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Sat Jan 31 15:30:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Bret Michaels Denies Poison Tour Delay Was Due to His Pay Demands
The Story:
Bret Michaels has publicly refuted claims made by Poison drummer Rikki Rockett that a planned 40th anniversary tour was scrapped because Michaels demanded an exorbitant amount of money. Rockett had stated that Michaels wanted six times the pay of his bandmates, making the tour financially unfeasible. Michaels, in an interview, insists that negotiations never reached that point and that the tour’s delay was due to scheduling conflicts and the band’s solo commitments extending into 2026. He suggested the possibility of a “40 Plus One” tour in 2027.
Key Points:
- Rikki Rockett claimed Bret Michaels demanded six times the pay of other band members for a Poison tour.
- Bret Michaels denies making such demands, stating negotiations never got to that point.
- Michaels attributes the delay to scheduling conflicts and pre-existing solo commitments into 2026.
- Michaels is teasing a potential Poison tour in 2027, possibly called “40 Plus One.”
- Michaels urges bandmates to discuss issues privately, not publicly through interviews.
Key Takeaways:
- Internal conflicts, particularly regarding finances, can significantly impact band reunion tours.
- Public disagreements between band members can damage the band’s image and future prospects.
- Scheduling conflicts and solo projects can hinder band reunions, even for significant anniversaries.
- Michaels is actively trying to downplay the conflict and keep the possibility of a future tour alive.
- Negotiations within bands, especially regarding finances, need to be handled carefully and privately.