Rikki Rockett, the drummer for the iconic rock band Poison, recently reflected on the challenges faced during the release of their legendary album Open Up And Say … Ahh!. Notably, he recounted that Walmart initially refused to stock the album, citing concerns that the cover was “demonic.” This revelation sheds light on the intricate relationship between music art and retail decisions, illustrating how visual elements can influence sales channels in the music industry.

The controversy stemmed from the album’s cover art, which portrayed a striking, tribal figure with an exaggerated tongue. During an engaging interview on The Motley Croc Show, Rockett shared insights into how this provocative imagery was conceptualized and produced, highlighting the creative processes behind rock album artwork.

Rockett elaborated, saying, “My friend Mark Williams, who has sadly passed away, crafted that impressive tongue prop.” He continued, “The model we used for the shoot had a rock-inspired look, complete with voluminous hair and bold makeup. However, the initial feedback from the label deemed it insufficiently shocking, prompting us to rethink our approach.” This insight underscores the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries in their visual representation.

Despite the initial setback, Poison remained dedicated to their vision. They enlisted renowned rock photographer Neil Zlozower to elevate the concept further, ensuring that the final artwork truly encapsulated the band’s flamboyant style and rebellious spirit.

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Rockett recalled, “Bobby Dall, our bassist, and I worked closely with his girlfriend Bambi to create a striking visual. We applied bold stripes and used colored contacts to enhance her look, transforming her into a captivating muse for the photoshoot. The final result, featuring the iconic tongue, was met with widespread acclaim among our peers and fans alike.” This collaborative effort highlights the creativity and teamwork that goes into producing memorable rock imagery.

In stark contrast, Walmart’s reaction was less than favorable, illustrating the challenges artists face in the retail landscape.

Walmart’s Concerns Over Poison’s Cover Art: A Clash of Art and Retail Standards

“Walmart categorically rejected the cover,” Rockett confirmed. “At that time, Sam Walton, the founder, believed it depicted a demonic figure, and he simply would not allow it in stores.” This situation reflects the significant influence retailers can have over music distribution, often imposing their own standards of acceptability on artistic expression.

This left Poison and their management team in a tough position, forcing them to deliberate on their priorities as artists. “We convened with our management and label to discuss our options. Ultimately, we had to ask ourselves: Are we in the business of producing album covers, or are we focused on creating music that resonates with our audience?” Rockett said. “It became clear that our primary goal was to share our music with fans. With Walmart representing a significant portion of our sales—between 35 to 40 percent—it was crucial to consider the impact of our decisions on our market share.”

After careful consideration, a compromise was reached. The band agreed to modify the artwork, which allowed Walmart to carry the album in their stores. Released in April 1988, Open Up And Say … Ahh! ultimately achieved massive success, selling over five million copies in the United States, solidifying Poison’s place in rock history.

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