Guitarist For BRET MICHAELS' Solo Band: BRET Is 'A Survivor'

Pete Evick, who plays guitar in POISON frontman Bret Michaels' solo band, has issued the following update:

"I rarely speak out about Bret other than my own personal Facebook comments. But I wanted to reach out to all of you and let you know that we who are closest to Bret are overwhelmed with the amount of love and well wishes he is receiving.

"I know that everyone is waiting for some OFFICIAL news, however we just cant give any right now. This is a time for family, a time for healing and a time for love. It is out of respect first and foremost for his precious daughters, their mother and his immediate family that none of us say anything.

"The press has a way of taking information and doing what they want with it. At a critical time, we who care deepest for him refuse to offer any information that can be delivered incorrectly. Imagine if your children or parents read something even slightly not true about you or your health on the Internet. It's not fun.

"What I can tell you is that when I was invited into Bret's world over 5 years ago, I was introduced to a new level of strength and loyalty. So much that I had to rethink my whole life and how I do things.

"I thought I was a hard worker. I didn't understand that a man 10 years older than me, battling a lifelong war with juvenile diabetes, more fame than most, and more money than he knows what to do with could possibly get up every day with more drive and passion than myself. I was wrong!

"I didn't understand what it meant to be a loyal friend. The kind that would do anything you ever needed without even asking why, what, who or where.

"Bret is the kind of guy that wakes up every day and treats it like it is his first, and may be his last. He is full of passion, energy and love. But most of all, he is a survivor. Against the odds of a critical music industry, or battling a crippling disease, over and over again Bret has come out on top and ahead of the game. I personally expect nothing less from him in this situation.

"With all that being said, all Bret has ever really wanted to give is the gift of music. All he has ever asked for is the gift of music.

"We have been hard at work on the upcoming [Bret Michaels] 'Custon Built' record. To keep my own sanity in this last week, I dove heavy into the music. One of my personal favorites in a track called 'Wasted Time'. It is full of pure Bret Michaels emotion and heart.

"While not the final mix, I took some of the vocal we have laid down on the bus during the tour and comped together a piece of new music for you all. I believe all the fans will agree with me that this teaser is an amazing song.

"I hope you all use it, like I have this week, to remind you how amazing my great friend Bret is."

Check out the "Custom Built" preview at this location.