Poison’s iconic drummer Rikki Rockett has officially announced the band’s exciting plans to embark on a highly anticipated tour in 2026. This tour will mark a significant milestone as the band celebrates the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In. During an engaging conversation with Sirius XM host Eddie Trunk, Rockett expressed his astonishment at reaching this remarkable anniversary, stating, “I cannot believe it’s going to be a 40th anniversary. There are very few bands that ever make it to 40 years, and it’s rare for people to stay at the same job or in long-term relationships for that long. This is truly extraordinary.”
Rockett shared his surprise at the band’s enduring success, admitting he never anticipated that Poison would achieve such longevity in the music industry. He expressed feeling “blown away” by the upcoming milestone and the journey the band has taken over the decades.
Reflecting on the past, Rockett recalled advice given to him by their first manager early in their career: “Just remember you have to come down the steps that you go up.” This wisdom has resonated with him throughout their lengthy career. He emphasized that after spending years on the road, the crew has become like family to them. However, he also acknowledged the bittersweet aspect of their journey, which includes losing some of the talented individuals who played vital roles in their success.
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“We didn’t take a bunch of kids out on the road with us,” Rockett noted. “Most of our team members were seasoned professionals who guided us along the way. They served as mentors, and sadly, many of them are no longer with us. It’s tough to cope with that loss, but on a positive note… we are gearing up for this tour, and it’s going to be incredibly exciting.”
Although Rockett did not provide extensive details about the tour, he indicated that plans are still in the early stages of development. He hinted that the upcoming tour will likely feature a combination of headlining performances as well as shows alongside another prominent act, promising a thrilling experience for fans.
Bret Michaels Initially Proposed the Exciting 40th Anniversary Tour for Poison
Rockett’s recent statements regarding the 2026 Poison tour align with an idea that was initially put forth by the band’s charismatic frontman, Bret Michaels. In a social media post back in September, Michaels mentioned that it “would make perfect sense to have the possibility of a reunion in 2026.” He added, “In my opinion, it would be the perfect 40th anniversary tour.” Although this year he is focused on solo performances, including festival appearances and his ongoing Parti Gras tour, fans are eager to see what the future holds.
Meanwhile, Rockett is busy with his latest project, the Rockett Mafia, which showcases his musical talents alongside singer Brandon Gibbs from Devil City Angels, guitarist Mick Sweda of BULLETBOYS, and bassist Bryan Kimes. This new venture allows Rockett to explore different musical styles while maintaining his connection to the glam metal roots that have defined his career.
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Gallery Credit: Bryan Rolli