Rikki Rockett recently talked about the tensions within the legendary rock band Poison. He revealed there has been a rift among band members.
Rikki Rockett talks about tensions in Poison
On Talkin’ Bout Rock, the drummer discussed the current state of relationships within the band. He claimed that communication has broken down between certain members, particularly between himself and frontman Bret Michaels.
“I talk to C.C. all the time, at least once or twice a week,” Rockett explained.
“His mom and my mom were really close. My mom passed away, and his mom’s going through a lot right now. That’s kept us close on one level. I talk to Bobby less. Bobby keeps to himself a lot these days, which is okay if that’s how he is. Bobby can’t help himself but to talk about business, and sometimes he doesn’t want to talk about business, so he just doesn’t want to pick up the phone, you know what I mean? But Bret and I do not talk, unfortunately. That’s a shame—honestly, it is. So we get bits and pieces of stuff.”
The communication breakdown has directly impacted the band’s touring plans. Rockett provided an update on the possibility of a 2026 anniversary tour. While three of the four members have agreed to a contract from Live Nation, Michaels has not yet signed it.
“I’ll set the record straight as far as Poison touring: at this point in time, there is nothing on the books for a 2026 40th-anniversary tour,” Rockett stated. “I said it months ago when we got presented a contract from Live Nation to go on tour next year. C.C., Bobby and I agreed. We thought it was great. We thought the money was great. We thought the lay of the land looked great. Then Bret looked at it and has not agreed to anything. So literally that is where we’re at.”
Rikki Rockett recently addressed comments made by Pete Evick, Bret Michaels’ guitarist, about the band’s touring schedule and business decisions. Rockett shared his response on Facebook.
Evick had previously discussed Poison’s hesitation to tour as often as Bret Michaels’ solo band, suggesting that their differing schedules indicate different career priorities. Rockett disagreed with these remarks and clarified Poison’s stance on the issue.
“If Pete Evick thinks that the BMB [Bret Michaels Band] is carrying the Poison torch, then Pete must be a Bic lighter! Keep practicing CC’s solos, Pete!” Rockett said. “When POISON tours, we do 40 plus shows in a year. BMB does not do that. BMB is out there because Bret doesn’t want to tour with Poison. Not the other way around. Pete needs to stay out of the Poison business. That’s all.”
Evick later responded to Rockett’s criticism by clarifying his earlier remarks. He expressed respect for both Rockett and C.C. DeVille’s contributions to the band. Pete said, “Oh, Rikki Rockett, I love you, buddy, I truly do. I’m going to say this one time to you and all your fans and all the Poison Fans. First is… I’m not going to fight with Rikki, I’m not going to say anything negative. He is 100% correct in his statement.”
He continued, “CC is a hero and an influence of mine. He has also been a good friend to me on more than one occasion. EVEN if I played those solos NOTE FOR NOTE, they are his. I have never written a solo that millions of people can hum note for note; he has written several. I also never in a million years said ‘BMB’ was carrying the torch. I DID NOT SAY THAT. I said Bret was, and by that I mean his TV shows, his appearances at NFL games, his interviews. Just like Dee Snider, Rob Thomas, Mark McGrath, and so many others.”
