Rikki Rockett, Poison’s drummer has formed a new band and will be returning to his Central PA roots this Friday, 7/11 with “Rockett Mafia” at XL Live in Harrisburg PA at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Ticket are still available at Ticketmaster.com. Opening Acts are The Martini Brothers and Vedanta.
Rikki is a native of Mechanicsburg. He and Bret Michaels started Poison (then known as Paris) right here in Central PA. When they started, Rikki was under 21, so they couldn’t play in clubs here. Instead, they headed to Maryland, where the age was 18. They also rented out skating rinks to bring their music to the crowd. Rikki explained the only way they were able to play clubs was as an opener and reminisced about opening for Kix. Rockett said that coming back to Harrisburg is truly a full circle moment for him.
Rockett Mafia is comprised of Rockett on drums, Brandon Gibbs (vocals, guitar), Mike Sweda (guitar, backing vocals), and Tyson Leslie (keyboard, bass, and vocals). In an exclusive interview, Rikki explained that they will be performing hits from the 70s and beyond but making them hard rock. He wants it to sound like they wrote the songs versus “a cover band picking songs and playing them”. The first single from the band is “I Think I Love You”, originally made popular by the Partridge family. He said this was a tricky song to make work. If it was too light, it would sound like bubble gum…too heavy and it is unrecognizable. The band is very proud that they were able to make it work. Rockett said you also may hear a Billy Joel song and perhaps “Stay with Me”. Will we perhaps hear a Poison song thrown in?
Rikki is very passionate about this new project. He believes strongly that rock and roll should be an experience and needs to be seen live. He and his bandmates plan on bringing the party to Harrisburg PA this Friday with the promise of a criminally good time! The band just started touring recently, so be sure to be one of the first to see them live! I am sure it will be a night to remember.
Rikki brings many talents to the table. In addition to being the leader of the group and the drummer, he is also a very accomplished artist and designed the logo for the band.
Continue to follow us for my full interview with Rikki as well as coverage of Friday’s show! Hope to see you Friday night at XL Live
