Poison drummer Rikki Rockett recently shared an indirect ‘warning’ to Bret Michaels about the band’s future touring plans. He also discussed potential shows for their upcoming 40th anniversary in an interview with Backstage Pass Radio.
The drummer addressed questions about new developments for the band and their touring prospects for the milestone anniversary.
Rockett provided details about their touring discussions when asked about what’s new and exciting for Poison regarding new music and upcoming plans.
“We have a tour on the table, and hopefully, we can work it out and do it,” Rockett said. “Because we’re talking about 2026 and it’s our 40-year anniversary, like doing 40 shows all across the country and maybe Canada.”
The drummer expressed broader ambitions for the anniversary tour. He also mentioned that the band members are not getting younger and should perform live while they still can. Rockett’s comments were viewed as a veiled warning to Bret Michaels, who has been performing with his solo band.
“Hopefully we can go out to other places like Europe and Australia, man, that’d be great,” he continued. “So that’s my wish. That’s my hope. We’re not getting any younger. The old band’s intact. We’re all original members. I don’t think there is any other original member bands left right now that I know of.”
The potential 2026 tour would mark four decades since Poison’s formation. All original members are still participating in the band.
Rockett’s comments reflect the band’s commitment to celebrating their remarkable longevity in the music industry. The anniversary tour represents a significant milestone for a group that has maintained its original lineup through decades of changes in the rock music landscape.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Rockett expressed amazement at reaching the 40-year mark. He stated that very few bands ever achieve such longevity. The drummer acknowledged the deep connections the band has formed with their touring crew over the years. He described them as mentors whose guidance has been invaluable throughout their career.
Blabbermouth noted that the band has committed to performing at least 40 dates during their anniversary year. The possibility of additional shows depends on demand and logistics. The tour structure remains flexible as the band considers both headlining opportunities and potential package deals with other acts.
“If there’s somebody that we can package with that makes sense, great. If there isn’t, then we’ll headline,” Rockett explained regarding the tour’s format.
The planned 2026 celebration would follow the band’s previous successful touring ventures. These include their 2018 “Nothin’ But A Good Time” tour alongside Cheap Trick and Pop Evil. Blabbermouth revealed that while Poison continues to tour regularly, their last studio album featuring new material was released in 2002. This makes their live performances the primary way fans can experience the band’s music.
The anniversary tour discussions highlight Poison’s enduring appeal. They also show the band’s recognition of the limited time remaining for the original members to perform together. Rockett’s emphasis on the band’s original lineup intact positions them as a rare example of consistency in an industry known for frequent personnel changes.
