UPDATE: Plans for Poison’s highly anticipated anniversary tour are officially canceled, reportedly due to frontman Bret Michaels‘ hefty contract demands. The proposed tour, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In, was set for 2026, but complications have derailed those ambitions.
Drummer Rikki Rockett confirmed that the band was ready to hit the road, stating, “We had a great offer, I thought. But we left the table. It didn’t work.” The fallout appears to stem from Michaels demanding a staggering 600% more in compensation than his bandmates — a financial split of $6 to every $1 received by Rockett, guitarist C.C. DeVille, and bassist Bobby Dall.
Rockett expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that while passion drives them, financial disparities make collaboration impossible. “It’s like hating your parents,” Rockett said, reflecting on the band’s long-standing camaraderie. However, he reassured fans that there is no animosity, stating, “I don’t think there’s a better frontman for Poison.”
The tour was never officially announced but was widely anticipated after Michaels himself suggested it in September 2024, calling it a “perfect opportunity” to celebrate their legacy with “40 awesome limited dates.” Despite the disappointment, Rockett hinted at the possibility of a reunion tour in the future, joking about a potential 41st anniversary tour in 2027.
Meanwhile, Michaels is set to perform solo concerts in 2026, and Rockett will tour with his side project band, Rockett Mafia. Fans eager for Poison’s signature sound will have to wait for any future developments, but the band’s chemistry remains intact as they navigate these financial setbacks.
As of now, there has been no official comment from Bret Michaels regarding the cancellation of the tour. The spotlight remains on the band, and fans are left wondering what comes next for this legendary rock group. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
