In a recent candid interview on the Cobras & Fire podcast, POISON drummer Rikki Rockett shed light on the band’s trajectory following the monumental success of the 2022 "The Stadium Tour" alongside Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard. Rockett revealed that while he was eager to capitalize on the tour’s momentum and continue performing with POISON in subsequent years, the band’s forward movement was primarily influenced by frontman Bret Michaels’ desire to focus on his solo endeavors with the Bret Michaels Band (BMB). This revelation opens a window into the perennial challenges faced by long-standing rock bands navigating individual ambitions alongside collective momentum.
Rockett expressed his readiness to hit the road with POISON the very next year, stating, "Yeah, I was ready to go out the next year, honestly. Bret [Michaels, POISON frontman] was pursuing BRET MICHAELS BAND. I mean, it’s that simple. There really is no other… I could lie, but that’s the beginning and the end of it. He wanted to go out there with his solo band and do stuff. And he wanted to give it a shot with all that, and use that momentum to do that. And so he did. And hopefully that’ll change in the new year, and we’ll get back out there." This statement directly addresses the perceived pause in POISON’s collective touring activity, attributing it to Michaels’ personal career pursuits.
When questioned about concrete plans for POISON to tour in 2027, Rockett indicated that nothing is finalized yet. "Not yet," he confirmed. This leaves the door open for future collaborations but underscores the current absence of a defined touring schedule for the iconic quartet.
The discussion also touched upon the sensitive topic of potentially touring with a different vocalist if Michaels remains focused on his solo career. Rockett acknowledged that such discussions have occurred during moments of frustration but emphasized they have never escalated to serious contemplation. "We’ve talked about that when we’ve gotten upset, just like I’m sure Bret’s talked about replacing me when he’s gotten upset. But there hasn’t been any serious discussion about that," Rockett admitted. This insight suggests a complex but ultimately resilient dynamic within the band, where disagreements are expressed but not acted upon in a manner that would fundamentally alter the group’s lineup.
A historical precedent for the band members seeking to maintain performance momentum independently emerged when Rockett and his then-bandmate Brandon Gibbs, alongside POISON bassist Bobby Dall and guitarist C.C. DeVille, formed "The Special Guests" in 2015. This project was widely interpreted as a move to keep their performance chops sharp and demonstrate their willingness to play together even when Michaels was pursuing solo projects. This period highlights the internal tension between individual artistic expression and the collective identity of POISON, a dynamic that has seemingly persisted over the years.
A Shifting Timeline: From 2026 to 2027 and Beyond
The prospect of a POISON reunion tour has been a recurring topic of conversation, with shifting timelines and reported disagreements. In April, Bret Michaels himself addressed the possibility of a 2027 tour during an appearance on SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk." He expressed optimism, stating, "We’re hoping to go back out in ’27, ’cause I know it’s a big question. I think – I really strongly think ’27, without going into details yet, is going to be a good reunion year for POISON. I think it’s gonna be awesome."
Michaels also directly addressed Rikki Rockett’s earlier claims regarding the cancellation of a proposed 2026 tour, which Rockett had attributed to Michaels demanding a significantly disproportionate share of the tour’s revenue. Michaels offered his perspective, stating, "Most people like the drama. I’m an anti-drama guy. I love the guys. I think ’27 is gonna be great." He further elaborated on his relationship with Rockett, emphasizing their brotherhood and the potential for collaboration despite differing opinions. "Rikki is my brother. And you’re allowed to agree and you’re allowed to disagree, but we’re gonna go out there and make it an incredible [tour], honestly," Michaels stated. He added, "If ’27 all works out here… we’ll jump on the phone, get the whole band on there, or at least me and Rikki just talking it up and be able to lay out some dates and bring a great reunion tour. But I’m grateful for POISON and I love my brothers and and sisters in the BMB [Bret Michaels Band, Bret’s solo group], and I don’t see any reason we can’t do both and make it great." This indicates Michaels’ belief that both solo and band commitments can coexist.
Adding further context to the timeline shifts, Michaels, in a January interview with 99.1 WPLR’s "Chaz & AJ In The Morning," denied that the 40th-anniversary tour had fallen apart due to financial disputes. He even teased that a potential 2027 tour might be named "40 Plus One," acknowledging that it would occur around the 41st anniversary of their debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In."
Michaels explained the delay, stating, "As this thing got further down the road… Remember, when you’re booking stuff, we’re already booking stuff solo into ’27. So this just got backed up. And I’m hoping that, as a founding member, obviously that would be a great day, and I’m positive we can make that happen in ’27." He clarified his stance on the alleged financial demands that led to the 2026 tour’s dissolution. "Well, I’m gonna answer that honestly. It never happened. We never got to that part of negotiations."
Navigating Negotiations: The Financial Discrepancy Allegations
The core of the reported friction appears to stem from financial expectations. Rikki Rockett, in a January 2026 interview with Page Six of the New York Post, explicitly detailed his understanding of the situation. "We had a great offer, I thought, but we left the table. It didn’t work," Rockett stated at the time. He further elaborated, "Really what it came to was C.C., Bobby and I were all in, and I thought Bret was, but he wanted the lion’s share of the money, to the point where it makes it not possible to even do it. It’s like $6 to every one of our dollars. You just can’t work that way." Rockett emphasized his motivation beyond mere financial gain, asserting, "I don’t do this just for the money. I do have a love for this, absolutely. But at the same time, you don’t want to go out and work really hard just to make somebody else a bunch of money."
Bret Michaels, however, presented a different narrative regarding the negotiation process. He explained that when tour discussions commence, the initial step involves presenting solo earnings and averages. "What comes up on the table is, what’s people making solo? What are we doing? You throw it out there," Michaels said. He also stressed that the negotiations never reached a point where specific financial figures were definitively agreed upon or rejected. "It never finished, the negotiations, on everything. Where’s the tour start? Who’s opening for us? What lights, what sound, what’s the stage look like?"
Michaels highlighted the complexity of orchestrating a large-scale tour involving multiple founding members. "It’s hard to explain to everybody how much goes into making a show great. And with me, when I’m solo. I could make this decision on the bum runners. If I’m out with POISON, we’re four founding members. And rightfully so for that situation. So I wanna make sure the fans hear the truth. It should be a four-way discussion. That’s what POISON’s meant to be." This statement underscores his belief in a collaborative decision-making process for the band’s major undertakings.
The Band’s Enduring Legacy and Future Prospects
POISON, formed in 1983, achieved massive success with their 1986 debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In." The band’s enduring appeal, particularly their high-energy live performances, has cemented their status as one of rock’s most beloved acts. The "Stadium Tour" in 2022, which grossed an estimated $100 million, demonstrated the continued drawing power of POISON and their co-headliners, suggesting a strong appetite among fans for their music.
The recent exchanges between Rockett and Michaels, while highlighting a degree of tension, also reveal a shared commitment to the band’s legacy. Michaels’ repeated assurances of friendship and his desire to resolve issues directly with his bandmates, rather than through public interviews, suggest a foundational respect despite disagreements. "If you wanna discuss something, we have each other’s phone number for the last 45 years," he remarked. "No offense. I love Rikki. I love Bobby. I love C.C. Don’t negotiate on the air [during an interview]. Just call me on the phone, and we’ll work out what[ever needs to be worked out]. We’ve worked it out for 40 other years. Let’s work out what we need to work out."
The implications of these ongoing discussions extend beyond just the band members. Fans eagerly anticipate new touring opportunities and the possibility of new music, though no new material has been released by POISON since their 2007 album "Toys in the Attic." The band’s ability to overcome internal disagreements and leverage their collective momentum will be crucial in determining their future touring plans and whether they can continue to deliver the electrifying live shows that have defined their career for decades. The current focus on 2027 as a potential reunion year, coupled with Michaels’ optimistic outlook, offers a glimmer of hope for fans looking forward to another chapter in the POISON saga. However, the resolution of financial expectations and the alignment of individual career goals with the band’s collective ambitions remain critical factors in making any future tours a reality.
