Rikki Rockett, best known as the founding drummer of glam metal outfit Poison, is showing no signs of slowing down creatively. In fact, his current project, The Rockett Mafia, may be shifting into a new chapter: one that includes original music.
The Rockett Mafia initially launched as something more casual: a live outfit meant to breathe fresh energy into songs from the ’70s and ’80s that had largely been left behind by today’s setlists. Alongside Rockett, the group includes Brandon Gibbs on vocals and guitar, Mick Sweda of BulletBoys on guitar, and bassist Bryan Kimes. Their performances have leaned heavily on unexpected cover choices, like “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family and “Baby Blue” by Badfinger, delivered with a driving, modern edge.
Rikki Rockett has recently hinted that the project may be heading into uncharted territory. In a conversation reflecting on their direction, he noted that the band has “been talking about stuff”, specifically, moving toward writing and recording original songs. That comment, subtle as it may sound, carries weight for fans who’ve watched Rockett’s musical journey evolve over the decades.
The drummer’s tone is casual, yet it’s clear he’s taking this endeavor seriously. What began as a side band with low expectations is now showing signs of turning into something with greater artistic ambition. Rockett’s emphasis has never been about merely replaying the past but reinterpreting it: and perhaps now, building something entirely new from it.
Guitarist Mick Sweda echoed the sentiment, pointing out that while they still enjoy playing deep-cut classics, the group has become more interested in the idea of creating their own material. “We’re not just trying to sound like a cover band,” Sweda said during a recent interview. “There’s a vibe here that feels different.”
The band’s lineup, particularly at the bass position, has shifted slightly over the last year. Kimes has remained involved, though changes in availability suggest the configuration isn’t set in stone. Despite that, shows have continued in the Midwest and Eastern U.S., with fans noting the tight chemistry and evolving energy between the players.
Rockett himself has spoken about the need to keep things fun and musically fresh, especially outside of Poison’s larger machine. The Rockett Mafia gives him a venue where there’s no pressure to deliver chart-toppers or arena spectacles, just raw music, the kind that gets built on instinct and chemistry.
Whether this leads to a full-length album or a string of singles remains to be seen. But for Rockett, the impulse to keep creating hasn’t waned. If anything, it’s grown sharper, more focused, and maybe a bit freer than it’s been in a long time.