After ‘unforeseen’ circumstances derailed Bret Michaels’ tour earlier this year, he has promised that Poison will be back in 2026.
The Every Rose Has Its Thorn hitmakers shot to fame in the 80s with a string of Top 40 tracks with their debut album reaching five times platinum.
Poison last toured in 2022, opening for Def Leppard, but things looked very up in the air after Bret’s health announcement in March.
The frontman, 61, revealed he would be taking ‘most, if not all’ of next year off to recover from ‘physical adversity’.
However, this isn’t the end for the glam rock legends as drummer Rikki Rocket, who joined the group in 1983, confirmed 2026 tour plans.
‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. ’26 is for sure gonna happen,’ the 63-year-old rocker said on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation.
This was in response to host Eddie Trunk saying: ‘When I announced on socials about a week ago when I knew you were going to come on today.
Bret sent me a text – Bret Michaels – a day or two ago, and he said, “Hey, I hear you’re gonna have Rockett on. Send him my love and tell him Poison 2026.”’
Rikki added: ‘I mean, unless some unforeseen thing happens, but all band members have stuck their hand in and said, “Yeah, we’re definitely doing it” – without a doubt.’
Poison has worked together sporadically since their reunion in 1999, after an early 90s tiff left their working relationships in tatters.
Bret has previously stated he doubted the group would record fresh music, having enjoyed a successful solo career, but things are looking up for a tour.
Two years ago, the I Won’t Forget You singer shared that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and also needed surgery on his shoulder.
He also was forced to pull out of a performance during the 2022 tour, with TMZ reporting that he had a bad reaction to medication related to Covid-19 because of his life-long condition.
His health statement in March read: ‘I’ve always stated that music is a universal language that is meant to unite us, excite us and never divide us. It is a soundtrack to our everyday lives and I truly look forward to giving every bit of energy I’ve got in 2024 and leave it all up there on the stage every night.
‘However, in 2025, in light of some recent medical results and setbacks, and with much discussion and real advice from my doctors and family, I will be taking most, if not all, of 2025 off, except for a few select dates with both the BRET MICHAELS BAND and possibly all-original POISON.
‘I truly need to recharge the batteries and get a good, much-needed physical tune-up.
‘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% on that stage with positive energy and an Unbroken Warrior Spirit!’