Former Poison guitarist Richie Kotzen shared insights about his tenure with the band in a video on Iron Milton. Record executive Tom Whalley convinced the initially hesitant Kotzen to meet with Bret Michaels.
“It was Tom Whalley that said, ‘Listen, Bret Michaels has been calling about you. He saw you on the cover of Guitar World, and he wants to meet you,'” Kotzen recalled. “I flipped out even more — I said, ‘Are you out of your f*cking mind? I don’t want to make a hard rock record.'”
“The minute I met him, I really liked him, because he’s from Pennsylvania too,” he continued. “We really connected, but then he kind of got me with, ‘Look, I don’t want someone to come in here and just do what they’re told. I want someone to write an album with.'”
The collaboration produced the gold-shipping album ‘Native Tongue.’ Kotzen contributed original material including the song ‘Stand.’ MTV’s changing landscape affected the album’s later success, yet Kotzen remains proud of the record’s quality and impact.
Kotzen’s involvement with Poison transformed the band’s musical direction. This partnership led to one of their most musically diverse albums.
Multi-Talented Contribution
The Rock Review highlights Kotzen’s expansive role beyond guitar duties. His vocal contributions to the album earned comparisons to Chris Cornell’s distinctive style.
His vocal abilities particularly enhanced tracks like ‘Bring It Home’ and ‘Until You Suffer Some (Fire and Ice).’ These performances added fresh dimensions to Poison’s signature sound.
Album Reception And Impact
Blabbermouth notes that critics and fans consider ‘Native Tongue’ among Poison’s strongest albums. The record represents a mature evolution in their musical journey.
The album achieved gold certification immediately after its release. Changes in music television programming later affected its commercial momentum.
Personal Challenges
Ultimate Classic Rock documents the sudden end of Kotzen’s time with Poison. Personal conflicts, including a relationship with drummer Rikki Rockett’s fiancée, led to his departure.
The dramatic conclusion didn’t diminish Kotzen’s musical legacy with the band. His contributions to ‘Native Tongue’ remain significant in Poison’s history.
