Published: May 19, 2015
A curious moment in glam metal history when three quarters of Poison toured under a different name.
In one of the most unexpected twists of the 2010s rock circuit, three core members of Poison briefly performed live without their iconic frontman Bret Michaels. Drummer Rikki Rockett, bassist Bobby Dall and guitarist C.C. DeVille took the stage under the name “The Special Guests,” accompanied by vocalist Brandon Gibbs, known from Cheap Thrill and Devil City Angels.
Their lineup debuted on April 17 during the official pre-party of the Monsters of Rock festival at the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida. Performing Poison’s classic catalogue, the trio showcased that their chemistry remained intact, even without one of the most recognizable voices in MTV-era hard rock. Fan-filmed footage circulated quickly online, turning the performance into a talking point among glam metal loyalists.
The project continued to gain momentum with a scheduled appearance at Metal May-Hem in Tucson, Arizona on May 29, sharing the bill with Queensrÿche and Quiet Riot. It was a rare sight: Poison’s sound, legacy and stage swagger, but under a different banner.
At the same time, Bret Michaels was focusing heavily on his solo career. He had just released his rock-country crossover track “Girls On Bars,” co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Luke Laird, signaling a shift toward broader musical horizons. His increasing solo activity created a momentary vacuum that Rockett, Dall and DeVille chose to fill with live momentum rather than wait offstage.
For longtime fans, this period remains a fascinating footnote. It highlighted the internal balance of Poison and reminded audiences that the band’s DNA goes far beyond just a frontman. Songs like “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” and “Fallen Angel” are built on the melodic interplay of C.C.’s guitar, Rockett’s rhythmic drive and Dall’s bass foundation.
While The Special Guests did not evolve into a long-term act, their existence captured the unpredictable nature of rock. Bands evolve, members explore and sometimes chapters unfold quietly between tour cycles.
Today, the episode stands as a fun and curious moment in Poison’s larger mythology: a reminder that even when performing under another name, glam metal never really disappears. It only changes outfits.
