Poison Cancels Planned Tour Amid Internal Pay Dispute

Poison have shelved plans for a major tour, canceling what was expected to be a 40th anniversary run after internal negotiations broke down.

The decision effectively ends hopes for a full-scale reunion on the road in 2026. According to drummer Rikki Rockett, the band had received a strong touring offer that was acceptable to most members but ultimately fell apart due to disagreements over compensation.

Rockett said the proposed financial split would have resulted in singer Bret Michaels earning significantly more than the rest of the group. He characterized the disparity as extreme and said it made the tour financially unworkable for the band as a whole. Guitarist C.C. DeVille and bassist Bobby Dall were reportedly prepared to move forward under the original offer.

Plans for a 40th anniversary tour had been discussed publicly for several years, with 2026 marking four decades since Poison released their debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In. While no official dates were announced, fans widely expected a celebratory run focused on the band’s classic hits.

Despite the cancellation, Rockett emphasized that the disagreement was not personal and said there was no hostility among the members. He suggested that a reunion could still happen in the future if circumstances change, noting that the band remains on good terms creatively and personally.

In the meantime, the members are continuing with separate projects. Michaels remains active as a solo touring artist, while Rockett has indicated plans to perform with his side band. For now, however, Poison’s long-anticipated return to the road as a full unit is on hold.

Explainer: Poison Tour Cancellation

• Band: Poison

• Planned Tour: 40th anniversary celebration

• Year Expected: 2026

• Reason for Cancellation: Internal pay dispute

• Current Status: No rescheduled dates announced