Poison drummer Rikki Rockett recently addressed speculation about the band potentially replacing frontman Bret Michaels in an interview with Page Sixx. This follows the cancellation of their 2026 tour due to disagreements over money splits. Rockett claimed Michaels sought six times more pay than the others.
Rockett’s comments came amid discussions about whether the remaining members—himself, C.C. DeVille, and Bobby Dall—might consider touring with a new singer instead of Michaels.
“It’s not out of the question. But doing that is like surgery: it’s the last resort. I don’t want to do that,” Rockett said.
The drummer emphasized that despite their current disagreement, there’s no personal animosity between the band members.
“I’m not quarreling with Bret… We just didn’t come to agreement. I don’t like it, and I’ll say that, but it’s not like, ‘Let’s put up our dukes.’ I don’t think there’s a better frontman for Poison,” he continued.
The current dispute marks a significant setback for the legendary rock band. The band has maintained its core lineup for decades despite various challenges throughout their career.
Rolling Stone India reported that the Poison 40th anniversary tour is no longer happening due to the financial disagreements. Bret Michaels and others in the band spent years teasing this tour. The band was formed in 1983 in Pennsylvania before moving to Los Angeles. They rose to fame with their 1986 debut album *Look What the Cat Dragged In*, featuring hits like “Talk Dirty to Me.”
Parade revealed that the three band members—C.C. DeVille, Rikki Rockett, and Bobby Dall—had agreed on the financial arrangements. However, Michaels’ demands created an impasse. This disagreement has effectively put the milestone anniversary celebration on indefinite hold.
The timing of the cancellation is particularly disappointing for fans. Fox News noted that Poison’s last full-band tour was in 2022 alongside Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Joan Jett. The 40th anniversary tour would have been a significant milestone for the band and their devoted fanbase.
Despite the current tensions, Rockett’s statements suggest that the door remains open for future reconciliation. He clearly views replacing Michaels as an undesirable last resort that would fundamentally change the band’s identity.
