Questions
Who is in Poison?
The classic lineup is Bret Michaels on lead vocals, Rikki Rockett on drums, Bobby Dall on bass, and C.C. DeVille on lead guitar.
When and where did Poison form?
The band formed in 1983 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, then relocated to Los Angeles in March 1983 to chase bigger opportunities.
Was Poison always called Poison?
No. The band was originally called Paris from 1980 to 1983, and changed the name to Poison in March 1983 right before heading west to California.
What was Poison’s biggest hit?
Their power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their signature song.
What are Poison’s other famous songs?
Besides "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," the band is known for "Talk Dirty to Me," "Nothin’ But a Good Time," "Unskinny Bop," and "Something to Believe In."
Is it true that Slash auditioned for Poison?
Reportedly yes. Slash was among the guitarists who auditioned, but he lost out because the band preferred an East Coast guitarist, and the spot went to C.C. DeVille.
How did C.C. DeVille get into the band?
DeVille joined in 1985 after an audition where he impressed the band with "Talk Dirty to Me," even though Michaels and Dall reportedly disliked him personally at first.
Why did the original guitarist leave?
Original guitarist Matt Smith, who was in the band from 1983 to 1985, left after he became a father and reportedly doubted the band would succeed.
Did any guitarist get fired for a personal reason?
Richie Kotzen, who replaced DeVille from 1991 to 1993, was reportedly fired after dating drummer Rikki Rockett’s fiancée.
How many records has Poison sold?
The band has sold more than 65 million records and DVDs worldwide.
Which Poison album sold the most?
1990’s Flesh & Blood was their best-selling release, certified triple platinum in the US and quadruple platinum in Canada. Their 1988 album Open Up and Say... Ahh! peaked at number two and went five times platinum.
Were Poison really one of the biggest hair bands?
Yes. VH1 ranked them number one on its "Top 5 Hair Bands of the ’80s" list in 2012, and Ultimate Classic Rock named them part of glam metal’s "Big Four" alongside Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard.
What was the deal with Poison’s look?
Poison were known for an androgynous appearance built on excessive cosmetics and backcombed hair, a defining part of the 1980s glam metal image.
Did Poison ever get sued?
The band faced several lawsuits in the late 1980s, including a reported $1.1 million suit from a Geffen Records executive over a drink-throwing incident, plus a plagiarism claim over "I Want Action" that reportedly settled for about $25,000 per DeVille.
What happened to Poison after grunge took over?
Grunge’s rise in the 1990s diminished glam metal’s commercial appeal, but Poison regrouped for a Greatest Hits tour in 1999 and kept performing.
