Bret Michaels, the frontman of Poison and star of the VH1 Mega Hit show “Rock of Love,” was only recently made aware of the comments made by one of his band mates concerning Poison’s July 5th performance at the Greeley Stampede. In a written statement from Michaels, he states, “It has come to my attention that Poison’s drummer, Rikki Rockett, has released a statement regarding his concerns about playing the Greeley Stampede. Rikki Claims there is an enormous amount of animal abuse at all rodeos and that this is the last gig that Poison will play like this.” “This is simply not true on many different levels,” comments Michaels, “we have quite a few more shows like this.” Although I truly believe in freedom of speech, and I do not believe in cruelty to animals, I feel that our drummer should not have made these statements on behalf of our band. First and foremost, in no way, shape or form do I feel that every single hard working person at a rodeo, circus, carnival or fair is out to inflict abuse on animals.”
Michaels goes on to say “Rikki has known about this event and several of the other shows we are doing like this, including our show in Blackfoot, Idaho for months and if he had a concern he should have discussed it with the band then. As both Poison and Bret Michaels solo, I have played hundreds of these kinds of shows as well as arenas and amphitheatres my entire career. I was really shocked to find out that Rikki was making such a statement regarding this particular event. I strongly feel that Poison as a band, and myself as a solo artist, are given a chance long in advance to make a decision whether we want to play a particular show. Once we make the decision to play these shows I feel that we are there to put on an unbelievably great rock show and allow our fans to have the time of their lives. On behalf of Poison and myself, I just want the people to know that I am excited to come to Greeley and to put on one hell of a big rock show and that is that”.
Bob Romeo, president of Omaha, Nebraska based Romeo Entertainment Group, Inc., the talent-buying agency for the Greeley Stampede, said in a written statement, “Poison is a great rock band that always does an outstanding job every time they take the stage. I appreciate Bret Michaels’ willingness to set the record straight and I hope everyone in Greeley comes out to see what I am sure will be a great rock show. People are really excited for this show and ticket sales have been tremendous.”
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