Bret Michaels Pushes Back on Pay Dispute Claims as Poison Eyes Possible 2027 Anniversary Shows

Bret Michaels is setting the record straight amid reports that Poison’s long-rumored 40th anniversary tour stalled over money.

In a recent interview on Chaz & AJ in the Morning on 99.1 WPLR, the Bret Michaels denied claims that he demanded six times the pay of his bandmates to move forward with a Poison anniversary run. The allegation was made earlier this month by drummer Rikki Rockett.

Asked whether fans could still expect a tour celebrating Poison’s 1986 debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In, Michaels said the idea is very much alive—just delayed. He teased a possible 2027 run, joking it might be called “40 Plus One,” noting that scheduling conflicts have pushed plans back.

“As this thing got further down the road… remember, when you’re booking stuff, we’re already booking stuff solo into ’27,” Michaels explained, according to Blabbermouth.net. “So this just got backed up. And I’m hoping that, as a founding member, that would be a great day—and I’m positive we can make that happen in ’27.”

Michaels was then directly asked about Rockett’s claim that the tour fell apart after he allegedly demanded a disproportionate share of the money.

“Well, I’m gonna answer that honestly,” Michaels said. “It never happened. We never got to that part of negotiations.”

He explained that early tour discussions focused on logistics rather than payouts, including solo schedules, stage design, and potential start dates. According to Michaels, once it became clear that 2026 dates conflicted with previously booked solo commitments, the idea was shifted to 2027—something he believed all members understood.

“Even the other members haven’t commented,” Michaels added. “They’re like, ‘I thought this is going in ’27 now.’”

Emphasizing that there’s no personal rift, Michaels stressed that Poison remains a tight-knit unit. “We’re all friends,” he said. “If you wanna discuss something, we have each other’s phone number for the last 45 years. Just call me.”

He also urged that sensitive matters be handled privately rather than through interviews. “No offense. I love Rikki. I love Bobby. I love C.C. Don’t negotiate on the air,” he said. “Just call me on the phone, and we’ll work out whatever needs to be worked out. We’ve worked it out for 40 other years.”

Rockett, however, offered a different perspective in a Jan. 18 interview with the New York Post’s Page Six, claiming the band walked away from a strong offer because Michaels wanted “the lion’s share” of the money. He likened the split to “$6 to every one of our dollars,” saying it made the tour financially unworkable.

Days later, Michaels addressed the controversy in a Facebook post that largely struck a conciliatory tone. While congratulating other artists on high-profile performances and promoting his own projects, he reiterated that he views Poison as its four classic members and expressed hope for a future reunion.

“Bottom line—I love music, I love the fans and I’m always forever grateful,” Michaels wrote. “Onward & upward and let’s all focus on the positive in 2026, and the potential of a future reunion.”

Rockett responded to Michaels’ comments with optimism, telling PEOPLE, “I’d love for that to happen!”

Poison, founded in 1983, rose to fame with a string of glam metal hits in the late ’80s and early ’90s. While a 40th anniversary tour won’t arrive exactly on schedule, Michaels’ comments suggest the door remains open for the band to reunite onstage—just a little later than planned.