The diabetic vocalist was forced off stage after three songs last week as his blood-sugar level plummeted. He was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe form of flu, and later cancelled two further shows.

And Evick - who's been present while Michaels fought off a brain haemorrhage, heart disease and emergency appendectomy in recent years - says he's never seen his bandmate in such a bad condition.

He reports: "It took a team of doctors, friends and family to convince Bret not to return to the stage. He doesn't believe it's right, but those close to him would rather have him miss one more day than to cause more problems by pushing himself.