What's Happening?
Poison, the iconic hair metal band, has canceled plans for a 40th anniversary tour celebrating their debut album 'Look What the Cat Dragged In.' According to drummer Ricki Rockett, the cancellation is attributed
to frontman Bret Michaels' financial demands. Rockett revealed that Michaels requested a 600% higher payday compared to his bandmates, which made the tour financially unfeasible. Despite having a strong offer on the table, the band could not reach an agreement due to the disparity in compensation expectations. Rockett expressed disappointment over the situation, noting that while he and other band members, C.C. DeVille and Bobby Dall, were ready to proceed, Michaels' demands were insurmountable. Rockett also mentioned the possibility of performing with a different frontman, although he considers it a last resort. In the meantime, Rockett plans to tour with his side band, Rockett Mafia, and hopes to revisit the idea of a Poison tour in 2027.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of Poison's anniversary tour highlights the challenges bands face in balancing financial expectations and group dynamics. For fans, this means missing out on a significant milestone celebration of a band that played a pivotal role in the hair metal genre. The situation underscores the complexities of band reunions, where individual financial aspirations can clash with collective goals. This development may impact the band's legacy and fan engagement, as well as set a precedent for how financial negotiations are handled in future band reunions. The potential for a future tour in 2027 offers a glimmer of hope for fans, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of such reunions when financial disagreements arise.
What's Next?
Ricki Rockett plans to continue performing with his side band, Rockett Mafia, and has expressed hope for a Poison tour in 2027. The band may need to address internal dynamics and financial expectations to make future tours viable. Fans and industry observers will be watching to see if the band can reconcile their differences and deliver the anticipated anniversary celebration. The possibility of performing with a different frontman remains on the table, although it is considered a last resort. The outcome of these developments could influence how other bands approach similar situations in the future.
