Bret Michaels has publicly addressed the situation for the first time since allegations surfaced that a planned Poison reunion tour collapsed due to financial disagreements. The 62-year-old rocker made his comments on Wednesday, just days after drummer Rikki Rockett claimed negotiations for a 40th anniversary tour slated for 2026 had broken down because Michaels demanded a significantly larger share of the payout.
Michaels' Upbeat Response
Rather than directly confronting the accusation, Michaels adopted a reflective and positive tone in a Facebook post. He congratulated Green Day and Bad Bunny on their upcoming Super Bowl concert performance and hinted at what he described as a 'Bucket List NFL dream come true.'
He also extended a public message to his bandmate, writing: 'To my friend Rikki Rockett - have fun tonight with my good buddy Eddie Trunk and enjoy the Metal Hall of Fame ceremony.'
Emphasis on Band Unity
Michaels emphasized that he still considers Poison to consist of 'Bobby, C.C., Rikki and myself,' while expressing his ongoing passion for both the original band and his solo project, the Bret Michaels Band.
He concluded his statement by thanking fans and keeping possibilities open for future collaborations. 'Bottom line - I love music, I love the fans and I'm always forever grateful,' he wrote. 'Onward & upward and let's all focus on the positive in 2026, and the potential of a future reunion.'
Rockett's Original Allegations
The comments follow Rockett's claims that Poison had abandoned plans for a 2026 comeback tour because of financial disputes. Speaking to the New York Post's Page Six column, Rockett alleged that while guitarist C.C. DeVille, bassist Bobby Dall, and himself were all committed, negotiations stalled over Michaels' compensation demands.
'We had a great offer, I thought. But we left the table. It didn't work,' Rockett said. 'Really what it came to was C.C., Bobby and I were all in, and I thought Bret was, but he wanted the lion's share of the money, to the point where it makes it not possible to even do it.'
Financial Imbalance Concerns
Rockett stressed that the issue wasn't about greed but about maintaining balance within the band. 'I don't do this just for the money. I do have a love for this, absolutely,' he explained. 'But at the same time, you don't want to go out and work really hard just to make somebody else a bunch of money.'
He specifically mentioned that Michaels' proposed share would have been approximately '$6 to every one of our dollars,' making collaboration unfeasible.
Contrasting Recent Statements
This apparent breakdown in talks represents a significant shift from Rockett's comments just months earlier. In an interview with SiriusXM's Trunk Nation, he had confidently stated that a 2026 tour was 'for sure gonna happen,' adding that all members had committed barring unforeseen circumstances.
Michaels' Health and Future Plans
Despite the controversy, Michaels appears eager to return to performing. On Sunday, he shared a sunny Instagram video from the beach, writing: 'Enjoying the beach and getting fired up for the first shows of 2026. Wishing everyone an awesome weekend.'
This comes after Michaels announced last March that he planned to take most - if not all - of 2025 off due to health concerns. 'I truly need to recharge the batteries and get a good, much-needed physical tune-up,' he explained, citing recent medical setbacks and advice from doctors and family.
He reassured fans that this hiatus was intended to ensure his return at full strength, promising to come back with 'positive energy and an Unbroken Warrior Spirit!'
Band History and Recent Activity
Poison, completed by guitarist C.C. DeVille and bassist Bobby Dall, last toured together in 2022 alongside Def Leppard. The band had reportedly been planning a major headline return for their 40th anniversary in 2026 before these financial disagreements emerged.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Michaels' representatives for comment but did not immediately receive a response regarding the specific allegations about tour negotiations.
