Bret Michaels speaks out for first time after Poison reunion implodes over explosive money grab claims
Bret Michaels has spoken out for the first time since claims emerged that a planned Poison reunion tour collapsed over money disputes.The 62-year-old rocker addressed the situation on Wednesday, just days after Poison drummer Rikki Rockett alleged that negotiations for a 40th anniversary tour slated for 2026 had fallen apart because Michaels wanted a significantly larger payout.Rather than responding directly to the accusation, Michaels struck an upbeat and reflective tone in a Facebook post, congratulating Green Day and Bad Bunny on their upcoming Super Bowl concert and teasing what he described as a 'Bucket List NFL dream come true.'He also extended a public message to Rockett, writing: 'To my friend Rikki Rockett - have fun tonight with my good buddy Eddie Trunk and enjoy the Metal Hall of Fame ceremony.' Michaels added that he still considers Poison to be 'Bobby, C.C., Rikki and myself,' while emphasizing his continued passion for both the band and the Bret Michaels Band.Michaels closed his statement by expressing gratitude toward fans and leaving the door open for a reunion. Bret Michaels has spoken out for the first time since claims emerged that a planned Poison reunion tour collapsedover money disputes; seen in 2022'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.'The comments came after Rockett claimed that Poison had abandoned plans for a 2026 comeback tour due to financial disagreements. The band, completed by guitarist C.C. DeVille and bassist Bobby Dall, last toured together in 2022 alongside Def Leppard and had reportedly been planning a return with major headline shows.Speaking to the New York Post's Page Six column, Rockett alleged that while the rest of the band was on board, negotiations stalled over Michaels' compensation.'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.'He added, 'It's like $6 to every one of our dollars. You just can't work that way.'Rockett stressed that the issue was not about greed, but balance. 'I don't do this just for the money. I do have a love for this, absolutely,' he said. '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.'The Daily Mail has reached out to Michaels' representatives for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The rocker, 62, addressed the situation on Wednesday, just days after Rikki Rockett alleged that negotiations for a 40th anniversary tour slated had fallen apart because Michaels wanted a significantly larger payout Rather than responding directly to the accusation, Michaels struck an upbeat and reflective tone in a Facebook post, congratulating Green Day and Bad Bunny on their upcoming Super Bowl concert The band, completed by guitarist C.C. DeVille and bassist Bobby Dall, last toured together in 2022; Poison seen in 1987Despite the controversy, Michaels appeared eager to return to the stage. 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.'The apparent breakdown in talks marks a sharp turn from Rockett's comments just months earlier, when he confidently told SiriusXM's Trunk Nation that a 2026 tour was 'for sure gonna happen,' adding that all members had committed barring unforeseen circumstances.Michaels, who has enjoyed sustained success as a solo artist, previously announced 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 said in a statement last March, explaining that recent medical setbacks and advice from doctors and family led to the decision.He reassured fans at the time that the hiatus was intended to ensure his return at full strength.'Please always understand that I am forever grateful to the fans and hope you understand that this will bring me back in 2026 and beyond to be able to always give 1000 per cent on that stage with positive energy and an Unbroken Warrior Spirit!'
