Bret Michaels Undergoes Emergency Appendectomy

The rocker/reality star "is doing well and beginning the recovery process," his rep says

Photo: Gus Ruelas/AP

Bret Michael tried to ignore the pain in his stomach Sunday night, hoping he could make the stage for a show in San Antonio, Texas.

But by 1 a.m. Monday, the 47-year-old rocker and contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice had to be rushed to the hospital with what he thought was a severe case of the flu. Instead, he underwent an emergency appendectomy.

Michaels “remains in the hospital, is doing well and beginning the recovery process,” his rep says.

“Michaels, who has been known to perform under extreme conditions that would make most performers cancel, will unfortunately have no choice but to reschedule some of his April tour dates,” the rep adds.

He also suffered injuries, including a broken nose, when he was hit by a set piece during the 2009 Tony Awards.

PeopleTV Archive: Bret Michaels Rocks Your World