Rikki Rockett

Rikki Rockett is the co-founder and original drummer of Poison, a prominent band from the 1980s glam metal scene. Formed with vocalist Bret Michaels, Poison relocated to Los Angeles and achieved breakthrough success with the debut album "Look What the Cat Dragged In," which contributed to the band's rise in the hair metal genre. Poison reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and produced multiple Top 40 hits, including "Talk Dirty to Me," "Nothin' But a Good Time," and "Unskinny Bop." The debut album achieved multi-platinum status and was followed by "Open Up and Say… Ahh!," certified five times platinum in the United States. The band has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and 15 million records in the United States.

Rockett's drumming, stage presence, and songwriting have been integral to Poison's identity and commercial success. The band has charted 10 singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, including six Top 10 singles and one number-one single. VH1 ranked Poison first on its list of the "Top 5 Hair Bands of the '80s."

In addition to his work with Poison, Rockett has developed a career as an entrepreneur and musician. After nearly two decades with Poison, he released the solo album "Glitter 4 Your Soul," a tribute to 1970s glam rock. Rockett later co-formed the rock supergroup Devil City Angels with guitarist Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns, bassist Eric Brittingham of Cinderella, and vocalist Brandon Gibbs, releasing a self-titled debut album. He also founded Rockett Drum Works, a custom drum company, expanding his influence in the music industry and instrument manufacturing.

Rockett overcame a diagnosis of oral cancer after participating in an immunotherapy clinical trial, which eliminated the disease. He has since shared his experience to raise awareness of immunotherapy and clinical trials. His contributions to rock music were recognized with induction into the Metal Hall of Fame during a ceremony honoring musicians from the Sunset Strip's 1980s metal scene.

Rockett is the author of the memoir "Ghost Notes: My Life In Poison," published by Rare Bird Books in hardback, digital, and vinyl audiobook formats. In "Ghost Notes," Rockett recounts his journey from the Pennsylvania rock scene to forming Poison, addressing personal challenges such as addiction, betrayal, cancer, and the search for meaning beyond the stage. He continues to perform with his solo band The Rockett Mafia and engage with fans and musicians, maintaining a lasting presence in the rock and glam metal community.