Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rikki Rockett’s Net Worth?
Rikki Rockett, the celebrated drummer of the iconic rock band Poison, has carved a significant niche for himself in the music industry. As of 2023, Rikki Rockett’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career with Poison, a band that dominated the glam metal scene of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Early Life and Formation of Poison
Born Richard Allan Ream on August 8, 1961, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Rikki Rockett’s journey to stardom began in his hometown. He attended Cedar Cliff High School, where he nurtured his passion for rock music. His early musical endeavors involved playing in local bands, setting the stage for his future career. Rikki’s friendship with Bret Michaels, also from Mechanicsburg, proved pivotal. Together, they formed a band called the Spectres around 1979, marking the genesis of what would eventually become Poison.
In the early 1980s, Rikki and Bret joined forces with Bobby Dall and Matt Smith to create a band initially known as Paris. Their focus on covering rock songs in local bars laid the groundwork for their musical style and stage presence. Recognizing the limitations of their Pennsylvania location, the band made a crucial decision to move to Los Angeles in March 1983. This relocation was instrumental in their pursuit of greater success. Concurrently, they changed their name to Poison, a moniker that would soon become synonymous with glam metal.
The band’s lineup underwent a change when Matt Smith decided to leave, leading to the recruitment of C.C. DeVille. This quartet—Rikki Rockett, Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, and C.C. DeVille—became the definitive lineup of Poison during their rise to fame. This period of intense activity was characterized by local performances, careful crafting of their onstage presence, and the relentless pursuit of a record deal. Their early performances in Los Angeles clubs helped them hone their skills and build a dedicated fanbase.
Poison’s Rise to Fame and Album Success
Poison’s breakthrough came in 1986 when they signed with Enigma Records. Their debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” released in May 1986, became an unexpected hit. The album spawned three chart-topping singles: “Talk Dirty to Me,” “I Want Action,” and “I Won’t Forget You.” These hits propelled Poison into the mainstream, making “Look What the Cat Dragged In” the best-selling album in Enigma Records’ history. The album’s success was so profound that it paved the way for Poison to tour with established bands like Ratt, Cinderella, and Quiet Riot, further cementing their place in the rock scene.
Riding the wave of their initial success, Poison released their second album, “Open Up and Say…Ahh!,” in May 1988. This album proved to be even more successful, peaking at number two on the American charts. It featured the number one hit single “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” a power ballad that became a signature song for the band. The album’s popularity and subsequent singles like “Fallen Angel” solidified Poison’s status as a major force in the music industry.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Poison continued to release hit songs, including “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “Unskinny Bop,” “Ride the Wind,” and “Life Goes On.” Each of these tracks contributed to the band’s widespread appeal and commercial success. These hits were not just songs; they became anthems for a generation, driving album sales and concert ticket demand. The cumulative effect of these successes was substantial, contributing significantly to Rikki Rockett’s growing wealth.
Poison’s impressive album sales further bolstered Rikki Rockett’s net worth. The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The breakdown of album sales includes significant figures for each of their major releases:
- “Look What the Cat Dragged In” (1986): Over 4 million copies sold in the U.S.
- “Open Up and Say…Ahh!” (1988): Over 8 million copies sold in the U.S.
- “Flesh & Blood” (1990): Over 7 million copies sold in the U.S.
- “Native Tongue” (1993): Over 2 million copies sold in the U.S.
These figures highlight the band’s consistent performance and widespread popularity, translating into substantial royalties and income for its members, including Rikki Rockett.
Other Musical Ventures and Business Ventures
Beyond his work with Poison, Rikki Rockett has explored various other musical and business ventures. In 1995, he co-created and colored a six-issue comic book series called “Sisters of Mercy,” published by Maximum Press. Although this project was a departure from music, it showcased his diverse creative interests.
In January 2007, Rockett released his first solo album, “Glitter 4 Your Soul,” which was distributed online. This album paid tribute to 1970s glam rock, reflecting his musical roots and influences. He also appeared as a guest musician on the Britny Fox album “Bite Down Hard,” further expanding his musical collaborations.
In April 2007, Rockett announced the creation of Rockett Drum Works Inc., a company focused on manufacturing drums. This venture specialized in ultra-custom drum kits, snare drums, and accessories. Prior to this, Rockett had worked at Chop Shop Custom Drum but left due to conflicting opinions with the founder. He recruited many of the staff members from Chop Shop to join his new company. The establishment of Rockett Drum Works demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and diversification of income streams.
In 2015, Rockett formed a rock supergroup called Devil City Angels, alongside guitarist Tracii Guns from L.A. Guns and bassist Eric Brittingham from Cinderella. Brandon Gibbs of Cheap Thrill served as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. The group released a self-titled debut album in September 2015. While Devil City Angels did not achieve the same level of success as Poison, it represented another avenue through which Rockett continued to engage with the music industry and generate income.
These diverse ventures have contributed to Rikki Rockett’s financial stability, supplementing his earnings from Poison and reinforcing his status as a versatile and resourceful musician.
Real Estate Investments
Rikki Rockett has also made strategic investments in real estate. In November 2016, he sold a home in Castaic, California, for $1.05 million. This sale indicates a savvy approach to property investment, leveraging real estate to build his wealth.
His current residence is another Castaic property, which he acquired in 2011 for $665,000. Soon after purchasing the 4.7-acre property, Rikki began renovating the 3,800-square-foot mansion. These renovations likely increased the property’s value, showcasing his ability to enhance his assets and secure his financial future. The decision to invest in and improve this property underscores his understanding of real estate as a means of wealth accumulation.
Personal Life
In October 2008, Rikki Rockett married Melanie Martel, his longtime girlfriend. The couple had their first child, Jude Aaron Rockett, in July 2009, followed by a daughter, Lucy Sky, in March 2013. The names of his children were inspired by Beatles songs, reflecting his personal tastes and musical influences. However, the couple separated in July 2015 and finalized their divorce in June 2017.
Rikki Rockett is also known for his interests in martial arts. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains at Street Sports Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Santa Monica, California. His dedication to martial arts highlights his commitment to physical fitness and personal discipline. Additionally, he is a vegan, reflecting his focus on health and ethical considerations.
In December 2015, Rockett announced that he was battling throat cancer. After undergoing treatment, he announced in July 2016 that he was cancer-free. His openness about his health challenges and subsequent recovery has been an inspiration to many.
Details regarding other investments, endorsement deals, and specific revenue streams for Rikki Rockett are not publicly available. However, his known ventures in music, business, and real estate provide a clear picture of how he has accumulated and managed his wealth. His career with Poison remains the cornerstone of his financial success, while his entrepreneurial endeavors and real estate investments contribute to his overall financial stability.
