Founding Poison drummer Rikki Rockett has announced plans to perform tribute shows featuring the band’s debut album with his new group, The Rockett Mafia, as reported by Blabbermouth.
The announcement comes after Poison’s 2026 tour plans were canceled due to disputes over Bret Michaels’s financial demands. Rockett’s press release detailed his plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Look What the Cat Dragged In.”
“Rikki Rockett and the Rockett Mafia to Play Poison Tribute Concert. Founding Poison drummer Rikki Rockett announces his plans to do a tribute performance of Poison’s Look What the Cat Dragged In with the Rockett Mafia,” the press release stated. “This year marks the album’s 40th anniversary, which features the hits ‘Talk Dirty to Me,’ ‘I Want Action,’ ‘Cry Tough,’ and the album’s namesake ‘Look What the Cat Dragged in.'”
The drummer emphasized the historic nature of the performances. He noted this would be the first time the album would be played in its entirety.
“This is a historic moment for all Poison fans, as this is the first time that Look What the Cat Dragged In is going to be played in its entirety,” Rockett continued. “Rockett’s involvement with the performance creates a unique and authentic experience that will electrify the rock scene with the Rockett Mafia while honoring Poison’s legacy.”
Rockett also shared his personal perspective on the tribute shows. He described them as a meaningful return to the band’s roots.
“Playing Poison’s first album with the Rockett Mafia is a full-circle moment for me,” he said. “It’s raw, it’s fun, and it’s exactly how those songs were meant to be heard. Celebrating the 40th anniversary is really about giving the fans a chance to relive that moment with us.”
The decision to move forward with tribute shows comes amid ongoing tensions within the band that have prevented a proper reunion tour. The financial disagreements that derailed Poison’s anniversary plans highlight deeper issues that have kept the original lineup from performing together.
Fox News reported that Rockett revealed Michaels was demanding $6 for every $1 his bandmates would earn—a 600% disparity that made the tour financially untenable. This extreme pay gap effectively killed any hopes of a traditional Poison reunion tour for the milestone anniversary.
The band’s absence from the touring circuit has been notable in recent years. Stereogum noted that Poison hasn’t performed together since their 2022 stadium tour opening for Mötley Crüe, making this 40th anniversary a significant milestone that fans had hoped would bring the band back together.
The financial dispute represents a broader pattern of disagreements that have plagued the band’s attempts at reunification. Eddie Trunk confirmed that the 40th anniversary tour was scrapped entirely over these financial disagreements. This left fans disappointed and band members pursuing separate projects.
With the original band unable to reach an agreement, Rockett’s tribute shows with The Rockett Mafia offer fans the closest experience to hearing the classic album performed live. Concert dates are still being finalized, with fans encouraged to follow The Rockett Mafia on social media for updates.
