Bret Michaels suing over cancelled concert

The controversy surrounding the August 5 cancellation of the Bret Michaels concert at the Syracuse Regional Market took another interesting twist Wednesday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michaels is suing concert promoter Michael Banks for $5 million for "breaching his contract and exposing him to public contempt and ridicule with allegedly defamatory statements about his schedule."

According to the report, Michaels claims he wasn't paid two promised deposits and didn't know the show was canceled until he arrived in Syracuse the morning of the show.

Banks announced the show was canceled the day before, citing a conflict in Michaels' schedule, in reference to a pre-taped appearance on So You Think You Can Dance. Michaels was actually in Elmira performing at Tags the night before the scheduled Syracuse appearance.

Michaels promised fans he would return to Syracuse November 26 for a show using a different promoter. Tickets for the August show will not be honored for the rescheduled event.

Banks has promised to refund money paid by those who bought tickets in advance even if he "has to borrow the money." On his Web site, Banks states: "My advisors and I are working towards a plan of solution for this situation. Please check back for details upon its finalization."

I say good for you, Bret Michaels!