In a newly released interview with Anthony Bryant of THE HAIR METAL GURU, POISON drummer RIKKI ROCKETT offered one of his most open and honest updates yet regarding the status of the band’s long-discussed 2026 tour. The run was initially planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of POISON’s breakthrough 1986 debut album, “LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN.” However, Rockett’s latest comments suggest that the tour may not happen after all, despite early optimism from most of the band.
During the conversation, Rockett explained that the situation has remained frustratingly idle for months. He noted that he, C.C. DEVILLE, and BOBBY DALL were ready to green-light the tour immediately. According to him, a strong offer had already been put forward by Live Nation, and the three members were in full agreement to move ahead. Yet the momentum stopped as soon as the proposal reached BRET MICHAELS, whose response has still not moved the project forward.
A Promising Tour Offer — Now Sitting Still
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“At this moment, it’s no different than it was a few months ago where we got an awesome offer from Live Nation, and C.C., Bobby and I agreed to it, talked about it. It went in Bret’s lap, and it hasn’t moved.”
Rockett then explained why time has become a critical factor. Large-scale summer tours require planning many months in advance, which includes staging, marketing, logistics, and venue availability. Because of these demands, a delay of even a few months can derail a full season of touring.
He broke down the timeline more clearly:
“Now we’re at a point probably where I don’t think we can get that tour to happen now. If by October you’re not moving on a tour of that size [for the following summer], it’s really, really hard to shoehorn that thing in and get it to happen. It’s not impossible, but it’s super, super hard.”
The drummer’s words suggest that even though excitement once surrounded the project, the 2026 anniversary run is slipping out of reach.
Where RIKKI ROCKETT and BRET MICHAELS Stand Today
When the conversation shifted toward his personal relationship with BRET MICHAELS, Rockett delivered an honest yet respectful answer. While the two remain cordial, he admitted they rarely communicate aside from exchanging supportive messages during difficult moments, such as when friends or crew members pass away. In contrast, Rockett maintains frequent and close communication with C.C. DEVILLE.
He reflected on the deep connection he shares with DeVille, noting that their bond extends back decades and includes meaningful family history.
“We don’t too much. We’re cordial… But C.C. I talk to all the time. But you have to realize that C.C.’s mom and my mom were best friends… They helped each other through cancer and different things.”
Adding a personal touch, Rockett shared that C.C. DEVILLE recently attended a BLUE ÖYSTER CULT show where Rockett performed with his current band, THE ROCKETT MAFIA. DeVille even hoped to join him onstage but couldn’t play due to an injury he described as a “hammer finger.”
Why Rikki Can’t Simply Text Bret To Get the Tour Moving
Some fans may naturally wonder why Rockett doesn’t simply message Michaels directly to push things forward. Rockett addressed this misconception openly. He explained that major touring decisions involve much more than a casual conversation. With significant financial investment, contracts, and long-term commitments on the line, it isn’t as simple as sending one text.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“I have thrown out a text to all four members and said, ‘Hey, let’s figure this out. Let’s do it.’ And it was tumbleweeds. That’s the kind of thing that is much bigger than just me throwing it out there on a text, ’cause there’s a lot of money involved and stuff.”
Rockett added that Michaels may sometimes avoid responding because he knows Rockett will ask tough but necessary questions. Even so, Rockett insisted that none of this comes from hostility.
“There’s not all this hate going around POISON; it’s not that. It’s frustration.”
The Reality of Committing to a Major Tour
Rockett also discussed the personal and practical challenges that come with committing to a large summer tour. Preparing for a run of that scale takes months of rehearsing, travel coordination, and lifestyle adjustments. He emphasized that despite the hard work, POISON always gives everything they have the moment they walk onstage.
Reflecting on their performance ethic during “The Stadium Tour,” Rockett explained:
“On ‘The Stadium Tour’, not one of us ever went out there half-a-s-ed; we always went out there a hundred percent.”
He then described the ritual the band shares before every performance, highlighting their sense of unity:
“We get together… we connect… we go out there and we do the very best we can for the fans.”
With a laugh, he added:
“One day that a hundred percent might be me coming out with a cane… But I’ll still give you that a hundred percent.”
(Laughs)
A Tour That Nearly Became Reality
When Rockett was asked whether he felt the 2026 tour ever came close to being finalized, he didn’t hesitate. He genuinely believed it was nearly finished.
“I thought it was a done deal. Seriously, I was just waiting for the contract to come to me and say, ‘Hey, sign on the dotted line.’”
For Rockett, touring remains both a passion and a natural part of his life. Even though he misses home while on the road, he brings his family along whenever possible. After 40 years of performing, the rhythm of touring remains effortless and familiar.
“I could tour every year, many months out of the year, as long as I could see my family… it’s so ingrained in me after 40 years.”
Will Fans Ever Get the Anniversary Tour?
Rockett hasn’t completely abandoned hope. Still, his tone suggests that unless communication among all four members improves soon, the anniversary celebration for “LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN” may not occur in 2026. He stressed that the band members do not dislike one another. Instead, the challenge lies in aligning schedules, decisions, and commitments at the right time.
For Now, Rikki Moves Ahead With THE ROCKETT MAFIA
As fans wait to see what the future holds for POISON, Rockett continues performing with THE ROCKETT MAFIA, playing select shows throughout the year. Meanwhile, the rock community continues to watch closely, hoping for any sign that the 40th-anniversary tour might still be revived.
