Complete List Of Poison Band Members

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If you grew up in the 1980s as a teenage rock fan , chances are you were a fan of the band Poison. The group was formed in 1983 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The band initially gained fame for their glam metal style and energetic performances, quickly becoming one of the leading acts in the 1980s rock scene. Over the years, Poison has released numerous albums, including multi-platinum successes like “Look What the Cat Dragged In” (1986), “Open Up and Say… Ahh!” (1988), and “Flesh & Blood” (1990). Their hits such as “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” and “Nothin’ but a Good Time” have solidified their place in rock history. Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, Poison has managed to sustain their popularity, embarking on successful tours and maintaining a dedicated fan base. The band’s achievements include several awards and nominations, highlighting their significant impact on the music industry.

Bret Michaels

All the girls loved Bret Michaels. The charismatic singer served as the lead vocalist of Poison. He has been a constant figure in the band since its formation in 1983. His charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice played a crucial role in the band’s early success and enduring popularity. Michaels contributed significantly to all of Poison’s albums, including writing many of their hit songs. Outside of Poison, Bret Michaels has enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing several albums, and he also ventured into reality TV, most notably with his show “Rock of Love.” His work both within and outside of Poison showcases his versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.

C.C. DeVille

C.C. DeVille, the lead guitarist, joined Poison in 1985, replacing original guitarist Matt Smith shortly before the recording of their debut album. DeVille’s flamboyant style and catchy guitar riffs became a hallmark of Poison’s sound, contributing to the band’s breakout success with albums like “Look What the Cat Dragged In” and “Open Up and Say… Ahh!” Despite a tumultuous relationship with other band members, leading to his departure in 1991, DeVille rejoined Poison in 1996 and has been with them since. Outside of the band, DeVille has worked on solo projects and made several TV appearances, further establishing his presence in the entertainment world.

Bobby Dall

Bobby Dall is Poison’s bassist and one of its founding members, having been with the band since its inception in 1983. Dall’s solid bass lines and backing vocals have been integral to the band’s sound across all their albums. Despite being less in the spotlight compared to other members, his contributions to Poison’s music and performances have been invaluable. Outside of Poison, Dall has kept a relatively low profile, focusing mainly on his role within the band.

Rikki Rockett

Drummer Rikki Rockett is another founding member of Poison, known for his energetic drumming style and backing vocals. Rockett has been a consistent presence in the band, contributing to the creation and recording of all their albums. His dynamic performances have been key to Poison’s live shows, helping to establish their reputation as an exciting live act. Beyond Poison, Rockett has engaged in a few side projects, including his own band, The Devil City Angels, but remains most recognized for his work with Poison.

Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen joined Poison in 1991, replacing C.C. DeVille as the lead guitarist. He recorded one album with the band, “Native Tongue” (1993), which showcased a shift towards a more blues-rock oriented sound. Kotzen’s tenure with Poison was short-lived; he left the band in 1993 due to musical and personal differences. Outside of Poison, Kotzen has had a prolific solo career, known for his virtuosic guitar playing and fusion of rock, blues, and jazz influences. He has also been a member of other notable bands, including Mr. Big and The Winery Dogs, further cementing his status as a highly respected musician in the rock and guitar community.

Blues Saraceno

Blues Saraceno joined Poison after Richie Kotzen was let go from the band. His tenure with Poison was during a transitional period for the band, and he contributed to the recording of the “Crack a Smile” album, although this album faced delays in its release. Initially intended to be released in the mid-90s, “Crack a Smile” was not officially released until 2000 due to various internal and external factors affecting the band. Despite the delayed release, Saraceno’s work on the album showcased his guitar skills and added a new dimension to Poison’s sound. Outside of Poison, Blues Saraceno has had a successful career as a session musician, solo artist, and composer for TV, film, and video games.
Professional Sources, research, experience, and citations
https://www.poisonofficial.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_(band)
Further analysis and original thoughts are provided by the writer Brian Kachejian’s experience as a professional musician and music collector for over 50 years and his experience as a New York State certified music and history educator and professional music journalist with the New York Press.
These articles are updated regularly.