Dragged band photo

Rikki Rockett Ignites the Stage with THE ROCKETT MAFIA's Tribute to POISON's Classic Album

By Jason •
The founding drummer of POISON sets the Whisky A Go Go ablaze, celebrating 40 years of rock anthems with a full-album performance.

In a monumental homage to the glam metal legacy, Rikki Rockett, the legendary drummer of POISON, unleashed a storm of nostalgia at the Whisky A Go Go on August 14. Joining forces with his new ensemble, THE ROCKETT MAFIA, he performed every track from POISON's iconic debut album, 'Look What The Cat Dragged In', in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The venue, a hallowed ground for rock enthusiasts, echoed with classics like 'Talk Dirty To Me', 'I Want Action', and the title track, as fans relived the raw energy of a bygone era.

The concert, which saw Rockett channeling the spirit of those vibrant days, featured a powerhouse lineup: Brandon Gibbs of DEVIL CITY ANGELS wielded the mic and guitar, Stacey Blades from L.A. GUNS shredded on guitar, and Michael Adams of PUDDLE OF MUDD held down the low end on bass. Together, they transformed the Whisky into a time machine, taking attendees back to the roots of glam rock.

The Rockett Mafia kicked off this celebratory tour earlier in May, igniting excitement among fans who have longed for a chance to witness 'Look What The Cat Dragged In' played in full. Rockett, reflecting on the significance of this moment, stated, "Playing POISON's first album...it's raw, it's fun, and it's exactly how those songs were meant to be heard." His passion for the music shines through, offering a visceral experience that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

As the tour unfolds, Rikki has promised not just a regurgitation of the past but a revitalization of its energy. Each show includes tantalizing VIP packages, offering fans the chance to engage with the band through meet-and-greets, soundcheck access, and exclusive merch. "We're calling it 'Look What The Mob Dragged In'," he declared, setting the stage for a nationwide celebration that merges nostalgia with a modern twist.

In the backdrop of this celebration, tensions brewed earlier this year when plans for a POISON tour were scrapped due to internal conflicts over revenue sharing among the band. Rockett's candid remarks about the negotiations revealed a rift, but now, with THE ROCKETT MAFIA, he’s channeling that energy into creating something uniquely powerful. "This band lets me play the kind of rock I grew up loving — loud, raw, and from the heart," he remarked, bringing a fresh perspective to classic hits while embracing the intensity of contemporary rock.