During a recent appearance on The Môtley Crôc Show, POISON drummer Rikki Rockett discussed the original cover art for POISON’s second album, “Open Up And Say … Ahh!” Released on May 3, 1988, the album stirred controversy when stores like Walmart banned it due to what they deemed inappropriate cover art, depicting a model styled as a demon with a long red tongue. To address the issue, POISON’s record company provided a censored cover version, which only showed the model’s eyes, concealing the tongue.
Rikki shared details about the censorship process, recalling that his friend Mark Williams created the prosthetic tongue. The initial photo session was considered too mild by the label, prompting a collaboration with renowned photographer Neil Zlozower. Rikki and POISON bassist Bobby Dall enlisted Dall’s girlfriend Bambi as the model, enhancing the image with dramatic makeup, stripes, and contacts. Despite the creative effort, Walmart, led by founder Sam Walton at the time, rejected the cover for its demonic imagery. Faced with losing a significant market share, the band and their management agreed to alter the cover.
The album “Open Up And Say… Ahh!” became POISON’s most successful release, producing four hit singles, including “Nothin’ But A Good Time” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” It reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and achieved multiple platinum certifications in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Rikki’s memoir, “Ghost Notes,” is set for release on July 15, 2025, via Rare Bird Books, co-authored with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson.
POISON, co-founded by Rockett, emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene in the 1980s, gaining fame on the Sunset Strip. They have sold over 50 million records globally, with several hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The band, initially independent, achieved success with their debut album, leading to a contract with Capitol Records and subsequent hit releases.
The original POISON lineup reunited for “The Stadium Tour” with MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD, and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS in 2022, after pandemic-related delays. Rikki, who overcame a cancer diagnosis in 2015, announced a new band, THE ROCKETT MAFIA, featuring Brandon Gibbs, Mick Sweda, and Bryan Kimes.