Must Haves. Music Edition. Poison.

BACKGROUND HISTORY

Formerly known as Paris, Poison was formed in 1984 by Bret Michaels, bassist Bobby Dall, and drummer Rikki Rockett. After leaving his hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and settling in Los Angeles, the boys began auditioning for a fourth member. Guitarist C.C. Devil is famous for getting the gig and defeating future Guns N'Roses bandmate Slash in the process. Keeping the lineup as it is, Poison took in a gorgeous and androgynous image, started shows around Los Angeles, and became a master of self-promotion and DIY. advertisement. In 1986 they signed a deal with Enigma Records and released their first album "Look What the Cat Dragged In" that summer. The record produced two Top 40 hits, "Talk Dirty to Me" and "I Won't Forget You," and sold over 2 million copies within a year of its release.

GENRE Pop Rock

ALBUMS

Look What the Cat Dragged In, Open Up and Say... Ahh!, Flesh & Blood, Native Tongue,Crack a Smile... And More, Power to the people, HollyWeird

HITS

Nothin' But a Good Time, Talk Dirty To Me, Unskinny Bop

CULTURAL IMPACT

In the decade supported by the party's national anthem and power ballads, Poison has become as popular as Bon Jovi and Def Leppard alone. The group recorded a long pop metal hit, but soon became famous for stage shows and remained very attractive even after the late 80's (which heralded the commercial decline of pop metal). Meanwhile, frontman Bret Michaels was reborn as a reality star in 2007 and has maintained the band's popularity at concerts by participating in several television shows, especially Rock of Love, Celebrity Apprentice, and Life as Eye Noise.