Rikki Rockett recently addressed tensions within the legendary rock band Poison. He revealed significant rifts among band members in a statement shared on Talkin’ Bout Rock.

The drummer discussed the current state of relationships within the band. Communication has broken down between certain members, particularly between himself and frontman Bret Michaels.

“I talk to C.C. all the time, at least once or twice a week,” Rockett explained. “His mom and my mom were really close. My mom passed away, and his mom’s going through a lot right now. 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 is. Bobby can’t help himself but to talk about business, and sometimes he doesn’t want to talk about business, so he just doesn’t want to pick up the phone, you know what I mean? But Bret and I do not talk, unfortunately. That’s a shame—honestly, it is. So we get bits and pieces of stuff.”

The communication breakdown has had direct consequences for the band’s touring plans. Rockett clarified the status of a potential 2026 anniversary tour. Three of the four members had agreed to a contract presented by Live Nation, but Michaels has not signed on.

“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,” Rockett stated. “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. Then Bret looked at it and has not agreed to anything. So literally that is where we’re at.”

The current impasse represents a significant shift in the band’s touring prospects. Metal Wani reported that earlier in the year Rockett indicated Poison received “a great offer” for a headlining tour in 2026 to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary. The drummer had proposed an ambitious plan involving “40 shows all across the country and maybe Canada” to commemorate four decades since Poison’s 1986 formation.

Bret Michaels’ reluctance to commit has been the central obstacle to finalizing the tour. WDRV documented that Michaels previously clarified his position by stating he was prioritizing his health in 2025, including managing his diabetes. He indicated that 2026 “would be the perfect” time for a Poison 40th-anniversary tour with “40 awesome limited dates.” Despite this public statement suggesting support for a 2026 tour, nothing has been formally booked as of the most recent update.

Underlying tensions within the band extend beyond the current tour negotiations. Drummerworld noted that Rockett has expressed resentment about Michaels’ extensive solo touring schedule. This schedule caused Poison to take a five-year break from the road. Rockett stated: “There’s some resentment, but not resentment like I want him to fail. I want him to do good. I just want Poison to be important too, and I would like to put a little more energy into Poison.”

The lack of communication between Rockett and Michaels has further complicated efforts to finalize tour plans. Blabbermouth revealed that Rockett admitted he doesn’t maintain regular communication with Michaels. This makes it difficult to resolve the touring dispute. With time running out for all original members to perform together, the uncertainty surrounding Poison’s future touring plans remains a pressing concern for both the band and their fans.