Poison drummer Rikki Rockett recently revisited a moment in rock history that highlights the intersection of creativity, controversy, and commerce. The band’s 1988 album, Open Up and Say… Ahh!, not only became a cornerstone of glam metal but also stirred significant debate due to its original cover artwork. Rockett, in a candid reflection, explained how the provocative design clashed with mainstream retail standards, ultimately leading to its rejection by major retailers like Walmart.
The original artwork featured a striking image of a model adorned with vivid makeup and a fiery, demon-like tongue. For Poison, this design embodied the raw energy and playful rebellion that defined their music. However, the visual, while bold and memorable, was deemed too risqué by conservative retailers of the time. Rockett revealed that Walmart, in particular, refused to carry the album unless the artwork was changed, a decision that put the band at a crossroads between artistic integrity and commercial success.
Facing the potential loss of significant sales, the band and their label opted for a compromise. The revised cover toned down the imagery by cropping the design to show only the model’s eyes, effectively removing the contentious elements while maintaining an air of mystery. While this decision may have disappointed some fans who admired the original art’s boldness, it allowed the album to reach a wider audience and secure its place in rock history.
Rikki Rockett highlights the challenges artists face when their creative vision clashes with societal norms or commercial expectations. For Poison, the controversy didn’t hinder the album’s success—Open Up and Say… Ahh! became a multi-platinum hit, spawning iconic tracks like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Nothin’ But a Good Time.” The album’s ability to resonate with fans proved that its content, not its cover, was the true driving force behind its success.
This episode also underscores the tension between the countercultural spirit of rock music and the constraints of mainstream acceptability. Poison, like many bands of their era, thrived on pushing boundaries, both musically and visually. The compromise on the album cover serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between staying true to one’s artistic vision and navigating the practical realities of the music industry.
Decades later, Open Up and Say… Ahh! and its artwork remain emblematic of an era defined by excess, rebellion, and unapologetic self-expression. Rockett’s reflections shed light on the enduring legacy of the album and the moments behind the scenes that shaped its journey. For fans, the story of the rejected cover is more than a footnote in Poison’s history—it’s a testament to the challenges and triumphs of creative freedom in the world of rock and roll.