On Saturday, November 16, Bret Michaels, the legendary frontman of Poison, brought his wildly anticipated “Parti Gras 2.0” tour to Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Known for his high-energy performances and infectious charisma, Michaels took the stage for a night filled with electrifying music, good vibes, and a celebration of friendship and rock ‘n’ roll. Fans at the sold-out show were treated to an unforgettable experience, with Michaels delivering a blend of his solo hits, Poison classics, and surprise guest appearances.
A fan-filmed video of the entire concert, shot by Jim Powers, is circulating online, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of the night. You can check it out below to see Michaels’ high-octane performance and the electric atmosphere of the “Parti Gras 2.0” show.
The “Parti Gras 2.0” Festival Experience
Michaels has teamed up with Live Nation for the second edition of his solo touring festival, “Parti-Gras 2.0”, which he describes as a nothing-but-good-time music festival celebrating friendship, music, and positive energy. According to Michaels, the festival is meant to embody a sense of freedom, fun, and inclusivity—much like a modern-day tailgate bash but with a twist. The show is a fusion of various musical genres, offering something for everyone.
In an interview with Stu of 104.5 WJJK Indy’s Classic Hits, Michaels elaborated on his vision for the festival: “This is a music festival. When I was putting this together, I said this has to be truly a nothing-but-a-good-time, nothing-but-a-good-vibe music festival. I want it to be with people that are my friends. I admire their music. I admire their attitude and character.”
He went on to explain that his “Parti-Gras” events are special because of their eclectic mix of artists and surprise guests. “This one is 2.0,” he said, noting that each iteration of the festival brings new elements to the table. Michaels is known for bringing along not just his favorite musicians, but also celebrity friends like Guy Fieri (the star chef), the “Impractical Jokers”, and the cast of “Pawn Stars”. These unexpected surprises add a unique layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event, making each show a one-of-a-kind experience.
The “Parti-Gras” tour is described by Michaels as a blend of Jimmy Buffett‘s laid-back, party vibe mixed with the hard-hitting energy of AC/DC and the fun-loving spirit of Poison. It’s like a massive backyard barbecue with top-tier musical performances, a hint of Mardi Gras, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Lineup: Friends, Legends, and Surprise Guests
Throughout the 2024 trek of the “Parti-Gras” tour, Bret Michaels has partnered with some of rock music’s biggest names. Earlier shows included performances by Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, and country artist Chris Janson—a friend of Michaels and a longtime collaborator.
Michaels continues to bring together artists whose music and personalities he admires, creating an environment where musicians, fans, and celebrities come together to celebrate the joy of live music. It’s a festival, not just a concert.
“I created the ‘Parti-Gras’ festivals first and foremost as a fan of music, bringing along friends, bands, and hit songs,” Michaels explained in a statement announcing the tour. “I love it as a celebration of the music — no ego, just nothing but a good time.”
A True Rock ‘n’ Roll Experience
Bret Michaels’ commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience is clear. He wants his shows to be more than just a concert; he wants them to be an audiovisual experience. “I promise you that I really get into the details—all-killer hits, no filler,” he said. “I want it to be a great time from the minute you come through the gates. Let your Mardi Gras flag fly with bandanas and beads. I want it to smell like summertime in the sun.”
Michaels even takes it one step further by adding his own personal touch to the event. He mentioned, “I’m even pouring my own personal coconut rum into the hazers so everything smells good, looks good, sounds good, and feels good.”
It’s clear that Bret Michaels isn’t just performing for his fans—he’s giving them an experience that all five senses can enjoy. From the music to the atmosphere, everything is designed to create lasting memories and a true sense of community.
A Tribute to Veterans
In addition to the music and festivities, Michaels also takes time during each show to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. As the son of a veteran, he dedicates a portion of his performances to show his gratitude to those who have given their lives to protect freedom. It’s a heartfelt tribute that adds a deeper layer of meaning to the party vibe.
“I want to dedicate the show and my gratitude to the men and women that have served our country and given us the freedom to rock,” Michaels said, emphasizing his respect for the sacrifices made by service members.
What’s Next for the “Parti-Gras 2.0” Tour
With the success of the Bensalem show and the positive reception to the “Parti-Gras 2.0” festival, it’s clear that Bret Michaels is bringing his unique brand of rock and fun to fans across the country. The tour is set to hit other major cities throughout 2024, and fans can expect even more surprise guests, exciting collaborations, and unforgettable performances along the way.
Michaels’ “Parti-Gras” festivals are quickly becoming a must-see event for music lovers who want more than just a concert. They’re an experience—a celebration of music, friendship, and the pure joy of rocking out together.
So, if you’re lucky enough to catch Bret Michaels and his “Parti-Gras 2.0” show, prepare for an incredible night of music, fun, and surprises. And as always, keep an eye out for those surprise guests—because with Bret, you never know who might show up next!
