Rikki Rockett has spoken openly about growing tensions within Poison, offering new insight into the strained dynamics between the band members. In an interview on Talkin’ Bout Rock, the drummer detailed how communication among the group has deteriorated—especially between himself and frontman Bret Michaels.
“I talk to C.C. all the time, at least once or twice a week,” Rockett explained. “His mom and my mom were really close. My mom passed away, and his mom’s going through a lot right now. That’s kept us close on one level. I talk to Bobby less. Bobby keeps to himself a lot these days, which is okay if that’s how he is. Bobby can’t help himself but to talk about business, and sometimes he doesn’t want to talk about business, so he just doesn’t want to pick up the phone, you know what I mean? But Bret and I do not talk, unfortunately. That’s a shame—honestly, it is. So we get bits and pieces of stuff.”
According to Rockett, the lack of communication has directly impacted Poison’s touring future. He addressed the status of a possible 2026 40th-anniversary tour, revealing that three members had already agreed to a Live Nation proposal—but Michaels had not. “I’ll set the record straight as far as Poison touring: at this point in time, there is nothing on the books for a 2026 40th-anniversary tour,” Rockett stated. “I said it months ago when we got presented a contract from Live Nation to go on tour next year. C.C., Bobby and I agreed. We thought it was great. We thought the money was great. We thought the lay of the land looked great. Then Bret looked at it and has not agreed to anything. So literally that is where we’re at.”
This stalemate marks a major shift in what had once been promising tour plans. Earlier in the year, Metal Wani reported Rockett’s comments that Poison had received “a great offer” for a 2026 headlining run. His proposed vision included “40 shows all across the country and maybe Canada” to honor the 40 years since the band formed in 1986.
However, Michaels’ hesitation remains the biggest hurdle. WDRV noted that the singer previously explained he was focusing on his health throughout 2025, including managing diabetes. He also suggested that 2026 “would be the perfect” time for a 40th-anniversary run featuring “40 awesome limited dates.” Despite those remarks, no official plans have been finalized.
The underlying rift goes deeper than just contract negotiations. Drummerworld highlighted Rockett’s frustration with Michaels’ extensive solo touring, which contributed to Poison being off the road for five years. Rockett expressed his mixed feelings, stating: “There’s some resentment, but not resentment like I want him to fail. I want him to do good. I just want Poison to be important too, and I would like to put a little more energy into Poison.”
Rockett has also acknowledged that he and Michaels rarely communicate, a factor that continues to stall any touring resolution. As Blabbermouth reported, Rockett admitted that the two are not in regular contact, making it difficult to move forward. With time becoming a critical factor for the original lineup to perform together again, Poison’s future touring prospects remain uncertain—leaving both the band and their fans waiting for clarity.
