This is really unfortunate to know! Several drum kits that were previously used by Rikki Rockett on tour with POISON have been stolen from Donn’s Drum Vault, described as the largest inventory of rare and vintage drums in the world.
Such kits definitely serve as a heartfelt reminder of the legacy of a legendary drummer and the iconic concerts he has been a part of. Donn Bennett, the owner-operator at Donn’s Drum Vault, revealed the theft in a post on the Drummers Of The Pacific Northwest Facebook group. He shared photos of at least four different drum kits and included the following message: “Stolen Drums!! Several drum sets from the collection of Rikki Rockett from POISON were stolen from our warehouse in Burien WA. They are all extremely unique and easily identified. Please let me know if you see them anywhere.”
Among the stolen kits stolen was a DW green-and-gray flamed kit used on POISON’s 2022 “The Stadium Tour”, as seen in a fan-filmed video below.
Rockett shared Bennett’s post on his Facebook page and wrote: “I’m floored.”
Rikki’s memoir, “Ghost Notes”, will be released on July 15, 2025 via Rare Bird Books. The book was written with writer duo Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson.
Rikki is the co-founder and drummer for the band POISON, which exploded into the highly competitive Los Angeles music scene in the 1980s, making a name for themselves in the clubs on the Sunset Strip.
POISON has sold over 50 million records worldwide, releasing eight studio albums, four live albums, and four compilations. The band has charted 10 singles on the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, including six Top 10 singles and one Hot 100 number-one smash hit, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”.
Rockett was declared cancer free more in 2016 after undergoing an experimental treatment. He was diagnosed with oral cancer back in 2015. His journey and resilience is a story that has always inspired me to push through pain and still with perseverance follow your passion.
In October, Rikki announced the launch of a new band called THE ROCKETT MAFIA. Joining him in the group are Brandon Gibbs (DEVIL CITY ANGELS) on vocals and guitar, Mick Sweda (BULLETBOYS) on guitar and backing vocals, and Bryan Kimes on bass and backing vocals.