Poison’s anticipated 40th Anniversary Tour has been officially canceled due to a pay dispute involving lead singer Bret Michaels. The band, celebrated for its enduring original lineup, had hoped to commemorate this milestone with a series of concerts.
Tour Cancellation Details
The cancellation stems from a disagreement over financial arrangements for the tour. Michaels reportedly demanded a pay ratio of 6-to-1 in favor of himself compared to his bandmates, which created an insurmountable obstacle for the group.
- Demands: Michaels sought significantly higher compensation than other members.
- Response: Drummer Rikki Rockett stated, “You just can’t work that way.”
- Promotion: The tour was actively promoted online before the cancellation.
Background on Poison
Formed in Pennsylvania in the early 1980s, Poison shot to fame with hits from their debut album, “Look What The Cat Dragged In,” and their follow-up, “Open Up and Say… Ahhh!,” which featured the iconic single “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”
Future Plans
Despite the setback, Rockett plans to celebrate the band’s anniversary through his side project, Rocket Mafia. He intends to perform the entire “Look What The Cat Dragged In” album during these shows.
Rockett expressed optimism about resolving the financial disagreement, humorously suggesting that a 41st Anniversary Tour might even be a possibility. He emphasized that he holds no anger towards Michaels and considers him irreplaceable as Poison’s frontman.
Michaels’ Current Projects
Bret Michaels continues to engage in various projects, including solo performances and reality television. He gained notable fame as the winner of “Celebrity Apprentice” and starred in the VH1 dating show “Rock of Love.”
Looking Ahead
The future remains uncertain for Poison as they navigate this internal conflict. Rockett mentioned that searching for a new singer would be a last resort, indicating his desire to maintain the original band’s integrity. Meanwhile, he is set to be inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame soon.
Reps for Bret Michaels have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the cancellation.
