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Rikki Rockett

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Rikki Rockett
Rikki Rockett live with Poison on July 24, 2000 at the Moondance Jam
Rikki Rockett live with Poison on July 24, 2000 at the Moondance Jam
Background information
Birth nameRichard Allan Ream
Born (1961-08-08) August 8, 1961 (age 63)
OriginMechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresGlam metal, hard rock
Occupation(s)Drummer, musician
Instrument(s)Drums, percussion
Years active1979–present
Websiterikkirockett.com

Richard Allan Ream (born August 8, 1961), better known by the stage name Rikki Rockett, is an American drummer for rock band Poison. The band has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide[1] and 15 million records in the United States alone.[2]

Biography

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Richard Allan Ream was born on August 8, 1961, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the youngest of two children of Norman and Margaret Ream. He attended Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill. Before founding Poison with vocalist Bret Michaels, Rockett worked as a hairdresser, lifeguard, dishwasher, emergency medical technician[citation needed] and a suit salesman.

In late 1993, Rockett discovered that the then guitarist Richie Kotzen of Poison was having a relationship with Deanna Eve, Rockett's fiancée at the time. Kotzen was fired due to this incident. In VH1's Behind the Music, singer Bret Michaels said he never wanted to speak to Kotzen again.

In 1995 Rikki co-created and coloured the 6 issue comic book series, Sisters Of Mercy, published by Maximum Press.

After almost 20 years with Poison, Rockett released his first solo album Glitter 4 Your Soul on January 7, 2003, which was distributed online. The album was a tribute to 1970s glam rock. He also guested on Britny Fox's Bite Down Hard.

On April 26, 2007, Rockett announced the creation of Rockett Drum Works Inc. It is a drum manufacturing company, specializing in the creation of ultra custom drum kits, snare drums and custom accessories. Prior to setting up his enterprise, Rockett worked for Chop Shop Custom Drum. He departed after conflicting opinions with Chop Shop founder Brian Cocivera.[3] Rockett recruited most of the staff from Chop Shop along with some newer staff members.[4]

In 2015 Rockett co-formed a new rock supergroup the Devil City Angels with guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), bassist Eric Brittingham (Cinderella) and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brandon Gibbs (Cheap Thrill).[5][6][7] Their self-titled debut album was officially released September 11, 2015.[8]

Personal life

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In October 2008, Rockett married longtime girlfriend Melanie Martel. On July 14, 2009, they had their first child, Jude Aaron Rockett. On March 2, 2013, Rikki and Melanie had their second child, a daughter named Lucy Sky. Both children are named after The Beatles' songs "Hey Jude" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". They separated in July 2015 and their divorce became final in June 2017.[9]

Rockett holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, under trainer Renato Magno and trains at Street Sports Brazilian jiu-jitsu, located in Santa Monica, California.[10]

Rockett is a vegan.[11]

In December 2015, Rockett announced that he had been battling throat cancer.[12] In July 2016, he reported that he is now cancer-free.[13] In July 2021, Rikki celebrated the fact that he is still cancer free, six years after the original diagnosis.[14]

Discography

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Solo

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Poison

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Devil City Angels

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References

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  1. ^ "Poison joins Def Leppard for summer 2009 tour!". Signatures Network Inc. February 25, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  2. ^ "Top Selling Artists". RIAA. Archived from the original on July 25, 2013.
  3. ^ "Rockett Drum Works Poison drummer launches custom drum company". drummerszone.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007.
  4. ^ "Rikki Rockett announces Rockett Drum Works". mikedolbear.com.
  5. ^ bravewords.com. "DEVIL CITY ANGELS Featuring POISON, CINDERELLA, L.A. GUNS Members Hit The Studio; Photos Posted - Bravewords.com". bravewords.com. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  6. ^ "KNAC.COM - News - Rolling Stones' Richards Slags". knac.com. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  7. ^ "Tracii Guns Talks To 'Do You Know Jack?' About Devil City Angels Project (Audio) - Blabbermouth.net". blabbermouth.net. August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  8. ^ "Devil City Angels new album". Century Media.2015
  9. ^ "Poison Drummer Rikki Rockett's Divorce is Final, He Owes More if Band is Touring".
  10. ^ "Street Sports Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors". Street Sports Jiu Jitsu. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  11. ^ Rosenberg, Kirsten (October 15, 1999). "Something to Believe In: an interview with Rikki Rockett". The Animals' Agenda. ISSN 0892-8819. Archived from the original on September 21, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2011. ... his vegan lifestyle (down to his non-leather shoes), ...
  12. ^ Trunk, Eddie (December 15, 2015). "POISON Drummer RIKKI ROCKETT Is Battling Oral Cancer". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  13. ^ "Poison Drummer Rikki Rockett Declared Cancer-Free After Undergoing Experimental Treatment".
  14. ^ "POISON Drummer RIKKI ROCKETT Is Still Cancer Free". July 28, 2021.
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