In a recent conversation with Robert Edwards of Talkin’ Bout Rock, Rikki Rockett, the longtime drummer of POISON, offered unusually candid insight into where things stand between him and his bandmates today. Since the band last performed together more than three years ago, fans have continued to wonder whether the members remain in touch and whether a reunion tour might finally return to the schedule. Because Rockett addressed both topics in detail, the interview quickly gained attention among followers eager for clarity.
During the discussion, Rockett was asked if he still communicates with Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, and C.C. DeVille. His response was honest and emotional, especially when describing the different ways each relationship has evolved.
Below is his full statement, exactly as spoken.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“I talk to C.C. all the time, at least once or twice a week. And his mom and my mom were really close. And my mom passed away, and his mom’s going through a lot right now. And 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… Bobby can’t help himself but to talk about business, and sometimes he doesn’t wanna talk about business, so he just doesn’t wanna pick up the phone, you know what I mean? But Bret and I do not talk, unfortunately. And that’s a shame — honestly, it is. So we get bits and pieces of stuff.”
Rockett’s Reunion Hopes and the Future of POISON
Although fans often hope for a full-scale POISON comeback, Rockett explained that the situation behind the scenes is more complex than it may appear. Over the past several months, he has been performing occasional shows with his new band, THE ROCKETT MAFIA. Still, he made it clear that the idea of a 2026 POISON tour has been discussed — particularly because it would mark the 40th anniversary of their debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In.”
However, Rockett also emphasized that, despite initial optimism, nothing has officially been scheduled.
Here is his full explanation, exactly as stated:
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“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. And 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. And then Bret looked at it and has not agreed to anything. So literally that is where we’re at.”
Understanding the Touring Differences Within the Band
After addressing the hold-up, Rockett continued by explaining why touring expectations may be one reason behind the disagreement. According to him, Bret Michaels approaches touring very differently in his solo career compared to the touring structure used by POISON. Since large-scale arena tours require long stretches away from home, the commitment is significant.
Because many fans do not realize how these differences affect planning, Rockett broke it down clearly:
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“I’m not trying to bash Bret. I’m not trying to start any fights… But one thing you have to understand is, for instance, the Bret Michaels [solo] band tours very differently from the way POISON tours. POISON tours the way DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE and Luke Bryan or whoever [tours], where we basically kiss our families goodbye for three-plus months, or however long it’s gonna be, and go out on a tour bus and trucks, and we’re playing five nights a week, sometimes six nights a week. And that’s not how Bret tours [with his solo band]. He does weekend-warrior stuff, which there’s nothing wrong with that at all. Joan Jett does it — I mean, tons of bands do this. THE ROCKETT MAFIA does it. We can’t play in Omaha, Nebraska on a Tuesday night and make any money. We’ll be upside down. But at the level we’ve managed to get to [with POISON], and DEF LEPPARD and bands like this, you can play on a Tuesday night and people will come, at the right time. You still have to manage it correctly.”
A Deeper Look at the Band’s Internal Dynamic
Because POISON has been together for more than four decades, the dynamics between the members have naturally shifted over time. Rockett’s comments suggest that while friendships remain — particularly with C.C. DeVille — distance has grown in other areas. Still, he stressed that he takes no personal shots at Michaels. Instead, he simply explained the practical business differences that affect long-term touring decisions.
Even so, the honesty of his answer revealed how challenging these situations can be. The band’s success has always relied on cooperation, and although touring disagreements are common in the industry, fans remain hopeful that POISON will return for a celebratory anniversary tour.
Will POISON Tour Again?
At the moment, Rockett made it clear that no plans are confirmed. However, he also highlighted that three of the four members have already agreed to return to the road. Because of that, there is still a possibility that the situation may change. If Bret Michaels reconsiders the proposal, 2026 could become an exciting and nostalgic year for fans.
Until then, Rockett remains active with THE ROCKETT MAFIA, while POISON fans continue to watch closely for updates.
