Glam metal history came alive this weekend as Poison’s co-founder and legendary drummer, Rikki Rockett, officially launched a highly anticipated celebratory live run with his all-star side project, The Rockett Mafia. On Friday, May 29, 2026, the band took the stage to kick off a dedicated series of club and theater dates honoring the monumental 40th anniversary of Poison’s groundbreaking debut studio album, Look What the Cat Dragged In.
Fan-filmed video footage from the high-octane opening night captures the band tearing through an infectious, nostalgic setlist, proving that the raw energy of the mid-1980s Sunset Strip remains as potent as ever.
Honoring the 1986 Sunset Strip Blueprint
Originally released on August 2, 1986, via Enigma/Capitol Records, Look What the Cat Dragged In was a low-budget effort that unexpectedly transformed into a multi-platinum juggernaut. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned timeless rock radio staples like “Talk Dirty to Me”, “I Want Action”, and “Cry Tough”.
While Poison itself remains on an indefinite touring hiatus, Rockett wanted to ensure the four-decade milestone didn’t pass by unnoticed. Speaking to the crowd during the premiere performance, the 64-year-old percussionist expressed his deep gratitude for the music that launched his career.
“Four decades ago, we were just four kids from Pennsylvania and Los Angeles trying to make enough noise to get noticed,” Rockett told the packed audience. “We had no money, a ton of hairspray, and these songs. To see people still singing every single word to ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ forty years later is mind-blowing. The Rockett Mafia wanted to go out there and capture that exact, raw 1986 energy for the fans who have been with us since day one.”
The All-Star Lineup
To faithfully recreate the sonic punch of Poison’s early catalog, Rockett assembled a powerhouse lineup of veteran musicians for The Rockett Mafia’s 2026 roster. The touring band features guitarist Mitch Perry (MSG, Lita Ford), bassist EJ Curse (Silent Rage, White Lion), and dynamic frontman Brandon Gibbs (Devil City Angels), whose gritty vocal delivery perfectly channels the swagger originally laid down by Bret Michaels.
Backstage before the performance, Rockett opened up about why he chose to revisit the material through this specific project rather than waiting on a full-scale Poison reunion.
“Look, Poison is a brotherhood, and we will always be there for each other,” Rockett explained. “But schedules, health, and life get in the way of putting a massive arena tour together sometimes. This anniversary was too important to sit out. This isn’t about replacing anyone; it’s about celebrating where it all began. The Rockett Mafia gives me a chance to get back into these intimate, sweaty rooms where this music thrives.”
A Celebration Moving Forward
The Rockett Mafia’s anniversary series is slated to run through the summer of 2026, hitting select major markets across North America. Fans can expect a setlist heavily weighted toward the entirety of the Look What the Cat Dragged In record, alongside a few surprise deep cuts from Poison’s sophomore smash, Open Up and Say… Ahh!.
For die-hard fans of the hair metal era, Rockett’s latest venture offers a rare, up-close look at a rock pioneer honoring the foundational record that helped define a generation of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
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