In a recent interview with The Hair Metal Guru, Poison drummer Rikki Rockett recently shared his thoughts about choosing between Slash and C.C. DeVille
“CC is a different kind of writer,” he continued.
“I mean a lot of those riffs on the first Guns N’ Roses record, they’re Tracii Guns. So know that too. I’m not taking anything away from Slash. But I’m saying you know ‘Welcome to the Jungle, it’s Tracii all over it.”
The conversation revolved around the period following Matt Smith’s departure from Poison. During this time, the band was evaluating potential replacements for its guitarist position.
This guitarist selection saw a defining moment for the band as they developed their signature sound and image.
In a statement documented by Blabbermouth, Rockett drew parallels between band dynamics and sports teams. He highlighted how mutual respect among members drives success.
Matt Smith’s departure stemmed from personal circumstances. His girlfriend’s pregnancy and lifestyle differences created a gap between him and the band’s direction.
The band’s judgment regarding C.C. DeVille saw impressive results. The Aquarian noted that their debut album ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ reached triple platinum status. This achievement was particularly notable given the album’s limited recording budget.
The strategic choice of DeVille solidified Poison’s place in rock history. His distinctive guitar work became fundamental to their trademark sound.
