Here’s a bombshell for all the POISON fans out there: Rikki Rockett has openly admitted that he and Bret Michaels aren’t on speaking terms, and there’s no 2026 tour in the works—yet. But here’s where it gets controversial... Is Bret Michaels holding the band back, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? Let’s dive in.
In a recent heart-to-heart with Robert Edwards of Talkin' Bout Rock, Rikki Rockett spilled the beans on his current relationships with his POISON bandmates—Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, and C.C. DeVille. Over three years since their last gig together, Rikki’s communication with the guys varies wildly. He chats with C.C. regularly, at least once or twice a week, partly because their moms were close. Sadly, Rikki’s mom has passed away, and C.C.’s mom is going through a tough time, which has kept them bonded. Bobby, on the other hand, keeps to himself these days, often avoiding calls because he doesn’t want to discuss business. And this is the part most people miss... Rikki and Bret? They’re not talking at all. Rikki laments, ‘That’s a shame—honestly, it is.’
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the rumored 2026 tour to celebrate POISON’s 40th anniversary. Rikki set the record straight—there’s nothing officially planned. Months ago, Live Nation offered them a contract for a tour, and while Rikki, C.C., and Bobby were all in, Bret hasn’t agreed to anything. Is Bret the holdout, or is there more to the story? Rikki insists he’s not trying to bash Bret, but he points out a key difference in their touring styles. POISON tours like the big leagues—DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE—hitting the road for months at a time, playing five or six nights a week. Bret, however, prefers weekend gigs with his solo band, which Rikki admits is totally fine for many artists. But for POISON, it’s all or nothing.
Speaking of big tours, Rikki reflected on POISON’s delayed North American trek with DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE, and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS. While the experience was incredible, it wasn’t without its quirks. Stadiums, it turns out, aren’t always designed for massive rock tours. Their bus was often miles away, and they’d end up in less-than-glamorous dressing rooms. But the energy from the fans? Unmatched. Rikki calls it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ and he’s right—playing 40 nights at that level is no small feat. And here’s the kicker... Despite the challenges, Rikki and the band never phone it in. ‘We pride ourselves in giving it everything we’ve got,’ he says. Even if they’re not at their peak, they leave it all on stage.
Back to the 2026 tour—Rikki’s been vocal about his desire to make it happen. In a SiriusXM interview, he revealed they’d received a ‘great offer’ for a headlining tour, and most of the band was ready to sign on. But again, it’s up to Bret. Rikki’s frustration is palpable, but he remains hopeful. ‘We’re not getting any younger,’ he says. ‘Let’s do it while we still can.’
Bret Michaels, however, has his own perspective. In a 2024 interview, he hinted at the complexity of planning a POISON tour. ‘It’s a committee,’ he explained. Unlike his solo gigs, where he calls the shots, POISON requires everyone’s input. He also mentioned focusing on his health in 2025, which might explain his hesitation. But is that the whole story? Rikki’s recent Facebook posts suggest otherwise. He flat-out stated, ‘Bret doesn’t want to tour in 2025,’ later clarifying it wasn’t a fight, just the facts. So, what’s really going on here?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is Bret Michaels the reason POISON isn’t hitting the road, or are there deeper issues at play? Rikki’s openness about their lack of communication and Bret’s touring preferences certainly raises eyebrows. But let’s not forget—these guys are like brothers, with occasional fistfights and all. As Bret put it, ‘We work it out like a band of brothers.’
So, what do you think? Is Bret holding POISON back, or is there more to this story? Should the band push forward without him, or is POISON simply not POISON without all original members? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to rock the boat!
