S8: E10: Rikki Rockett (Poison) – Greatest Hits and Hardest Battles

Rikki Rockett of Poison: Cancer Survivor, Martial Artist, and Rock Icon

In a revealing conversation on Backstage Pass Radio, Rikki Rockett, the original drummer of iconic 80s rock band Poison, shared his remarkable journey from struggling musician to rock star, and his battle with life-threatening cancer. What emerges is a portrait of a man whose resilience and passion extend far beyond his musical career.

Rikki’s most harrowing chapter began with what seemed like a simple sore throat. While his family members recovered from their illnesses, Rikki’s condition persisted. A swollen lymph node visible in the mirror prompted further examination, leading to a devastating diagnosis: stage four cancer at the base of his tongue, driven by the HPV virus. The prognosis was grim, with only about a 10% chance of survival after traditional treatments failed to produce results.

What saved Rikki’s life was an innovative immunotherapy clinical trial at Moore’s Cancer Center in San Diego under Dr. Ezra Cohen. Within nine to twelve weeks of beginning the treatment, his cancer had vanished. Now approaching nine years in remission, Rikki is passionate about spreading awareness about HPV-driven cancers and the vaccines that can prevent them. His brush with mortality fundamentally changed his outlook on life. “The biggest takeaway now for me is I don’t tolerate somebody wasting my time,” he shared, emphasizing how the experience taught him the preciousness of time.

Before his rise to fame with Poison, Rikki’s musical journey began in the suburbs of Pennsylvania. His father, a trumpet player, and mother, an Elvis fanatic, provided a diverse musical foundation. At twelve years old, Rikki acquired his first drum set for just $50 – a humble beginning that would eventually lead to global stardom. Early musical influences included Deep Purple and Johnny Winter, with his first concert experience being Johnny Winter with Brownsville Station.

The formation of Poison began when Rikki and his friend Brett Michaels, who initially worked as a busboy, decided to pursue music seriously. They moved to Los Angeles and navigated the competitive Sunset Strip music scene, employing creative tactics to build their following. Rather than disappearing backstage after performances, they would thank audience members personally at the venue exit – a small gesture that helped them connect with fans in a meaningful way.

Today, Rikki’s interests extend well beyond music. He holds a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline that took him twelve years to achieve black belt status. His training under the Machado brothers and their cousin Renato Magno demonstrates his dedication to martial arts as a lifelong pursuit.

Rikki also has a fascination with the paranormal and urban legends, which he explores through his YouTube channel “Rikki Rockett’s Legend Tripping.” Rather than merely hunting ghosts, he approaches the subject from what he calls “reverse paranormal” – investigating the historical facts behind legends and then exploring any potential paranormal connections.

Looking ahead, Poison remains active with all four original members still performing together – a rarity in the rock world. They’re planning a 40-year anniversary tour for 2026, with hopes of performing around 40 shows across North America and potentially internationally. Rikki also performs with his side project, Rockett Mafia, where they interpret classic songs with their unique style.

Throughout the interview, what shines through is Rikki’s resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for life’s diverse experiences – whether performing on stage, rolling on the jiu-jitsu mat, or investigating mysterious legends. His story is a testament to embracing life’s challenges and opportunities with equal vigor.