POISON

[muthagoose]

Rikki Rockett is smooth on the front like a Ken Doll and a hair dressser... no way he is guilty.



Something is rotten in Denmark.

[muthagoose]

Do you think if you took equal parts of Bret Michaels, Bobbie Dall, C.C. DeVille and Rikki Rockett.... and maybe sprinkle in a little of Mick Mars... that you could create an unstoppable super rocker?

Just a thought.

[muthagoose]

"Rikki Is Exonerated" Party And Centurion Ministries Benefit

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett was recently exonerated of a felony rape charge filed in Mississippi stemming from a September 23rd, 2007 incident in which a Neshoba County, Mississippi woman claimed that Rockett had forcibly raped her.

Rikki MySpace has been updated with the following:

New Hope For The Innocent! - The "Rikki Is Exonerated" Party And Centurion Ministries Benefit...

What?: Rikki Rockett was found innocent of a false rape charge filed against him. Rikki now seeks to help others who were falsely accused of crimes they didn't commit.

When?: Saturday, June 28th 4 - 10 PM

Where?: Off Broadway Bistro - 23928 Summerhill Ln., Valencia, CA 91354

What's the dealio?: Cover charge includes: BBQ courtesy of Off Broadway Bistro. Grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken with coleslaw and beans (does not include beverages). Also includes a raffle ticket for some awesome prizes!

Boca Burgers for vegetarians!!

Live entertainment (Melanie Martel with Rikki Rockett on percussion (Sit-ins Welcome!!).

Speakers.

Also... Auction with all sorts of goodies!

Monetary donations also greatly appreciated to help "Centurion Ministries".

$11.00 cover ($1.00 goes to Centurion Ministries)

Special Motorcycle Parking!

More fun stuff to come. To contribute ideas, prizes or auction items, please contact: [e-mail]

A word about Centurion Ministries...

Centurion Ministries (CM) is a secular non-profit organization headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey with a full-time paid staff of five employees, including an investigator in Seattle. Centurion Ministries has a national network of attorneys and forensic experts who ably assist us in our work on behalf of the convicted innocent throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The primary mission of Centurion Ministries is to vindicate and free from prison those who are completely innocent of the crimes for which they have been unjustly convicted and imprisoned for life or death.

Vendors, Sponsors and Donations on board so far...

"Glory" Sales and Service / Motorcycle Clothing
"Rockett Drum Works" / Drums and Percussion
"Drum Workshop" / Drums, Percussion, Hardware
"Street Sports" / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School
"Sweetwater Cafe" / Food Establishment
"L'oreal" / Cosmetics
"High Desert Animal Hospital" / Veterinary Services
"Poison" / CD's
"Uncle Bob Spina" / Pinstriping and Custom Paint

[muthagoose]

POISON: The Rikki Rockett Is Exonerated Party A Success

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett has issued the following update:

"I couldn't be happier with the benefit/party yesterday (June 28th). Starting out the day, the Ride was a perfect combo of twisties and long curving roads with beautiful scenery. Kudos to my Brit Iron Rebels club brethren for putting it together!

The party was as fun as I pictured it to be, but the surprising thing was how well the charity auction went. We raised several thousand dollars for Centurion Ministries on the auction alone! This money and other silent contributions will go directly to help those who are innocent and do not have the resources to get decent legal help. Many of these people are on death row awaiting execution for a crime they did not commit.

Thank you to all who helped with contributions: Off Broadway Bistro, DW Drums, Red Monkey Designs, Toni from L'Oreal, High Desert Animal Clinic, Sweetwater Cafe, Street Sports Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Glory Sales and Service, Rockett Drum Works, and the numerous individual contributions both monetarily and otherwise.

This party was simply a kick off to an idea. I hope to do this annually as a benefit while maintaining the spirit of the excitement of a party. after all, we are the lucky ones with the freedom. Celebrate it everyday."

[muthagoose]

BRET MICHAELS: To Host Time Life Gets "Hard & Heavy" Infomercial

Time Life continues their series of acclaimed music compilations with Hard & Heavy, the most complete collection of hard rocking, head banging hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s ever assembled - available nationwide July 7th.

Hard & Heavy will be promoted on television with a half hour program hosted by BRET MICHAELS, lead singer for iconic hard rock band POISON and star of VH1’s Rock Of Love hit reality show. The collection also includes an exclusive DVD of Michaels performing acoustic versions of two of Poison’s biggest hits plus two of Bret Michaels’ original songs.

Hard & Heavy features a virtual “who’s who” of hard rock artists: BAD COMPANY, PAT BENATAR, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, BOSTON, CHEAP TRICK, CINDERELLA, ALICE COOPER, DAMN YANKEES, DEEP PURPLE, EUROPE, EXTREME, FOREIGNER, SAMMY HAGAR, HEART, HONEYMOON SUITE, BILLY IDOL, KISS, LOVERBOY, MEAT LOAF, MEGADETH, NELSON, NIGHT RANGER, POISON, JUDAS PRIEST, QUIET RIOT, RUSH, STYX, SKID ROW, .38 SPECIAL, GEORGE THOROGOOD, TWISTED SISTER, WHITESNAKE and many more.



The collection features 152 hard rocking hits on 9 CDs plus a 2-CD set of power ballads by artists including Poison, Whitesnake, Cheap Trick, Heart, Kiss, Warrant, Kansas, Scorpions, Alice Cooper and many more. Fans who buy the CD collection online or via telephone will receive two bonus DVDs: Hard & Heavy: Confidential an exclusive four-song acoustic performance by Bret Michaels and History of Rock ‘n Roll, three hours of performance clips and interviews with classic rock legends. Plus, the collection comes in a special metal collector’s box, a mini “heavy metal road case” that captures the feel and power of the music.

Michaels recorded four songs on acoustic guitar especially for the Hard and Heavy: Confidential DVD, 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn', 'Something To Believe In', 'Driven' and 'All I Ever Needed'. The DVD is exclusively available as part of the collection.

Michaels joined forces with Time Life to create an essential look at the hard rocking hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s including many high-profile and must-have artists and songs that rarely appear in multi-artist collections. Filmed in the warehouse district of downtown Los Angeles with two hot rockin’ co-hosts, the program features over 80 performance clips of music and artists from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Michaels talks about how this music affected him growing up, introduces some of his favorite songs and artists, and even talks about writing the classic rock ballad, 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'.

“This is the music that I love, live and breathe everyday,” says Michaels. “Hard & Heavy is, hands down, the hardest rockin’ collection I’ve ever heard. Time Life has put together something that I’ve always dreamed of. Killer guitar riffs, emotional power ballads and high octane metal.”

Time Life’s executive producers, Vinny Vero and Mitch Peyser, the creative forces behind the collection, set out to license pivotal hard rock songs to create a complete collection. Said Vero, “Bret wanted to make sure what we were saying in the show was something he felt and believed. He was very involved in the scripting of the show and wanted to feel good about what he was saying.” “It’s definitely the hardest rockin’ collection we’ve ever created,” said Peyser.

The 30-minute presentation will begin airing nationwide the first week of July. Hard & Heavy is available online at TimeLife.com or by calling 1-800-846-3543.

[muthagoose]

THE POISON/DEF LEPPARD FEUD RAGES ON...

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett has responded to DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott's assertion that bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE paid more attention to their image than their songwriting during the '80s as a way to cover up the fact that there was "no substance in their music."

In a posting on his MySpace page, Rikki writes, "I know, it's kinda old news at this point, but I must say a few words about Joe Elliott talkin' some smack about POISON and MÖTLEY. Mainly because he is continuing to talk smack in other interviews as well.

"Now, I'm sure MÖTLEY can defend themselves, so I'll leave that alone, and Bret [Michaels, POISON singer] did cover it rather well. However, I was talkin' with some friends last night and we were shaking our heads wondering when Joe became a rock historian. Well, Joe, when did ya? Do you think saying bad things about another band makes people like your band more? Oh, no. Can't be it. Let me guess, 'You were JUST being honest.'

"Look, I have always enjoyed DEF LEPPARD. But, as of late that pre-programmed, 'Mutt' Lange live record you guys are doing out there on tour is anything but 'substance.' JUST being honest.

"Joe! I'd be hurt if this were coming from John Lennon. Listen up, you are not quite that important there, fella! Ya know, just like you I put my pants on one leg at a time, but when I put mine on, Joe, they are cooler than yours! But does it really matter? So it takes about 1 minute and 45 seconds to put on eyeliner. I suppose during that same time you were writing the next 'Imagine'.

"In the words of the great AEROSMITH, 'Get a grip!' Oh, and by the way, just to add to your royal information pool of rock history, Sir Joe, in the '70s it was 'glitter rock", in the '80s it was glam rock."

During the June 6 press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, Joe Elliott was asked how DEF LEPPARD managed to avoid getting caught up in the whole "glam-rock" scene of the '80s even after citing such image-oriented artists as MICK RONSON, DAVID BOWIE and T.REX as major influences.

"If you actually look at the way that the 'glam' bands, if you want to call it that, from Los Angeles dressed themselves up, they totally missed the point," Elliott replied. "When English glam bands from the '70s came on 'Top of the Pops' [long-running British music chart television program], it was almost an afterthought to what they were actually doing — music always came first, and then they'd be like, 'What are we gonna wear?' . . . Bowie was very image-driven, and maybe the music came second, but a lot of the other bands, it was always about the music — the image thing was just something that they did to just upstage other bands on 'Top of the Pops'; that's what they used to do. So we were never driven to do the mascara thing or whatever these bands did. They didn't have any substance musically, I don't think, in comparison to us, so we didn't feel we needed to do it. Bands that do that are doing it to cover up the fact that there is no substance in their music. The only band — and I'm not saying it because we're here — the only band that did pull it off was [Finland's] HANOI ROCKS. I thought HANOI ROCKS were a good band, and they looked… Michael Monroe [HANOI frontman] was one of the best… I would have shagged him. [Laughs] I like Michael, I think he's sexy, and I'm not gay. And I think Andy McCoy [HANOI guitarist] does the best kind of Keith Richards... so much better than MÖTLEY CRÜE or POISON or any of those bands. They [HANOI ROCKS] were real — the rest of the guys, it was all a bit fake for me."

On June 7, Bret Michaels held his own press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival and was asked by Dimitris Barbas of the Greek webzine Rocking.gr to respond to Joe Elliott's remarks.

"Well, I didn't hear the comment, but I can say this: all I do is I sit around and play music and do stuff [related to music]," Bret replied. "I know DEF LEPPARD, for some reason, they get a kick out of wanting to knock every band. My thing in life is not about knocking any music. I mean, obviously, I'm saying this for POISON, we have not sold out, and continuously, for 20 years every arena because we care about just our appearance. The music comes first. You've gotta like 'Talk Dirty to Me' and 'Nothing but a Good Time'. And if I'm gonna go out on stage and put on a good show and play… First of all, that band [DEF LEPPARD] shouldn't be knocking anyone about their music since they just did a show called 'Dancing with the Stars' in the U.S. and they got crucified because they fucking lip-synched the entire show, so before they bust anyone's balls, I've never lip-synched a fucking thing in my life — ever! That's what makes it so funny for me, because why would you wanna bust anyone's balls? It's all of us trying to make music and do it together, and I think if you crucify somebody, it's like the pot calling the kettle black. But I have nothing against them — I like their music, and I'm sorry they feel that way. I don't wanna put HANOI ROCKS down — I know a couple of their songs, and they're really good music — but I think POISON, when you see tonight when we play, there's nothing… You walk around our stage — there's nothing behind. Everyone's out there singing and playing. For better or for worse, it's all real."

[muthagoose]

BRET MICHAELS Confirms Another 'Rock Of Love' Season

July 16, 2008

POISON singer Bret Michaels tried twice to find love by filling a mansion with gorgeous women and having them compete for his heart. But after the final pass was handed out and the cameras stopped rolling, Bret's picks didn't work out. He and season two winner, Ambre Lake, really tried to make it work and although they still remain close friends, between his tour line-up and her work schedule there's no time for a relationship.

"Bret has been very upfront and honest about how difficult maintaining a normal relationship may be for a touring rock star. He's right, it's absolutely an insane lifestyle and neither of us had the time to make it work," stated Lake.

Now Bret is taking another stab at finding his perfect match in the ultimate rock and roller's test ... life on the road! "Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" is set to premiere in early 2009.

"Seasons one and two of 'Rock of Love' shattered ratings records and VH1 is so happy to have Bret back for another outrageous season. This time we'll reveal Bret in his most comfortable setting — the infamous rock star tour bus," said Jeff Olde, VH1's Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production.

"We are excited to hit the road for another season of 'Rock of Love'," commented Executive Producers Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego. "Nobody knows their way around a tour bus like Bret Michaels, and we are confident that the audience will enjoy the ride."

How will Bret find a woman to "rock his world" when his world is always moving? VH1 is loading up a tour bus filled with beautiful babes and taking them on tour across the country. "Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" takes contestants out of the mansion and on the road in true rock star style. This season will feature all-new ladies vying for Bret's affection while traveling across America following Bret on a month-long tour. The contestants will face new challenges to see if they can handle the rock star life on the road.

This time as the bus pulls into each new city, the girls will engage in challenges specifically revolving around Bret's life on the road. Whether it's greeting aggressive groupies with a smile, enduring grueling schedules, dodging the advances of the warm-up band or even stepping in last-minute to fill in for delinquent roadies — these girls will be put to the test. This season, as the Rock of Love Bus heads into America's heartland, the show will be taking the viewer to a whole new level with crazy, fun, over-the-top challenges — imagine Truck Stop Olympics or a dance contest on top of the St. Louis Arch or even a BBQ cook-off beneath the World's Largest Thermometer. And also, back by popular demand... Mud Bowl 3. Americana at its finest!

VH1.com and VH1 Mobile will offer extensive video content from the series throughout its season. Stay tuned for more information at www.vh1.com in the coming months."

VH1's "Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol company, who also produce the record-breaking series "Rock of Love", "Flavor of Love", "Charm School", "I Love New York", "The Surreal Life" and "My Fair Brady".

[muthagoose]

DEF LEPPARD: Joe Elliott Singer Hits Back At POISON

DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott has hit back at POISON singer Bret Michaels and drummer Rikki Rockett over their response to Elliott's comments at a June 6 press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival, in which Elliott said bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE had "no substance in their music" and therefore relied more on their image in the '80s. Rockett questioned Elliott's rock historian credentials in his posting, and wrote, "I'd be hurt if this were coming from John Lennon... So it takes about one minute and 45 seconds to put on eyeliner. I suppose during that same time you were writing the next 'Imagine'."

Michaels had already responded to Elliott's comments earlier, saying, "We have not sold out, and continuously, for 20 years every arena because we care about just our appearance. The music comes first." He then added, "(DEF LEPPARD) shouldn't be knocking anyone about their music since they just did a show called 'Dancing With The Stars' in the U.S. and they got crucified because they fucking lip-synched the entire show, so before they bust anyone's balls, I've never lip-synched a fucking thing in my life — ever! It's the pot calling the kettle black."

In a brand new message posted at DEF LEPPARD's official web site, Elliott writes, "Whoah boys, slow down!!! Well, Bret has a point, we DID lip-synch on 'Dancing With The Stars'... absolutely... a show they'd love to be on, no doubt! But it was two-fold. One, the nature of the show didn't lean towards a full live performance, too many restrictions, so we lip-synched — the way ALL artists do when they shoot videos (and the same as we did on 'American Bandstand' 25 years ago, and every time we did 'Top Of The Pops', dozens of times, so to us Englishmen, it's no big deal). Two, I had a severe respritory infection, as highlighted by my croaking through the (absolutely 100% live!) 'Ellen' show performance the day before! My throat doctor (Dr. Sugarman, possibly Bret's doctor too!) advised me NOT to sing for a week, but these shows were all on the week our new album was released, so canceling wasn't an option.... hence my rather again croaky performance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' the next night! I was simply making the following simple point when I said a lot of those Hollywood bands weren't 'real' (or whatever I said)... I was born Joseph Elliott, Sav was born Richard Savage, Rick was born Richard Allen, Phil was born Philip Collen, Viv was born Vivian Campbell, and oh, Steve was born Stephen Clark. I don't think anyone in POISON uses their real name, do they? And I could name hundreds of others who don't, but POISON came to mind because I was asked about them! It's nothing personal, it was just an answer to a question. As for being 'crucified' for lip-synching, one DJ on KLOS doesn't worry me, however, a Top 5 entry in the Billboard album chart the week after and very healthy ticket sales seems to lean towards the fact that most of our fans knew that I was sick and that I 'took one for the team,' as it were. Calm down boys, you've heard worse, no?! Hey... Rikki implies we're miming on tour?! HA!!! Well, he's welcome to come see us anytime he wants... Obviously not used to hearing a good band very often then, is he?? Also, glitter rock may well have been re-christened in the 80's by er, someone in Hollywood, but trust me, I WAS THERE in 1972 in the UK, when Bowie, Bolan, SLADE, SWEET etc..... ruled with GLAM ROCK! Check out some old mags and you'll see for yourself. I'm no historian, just a big fan, but sorry, Rikki (excuse me if I've spelled that wrong, though!), you're wrong here, mate... very wrong! As you might say yourself, chill dude, just shootin' the shit! PS: Rikki — John Lennon is dead, in case no no told you... And 'Elliott' is spelled with 2 'T's..."

[muthagoose]

C.C. DEVILLE Wants POISON Concerts To Be 'Honoring To God'

Pete Wilson, the pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee recently got a call from POISON guitarist C.C. DeVille asking for advice and inviting him to POISON's July 8 concert at the Sommet Center in Nashville. According to Pete, "C.C. has just become a Christian and was wondering if I would be willing to bring him some messages he could listen to on the road, as well as just encourage him, and answer a few questions."

Pete added, "This guy [C.C.] has an amazing heart. We spent some time with him pre-concert and before he went to get ready to go on stage he said, 'Pete, would you watch the show tonight and tell me if you see me do anything that would not be honoring to God.' Are you kidding me?

"After the concert we had a creative team meeting with him where we suggested a few different ways he could interweave the story of what God is doing in his life through his music. The entire experience was surreal, to say the least."

[Chick-O-Stick]

I have two things to say-

Another season of "Rock of Love"? Are you kidding me? Even Peter Brady found "love" in one season and he wasn't even looking for it.

And CC D has found the Lord. Charming. I really hope that works out for him. Seriously.

For the record I always liked Poison and went to see them more than once back in the day, I've always felt Def Leppard had more musical talent. Poison was more about the show then the music, Def Lep was always only about the music IMO.

[muthagoose]

ATTENTION ALL LADIES...

BRET MICHAELS: Rock Of Love 3 Audition Details Surface

VH1 recently confirmed that POISON singer BRET MICHAELS will continue his Rock Of Love reality series in early 2009 with Rock Of Love Bus With Bret Michaels.

Michaels' site has been updated with the following:

"Hey all you single ladies... Here is the information that you all have been waiting for:

VH1 and Bret Michaels will hit the road "literally"... to find true love on the Rock Of Love Bus With Bret Michaels.

VH1 is loading up a tour bus filled with beautiful babes and taking them on tour across the country. The Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels takes contestants out of the mansion and on the road in true rock star style. This season will feature all-new ladies vying for Bret's affection while traveling across America following Bret on a month-long tour. The contestants will face new challenges to see if they can handle the rock star life on the road. If you are a fan of rock-n'-roll and a true fan of Bret, then this is the show for you.

The Love Bus Casting Tour will be stopping in the following cities:

Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Salt Lake City, UT
Hoboken, NJ
Long Island, NY
New York, NY
Corpus Christi, TX
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Charlotte, NC

To audition please email the following info asap: Name, Age, Phone Number, MySpace Link, a short bio, and attach a photo.

Send an email to your closest audition city:

Los Angeles, CA - [e-mail]
Las Vegas, NV - [e-mail]
Salt Lake City, UT- [e-mail]
New York and New Jersey - [e-mail]
Corpus Christi, TX - [e-mail]
Chicago, IL - [e-mail]
Cincinnati, OH - [e-mail]
Charlotte, NC - [e-mail]

All applicants must be 21+ - characters wanted.

[muthagoose]

RIKKI ROCKETT To JOE ELLIOTT: 'You Need To Shut The F**k Up! No More Talkin' S**t'

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett has threatened DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott with a beatdown following Elliott's recent onstage outburst in which Joe reportedly called Rockett a "fucking idiot [who has] never seen a good band before."

In a brand new posting in the blog section of his MySpace page, Rockett writes, "For fuck's sake, Joe Elliott! Joe, king of the power mullet, at this point you need to shut the fuck up! No more talkin' shit. I'll give you a choice on how you go down. Arm bar, leg lock, shoulder lock, triangle, back choke or knock out. You pick! Let's get it on!"

Elliott recently hit back at Rockett and POISON singer Bret Michaels over their response to Elliott's comments at a June 6 press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival, in which Elliott said bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE had "no substance in their music" and therefore relied more on their image in the '80s. Rockett questioned Elliott's rock historian credentials in his posting, and wrote, "I'd be hurt if this were coming from John Lennon... So it takes about one minute and 45 seconds to put on eyeliner. I suppose during that same time you were writing the next 'Imagine'."

Michaels had already responded to Elliott's comments earlier, saying, "We have not sold out, and continuously, for 20 years every arena because we care about just our appearance. The music comes first." He then added, "(DEF LEPPARD) shouldn't be knocking anyone about their music since they just did a show called 'Dancing With The Stars' in the U.S. and they got crucified because they fucking lip-synched the entire show, so before they bust anyone's balls, I've never lip-synched a fucking thing in my life — ever! It's the pot calling the kettle black."



In a July 18 message posted at DEF LEPPARD's official web site, Elliott wrote, "I was simply making the following simple point when I said a lot of those Hollywood bands weren't 'real' (or whatever I said)... I was born Joseph Elliott, Sav was born Richard Savage, Rick was born Richard Allen, Phil was born Philip Collen, Viv was born Vivian Campbell, and oh, Steve was born Stephen Clark. I don't think anyone in POISON uses their real name, do they? And I could name hundreds of others who don't, but POISON came to mind because I was asked about them! It's nothing personal, it was just an answer to a question. . . Hey... Rikki implies we're miming on tour?! HA!!! Well, he's welcome to come see us anytime he wants... Obviously not used to hearing a good band very often then, is he??"

[muthagoose]

POISON: To Release "Seven Days Live" On DVD

On August 26, Armoury Records (through Eagle Rock Entertainment) will release "Seven Days Live" by POISON — Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett and Richie Kotzen — as captured at the height of their international success with a full show recorded at London's Hammersmith Opollo in 1993.

Featuring classic tracks like "Unskinny Bop", "Talk Dirty To Me", "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", "Ain't Nothin' But A Good Time" and more, "Seven Days Live" is a rare live recording of the Richie Kotzen era of the band, shortly after he replaced original guitarist C.C. DeVille.

POISON became icons of glam in the late '80s/early '90s with a striking visual image and incredible success selling records upwards of 14 million in the U.S. alone. With six Top 10 singles to their credit, they continue to tour to this day. The Pennsylvania band moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and developed a hardcore following along the Sunset Strip (VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash once auditioned as lead guitarist). With plenty of make-up and hairspray, they played their androgyny into major stardom, becoming the house band at popular West Hollywood hang-out The Troubadour. "Open Up And Say…Ahh!" (1988) made them into international celebrities. Michaels has also become a solo star, successful in movies and television.

The band's "Swallow This Live" live album was certified gold in 1991.

"Seven Days Live" track listing:

01. Ride The Wind
02. Something To Believe In
03. Stand
04. Fallen Angel
05. Look What The Cat Dragged In
06. Until You Suffer Some (Fire & Ice)
07. Unskinny Bop
08. Talk Dirty To Me
09. Every Rose Has Its Thorn
10. Nothin' But A Good Time

[muthagoose]

VIVIAN CAMPBELL Says JOE ELLIOTT Vs. POISON Feud
Is 'Much Ado About Nothing'

David Schmeichel of the Winnipeg Sun recently conducted an interview with DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivan Campbell. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

On choosing their setlist:

"It's a tough thing for us, and we're kind of between a rock and a hard place. As artists, you keep wanting to move forward and play your new material, but you're kind of beholden to your success of the past. We're fortunate, in that we have a truckload of bona fide Top 20 hits, but the other side of the equation is that's all our audience wants to hear. . . We try to sneak in a couple new songs as we go, but you can really tell the majority of the audience doesn't know them, because there's a collective, 'Uhh,' You can put a new song in the first two or three — or even start with it — because while the audience is there and you have everyone's attention, they'll indulge you. But from then on, it gets difficult. You've got to pick the right (new) song to play, and even then, assume maybe 10 people in the audience are going to know it out of 10,000. Running order is very important, especially for a band like us, because our show is very physical, and it's very up, and we don't like to bring it down."

"We started off the tour playing six songs from the new album, and that very quickly became five songs, and then four, and then one — the single. That can even happen with what you'd hope would be familiar material, like this one tour where we started the show by playing the entire Side 1 of the 'High and Dry' album. About 30% of the audience went mad for it, but the rest of them were like, 'This isn't 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'.' Then we realized that wasn't the biggest album for fans, and it would've been different if we'd opened with 'Hysteria'. So you can't be too clever."

On frontman Joe Elliott's illness which forced several show cancellations in April:

"It was actually an upper respiratory tract infection, which was very unpleasant. We've all been on tour and gotten ill and managed to pull through, but with this, it got to the point where Joe would open his mouth and nothing would come out. Which for Joe Elliott is very strange. That man is in love with the sound of his own voice."

On the recent mini-controversy Elliott stirred up by daring to suggest that glam bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE "totally missed the point":

"You know, we live in a time where you can't say or do anything. And where do people find the time? I have two small children and three dogs, and I don't even have the time to go to the dentist, let alone sit on the Internet chatting about this shit for hours. It's much ado about nothing."

[muthagoose]

POISON Singer BRET MICHAELS: 'I Don't Wanna Fight JOE ELLIOTT'

POISON singer Bret Michaels spoke to the nationally syndicated rock radio show "The Tour Bus" about his band's ongoing war of words with DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott over Elliott's comments at a June 6 press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival, in which Joe said bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE had "no substance in their music" and therefore relied more on their image in the '80s.

Michaels on how the whole feud started:

"I went over to do… I literally played at the Taste of Summer in Waukesha [Wisconsin]… I get done. I fly that night to Sweden, I land, [we] drive… literally… drive to the venue… I mean, it's like a 900-hour flight. [We] get in a car, [and we] drive to Sweden Rock, which is an amazing festival — we're closing it. We have the biggest night of the whole festival. Usually their closing night is their weakest night 'cause everyone is going home. It's their biggest night, they've sold all the tickets — it's huge. We get there, and the first thing I do, I get out of the car and they say, 'You've gotta go to a press conference.' And I'm like, 'OK.' Now. I haven't slept. This is beyond sunglasses at this point. I go, 'Alright.' I walk into the tent [where the press conference was being held]. They have a special entrance; you supposed to go through this… I'm like, 'Well, they're friends and press people. Why don't I walk just in and say 'Hello?' blah blah blah. I walk in, I'm shaking hands, hanging out, talking, whatever… Then I go up and start to answer questions. Everything goes great. You know, they're asking stuff, they're videotaping, they're doing whatever. All of a sudden, one guy goes, 'We have a video of Joe Elliott last night saying that MÖTLEY CRÜE and POISON and all these bands have no talent, they can't play.' Now, let me just put this on the record: I'm a DEF LEPPARD fan. Not 'kind of a fan' — like, I own the CDs; I own the albums. We used to do the song 'Wasted', if that gives you any indication. I used to play 'On Through The Night' with like… The song 'Wasted' was one of our favorite songs…. I'm a DEF LEPPARD fan. Old-school, new-school — it doesn't matter. Gone to see their shows, liked the guys. Joe Elliott, I don't really know, but he seems like a decent guy, whatever. I get in there and the guy says it to me. I say, 'You're lying. I don't think Joe would say that.' He's like, 'No, I've got it on video.' Which they had on video — him [Joe] stating this. And I'm looking at him going, 'Wait, he's dissing MÖTLEY CRÜE and POISON. We're here to…' I'm thinking, I've never said anything but nice stuff. And from what I understand, obviously Joe does not wanna be known as 'hair metal.' And I said, 'Listen, I don't think that 'Something To Believe In', as a songwriter, is a hair-metal song, but you can call me whatever you want. I like a lot of the bands that they call hair metal; I happen to think they're really good bands. So call me whatever you want — I've been called a lot worse. At first I take no offense to Joe's thing and then I start to get worked up 'cause he's, like, we can't write, we can't play. And then it hits me that, listen, I've been nothing but cool. And I go, 'Well, this is coming from a guy who lip-synched on 'Dancing With The Stars'.' I go, 'This guy lip-synched…' [Mega-producer] Mutt Lange writes their… you know, does their albums… I'm not dissing them, I'm just saying… In other words, I was like, 'Look, give me and Joe a guitar each and a pen and a piece of paper, stick us in a room for an hour [and see who'll come out] with a couple of songs. But I don't wanna fight Joe. In other words, what bummed me out was that one of the guys I like is dissing every band… I'm like, why does he feel dissing all these bands or putting them down makes him any better? Isn't he secure enough in his success or where he's at… If someone said, 'Hey, what do you think about MÖTLEY?' Even though we've had words — MÖTLEY and us, or supposedly, whatever — I'm like, 'Hey, I like MÖTLEY's music. I'm a fan. They have good rock songs.' I just feel uncomfortable in my skin.'"

On whether Joe's words might have been taken out of context:

"I think what happened was… He might have been pushed. And I wanna say this for his fans as well as my fans — all rock fans — I'm not in a fight with DEF LEPPARD; I like their music, I like Joe Elliott. This has gotten so beyond anything… And I looked at the guy when he said it to me and I said, 'You're lying to me.' I'm like, 'Joe sat in this tent where I'm sitting…' And I just got done telling everybody how great DEF LEPPARD is. I'm like, 'Man, they sound great, they've got good tunes.' And then it just pissed me off. I was, like, 'Wait a minute. I've done nothing but say nice stuff. Every time I've ever seen the guys, they've been nothing but cool. So it was a little, maybe, taken out of context, and for me… I don't wanna fight with them. I like their music."

On whether POISON drummer Rikki Rockett challenged Joe Elliott to a fight:

"That I didn't see. What I thought was going on was that they were like… What the joke was from a lot of fans was, like, 'Don't trip over a water backstage at a DEF LEPPARD concert, you might unplug the stereo.' And I said, 'With our band, we don't ever use…' There's nothing. That's what blows everyone's minds. You go to a lot of 'concerts,' and you can trip over anything we've got, we play everything. In other words, the keyboard player… We have one guy extra to sing some of the parts, but that's it. There's no… You can put us in a club… Like we did it in New York. We went and played for, I believe it was WPLJ, and they stuck us in this club and [we] played, and it was one of the best nights we'd had, 'cause you can put us there or in the stadium or an arena, and it's gonna sound the same; there's no fear. And that's what some of the joke… I think Rikki's challenge was the same as mine. If this is gonna become a songwriting duel, Rikki goes, 'Do you bring Mutt Lange, or do you bring the band?'"

[muthagoose]

BRET MICHAELS: Second Single From New Album Announced

The second single from BRET MICHAELS' latest release, Rock My World is Fallen. THe song is a poignant ballad professing true love with a simple, yet beautiful melody. In advance of being worked at radio, VH1 will begin airing the video on Monday, August 25, 2008. "'Fallen' is a timeless song that will find a home in pop, rock and country," according to a press release.

The first single from Rock My World, 'Go That Far',"ended its run on the VH1 Top Twenty Countdown at Number #7, spending 12 weeks on the Top 20.

See Bret perform with his solo band at the sure to be legendary Rock the Bayou Festival on Monday, September 1.

[muthagoose]

BRET MICHAELS: 'Rock Of Love Bus' Filming Continues

Fans in Greenfield, Indiana got a sneak peek at the upcoming season of Bret Michaels' hit reality show "Rock Of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" when the production made a stop just 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. This weekend, fans can get another behind-the-scenes look at the show when the buses and cameras roll into Hammond, Indiana for a September 21 concert stop at The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino and to film scenes for the upcoming season. This will be fans only chance to be part of the show when the production films the concert to air during "Rock of Love Bus" in January. Those arriving early are sure to get a special look at what goes on behind the cameras and might even get to be on the show. This is an event not to be missed.

"Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" takes contestants out of the mansion and on the road in true rock star style. This season will feature all-new ladies vying for Bret's affection while traveling across America following Bret on a month-long tour. The contestants will face new challenges to see if they can handle the rock star life on the road.

This time as the bus pulls into each new city, the girls will engage in challenges specifically revolving around Bret's life on the road. Whether it's greeting aggressive groupies with a smile, enduring grueling schedules, dodging the advances of the warm-up band or even stepping in last-minute to fill in for delinquent roadies — these girls will be put to the test. This season, as the "Rock of Love Bus" heads into America's heartland, the show will be taking the viewer to a whole new level with crazy, fun, over-the-top challenges — imagine Truck Stop Olympics or a dance contest on top of the St. Louis Arch or even a BBQ cook-off beneath the World's Largest Thermometer. And also, back by popular demand... Mud Bowl 3. Americana at its finest!

"Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" is set to premiere in early 2009.

VH1's "Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" is created and executive-produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol company, who also produce the record-breaking series "Rock of Love", "Flavor of Love", "Charm School", "I Love New York", "The Surreal Life" and "My Fair Brady".

[muthagoose]

POSION: After ROCKETT Is Exonerated,
Two Men Are Wanted For Questioning In Connection With Rape

Philadephia, Mississippi's The Neshoba Democrat reports that two men wanted for questioning in connection with an alleged rape at Pearl River Resort nearly a year ago are being sought by local law enforcement authorities.

The alleged victim first told authorities that Rikki Rockett, the 46 year-old drummer of 1980s hair-metal band POISON, raped her in a room.

Rockett was exonerated of any wrongdoing earlier this year.

The Neshoba County woman filed the report two days after the alleged rape took place on Sept. 23, 2007, officials said.

"The Resort has participated with local law enforcement in every possible way," said Gen. Paul Harvey, CEO of Pearl River Resort. "Since the beginning of this situation we have cooperated to fullest with authorities and will continue to do so."

[muthagoose]

POISON Singer Working On The BRET MICHAELS Story Book

Jerry Fink from Lasvegassun.com spoke to POISON's BRET MICHAELS recently about a number of topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Lasvegassun.com: How do you explain the Rock Of Love’s success?
Michaels: "I had never watched a lot of reality dating shows, which may have been my blessing. I brought in all these ideas they never tried before, sort of a survivor feel. I wanted to have a lot of competitions that were fun — motocross, mud football challenge, stuff interesting to watch — and then go on dates. I didn’t really know what was right or wrong to do. The reason it hit so big, I believe, was because I absolutely stayed myself — funny, self-deprecating. A strong point was that I made fun of myself before the girls. People related to the fact that I was a rock star dating, but I could have a drink with them at a local bar."

Lasvegassun.com: How is Poison doing?
Michaels: "We get along better now than we ever did. At this point it’s just about enjoying it."

Lasvegassun.com: Has the group become a band that pays tribute to itself?
Michaels: "I’ve never looked at anything as a tribute or satire. We’re living in the moment. I’m probably the one in the band who drives everyone insane looking for new music, new material. I’m just a get-it-done guy. I don’t spend seven years trying to figure out how to put a chorus into a verse. I sit down at the piano and write something and produce it. I get it done."

Lasvegassun.com: Are you working on any other projects at the moment?
Michaels: "I’m writing a book. I’m about halfway through. Right now I’m just calling it The Bret Michaels Story.

Lasvegassun.com: Will it be a tell-all?
Michaels: "Not at all. If you were around me long enough you’d know I don’t throw people under the bus. This will just be an interesting book of my life. I’m not trying to make it a gossip column. You throw people in there - you know, the names of a bunch of girls — and they’ve moved on. They have families, children. I don’t want to throw them under the bus."