Poison’s Rikki Rockett Starts New Band

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett has just formed a new band, The Rockett Mafia, and has revealed the full line-up.

The news comes as it looks set to see Rockett get extra time in 2025, after Bret Michaels hinted at Poison returning to the road in 2026 to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The Rockett Mafia Line-up

Rockett has recruited three additional musicians to join him.

“This little band was formed to have fun reimagining, mainly, 70s covers, but not the usual range you would expect,” Rockett teases on social media.

Building the tension, he enthuses, “Wait until you hear a couple of these songs and you’re like, ‘Hey, I know that song! I can’t believe they’re playing that!’ But don’t underestimate original material. Brandon and Mick are both powerhouses.”

The line-up consists of:

Vocals / Guitar — Brandon Gibbs (Devil City Angels)

Guitar — Mick Sweda (ex-BulletBoys)

Bass — Bryan Kimes (Girlfriend In a Coma – The Smiths/Morrissey tribute)

Drums — Rikki Rockett (Poison, Devil City Angels)

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Poison 2026 40th Anniversary Tour?

Some Poison members thought a 2025 tour was in the plans, but that talk has now been pushed back to 2026.

After clearing the air following some back-and-forth between his bandmates, Michaels made his intentions clear toward Poison in a statement on Facebook.

He began by saying that it’s “no secret” that 2025 is reserved primarily to focus on his health, “starting with my diabetes, which needs a tune-up.” However, the singer has reiterated several times in the past that Poison would play stadiums and arenas in 2025.

“But in 2026 I’m excited to say it will be the 40th anniversary of Poison since the release of Look what the cat dragged in “In 1986, so it would make perfect sense if there was a possibility of a reunion in 2026,” predicted Michaels, who suggested the group would embark on a 40-concert tour.

This prompted a clarification from Rockett, who insisted: “Folks, I never said Bret is canceling the 2025 tour. It’s not booked. I said the reason Poison isn’t touring in 2025 is because Bret doesn’t want it. It doesn’t matter what his reason is, as far as what I said. I’m just telling you why so CC, Bobby, or myself don’t get blamed. It ain’t no foul play. It ain’t no fight. Just the facts, ma’am. Assume what you want. You will!”