eve Concert in Springfield, IL
Michaels performed a New Year's Eve concert in Springfield, IL, on December 31, 2011, as part of his "Get Your Rock On" solo tour.
January 7, 2012: "Get Your Ride On" Video Premiere on SPEED TV
The video for "Get Your Ride On" premiered on SPEED TV on January 7, 2012, serving as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross opener.
January 9, 2012: "Get Your Rock On" Single Release
The single "Get Your Rock On" featuring Phil Collen and Sal Costa, was released on January 9, 2012.
January 10, 2012: "Get Your Ride On" Release
Michaels released an alternate version of his single, titled "Get Your Ride On" featuring Phil Collen, on January 10, 2012.
August 2012: "They Don't Make An App For That" Release
In August 2012, Michaels released "They Don't Make An App For That (The App Song)" through his official app, a country crossover tune about social media culture.
January 2013: "You Know You Want It" Release
Michaels released the single "You Know You Want It" featuring Peter Keys in January 2013, from his upcoming album "Jammin' With Friends."
June 25, 2013: "Jammin' With Friends" Album Release
On June 25, 2013, Michaels released "Jammin' With Friends," an album featuring collaborations with various artists.
April 1, 2014: "A Beautiful Soul" Release
Michaels released the single "A Beautiful Soul" on April 1, 2014, and performed it on "Oprah's Lifeclass" on April 2.
2014: Nissan Commercial Appearance
In 2014, Michaels starred in a Nissan commercial, singing "Endless Love."
April 7, 2015: "Girls on Bars" Release
On April 7, 2015, Michaels released "Girls on Bars," co-written with Luke Laird, which achieved high views on CMT.
April 9, 2015: True Grit Album Announcement
Michaels announced his new solo album, "True Grit," on April 9, 2015, featuring 21 new and classic hits.
May 5, 2015: True Grit Digital Release
"True Grit" was released digitally on May 5, 2015.
May 2017: "Jorja Bleu" Release
In May 2017, Michaels released "Jorja Bleu," a tribute to his youngest daughter, as a sequel to his 2003 single "Raine."
2019: "Unbroken" Release
In 2019, Michaels released "Unbroken," co-written with his daughter Jorja Bleu, about overcoming adversity.
April 22, 2020: Competing on The Masked Singer
On April 22, 2020, Bret Michaels competed as 'Banana' in the third season of 'The Masked Singer', finishing in seventh place.
May 2020: Release of autobiography
In May 2020, Bret Michaels released his autobiography titled 'Bret Michaels: Auto-Scrap-ography Volume 1: My Life in Pictures & Stories'. It marks the first in a series of trilogies, initially planned for release in 2010 under a different title, but delayed for more content. The release coincides with his single 'Unbroken'.
December 2022: Announcement of 2023 Parti-Gras Tour
In December 2022, Bret Michaels announced the 2023 Parti-Gras Tour, which included performances by Jefferson Starship and Night Ranger, with special appearances by Steve Augeri and Mark McGrath. The tour ran from July 13 to August 6, 2023.
January 2023: Release of single 'Back in the Day'
In January 2023, Bret Michaels released his new solo single 'Back in the Day'. The song is a nostalgic road-trip anthem and premiered exclusively with a video on January 18, 2023.
October 2023: Adoption of husky named Bret Michaels
In October 2023, Bret Michaels adopted a husky named Bret Michaels from the Nebraska Humane Society after learning about the dog's act of donating blood to a sick kitten.