Poison drummer Rikki Rockett shared insights about choosing between Slash and C.C. DeVille in a recent interview with The Hair Metal Guru.
“It was close,” Rockett revealed about the selection process. “I think CC just sort of made more sense.”
“CC is a different kind of writer,” he continued. “I mean a lot of those riffs on the first Guns N’ Roses record, they’re Tracii Guns. So know that too. I’m not taking anything away from Slash. But I’m saying you know ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ it’s Tracii all over it.”
The conversation focused on the period following Matt Smith’s departure from Poison. The band was evaluating potential replacements for their guitarist position during this time.
This guitarist selection marked a defining moment for the band as they developed their signature sound and image.
In a statement documented by Blabbermouth, Rockett drew parallels between band dynamics and sports teams. He emphasized how mutual respect among members drives success.
Matt Smith’s exit stemmed from personal circumstances. His girlfriend’s pregnancy and lifestyle differences created a gap between him and the band’s direction.
The band’s judgment about C.C. DeVille yielded impressive results. The Aquarian reported that their debut album ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ reached triple platinum status. This achievement was particularly notable given the album’s limited recording budget.
The strategic choice of DeVille solidified Poison’s place in rock history. His distinctive guitar work became fundamental to their trademark sound.
