Pinktober just wouldn't taste right without a visit from Bret.

For 4 years in a row, rock music's ultimate philanthropist has thrown the "pink" switch at Universal Orlando's Hard Rock Hotel. Pinktober is Hard Rock's breast cancer awareness campaign, which kicks off with a (sold out!) lobby rock show.

Just an hour before his concert, we zig-zagged past the meet-n'-greet line and were led into a suite. This year, we took our interview straight to the bedroom.

ALLISON WALKER: I'm diggin' these pink sheets, Bret. So people can stay in one of these special rooms throughout October and 25 percent of the rate goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

BRET MICHAELS: Once you hit the bed that's pink, you can say anything you want! [Laughing]. For me, and I'll be very honest with you; going through relatives that have had breast cancer [and] friends - there's a girl this year that comes out every year. This year, she's really sick and won't be with us this year and that's what motivates it. It's not just the money that's raised. It's not just that. It's the awareness. It's people being respected for what they're going through, such a traumatic time in their life... For people to come here, have a great time, a great concert, a great party, but to go for such a great cause - and, like I said, the Hard Rock, when I say I've been working with them throughout my entire career, what they really mean is they give so much back. They're such a charitable organization and it makes a huge difference. And they make people feel good.

AW: In 2015, your tour with Poison starts when?

BM: In 2015, we - as Poison - I'm thinking -  not officially going on record, but rumoring - I'm going to say probably after Memorial Day weekend. I'm just thinking of reuniting all of the original - cuz we can't go out with all of the original guys. It's gotta be CC, Bobby and myself and I think we're going to have to throw a mega Poison summer bash together next year.

AW: I've gotta know something about your "Jammin' With Friends" album. Were you eating turkey and stuffing when you and Loretta Lynn decided to collaborate?

BM: That's exactly -- I wish I could tell you it was different in that we went there on a day off. We were traveling from Atlanta, GA and going toward Illinois. We went to Loretta's and --

AW: Wait, how did you have that happen?

BM: We've known her over the years and we know a bunch of people that work around her and for her. So she called and said, 'Bret, I'd love you to come up.' We went up - all of our van crew, buses, trucks and we had Thanksgiving. I'm a huge Motocross freak. I do the Supercross stuff - big motorcycle enthusiast. So I got to take my dirt bike out and ride on her track on Thanksgiving Day. The we played "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" acoustically in her house and the next thing you know, we were recording "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." Joe Perry from Aerosmith heard it, so he came on and played. Hugh McDonald from Bon Jovi [too], and we re-made [it] and it was killer.

AW: Did you freak out more, or did she freak out?

BM: No, I freaked out a little bit! Not gonna lie. I hid it. I acted very calm. Inside, the heart was pounding.

I asked Bret about his new book, TV projects, and his health. Find out what he said that caught the attention of public relations (yep - may have had to do with the bed again). Our extended chat is in the VIDEO section up top.

Meanwhile, here's info we got from a press release about Pinktober:

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando invites guests to ‘Get into Bed for the Cause’ by adding a pop of PINK this October in honor of the brand’s 15th annual "Pinktober" breast cancer awareness campaign. Bret Michaels's Velvet Sessions performance Thursday, September 25 launched the annual campaign. Proceeds from the event’s silent auction featured hotel stays, dining experiences and more that benefited Ribbon Riders, a Central Florida-based non-profit dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance to those fighting breast cancer.

Hard Rock’s commitment to breast cancer awareness and research continues throughout October with the ‘Get into Bed for the Cause’ campaign offering guests luxurious pink sheets, pink duvet covers, pink robes, an iconic Hard Rock "Pinktober" pin and a signature turndown service in select guest rooms at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. When guests stay in pink sheets rooms, the hotel donates 25 percent of the room rate directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Hard Rock’s "Pinktober" gives fans the opportunity to show their promise to pink throughout the month. Fans can visit their local Hard Rock and party for pink, dancing the night away to the sounds of icons and rising stars to benefit local breast cancer organizations. Supporters can also get noticed in stylish shades of pink with Hard Rock’s "Pinktober" merchandise.

Proceeds from the sale of "Pinktober" products will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Caron Keating Foundation (U.K.) with 15 percent of the retail price of each pin and other products going directly to the cause.