WHY I LEFT DW DRUMS

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

I am all for healthy debate, but I have been getting nasty/borderline harassment comments. If you don't like me, fine, go to another channel.Just know, I will report your account. This is a No Troll Zone!

[@bls8959]

U sound insecure

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

@@bls8959 How exactly is it insecure to not tolerate imbeciles who have no desire to engage in an actual discussion? If all someone has to say is 'your a dumbdumb and I no liek u' why would they warrant any positive attention? If they can't follow the ToS, what's wrong with them facing the consequences of their choice to behave that way? It just sounds like you want to defend the indefensible for edgelord points.

[@Mdsports8245]

@@bls8959 fr

[@grandadneal8114]

Good on you....everyones a critic these days

[@gsmith207]

I “clicked” ‘cause I’m a drummer and at 55 I realize you are another reason why I still hit the cans! Rock on 🤘!

[@perebernardo3829]

Congratulations Rikki!!! Greetings from Seattle

[@TreyBDrums]

Throughout this past summer, you were a breath of fresh air. Down to Earth, humble, gracious, caring about your craft & the people that support what you do. Those are qualities that matter and it's why I'm truly interested in the route you're taking & the drums you'll be using (couldn't mean it more). Have a good one!

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Thank you!!!

[@KimberlySchaeffer71]

I agree 💯!!!!

[@RockingBro_Frank]

I feel the same way as Trey. 🤘♥️🇨🇦

[@RedGearMusic_Personal]

I have this feeling it's SJC Drums.

[@lukebandy516]

​@@RedGearMusic_Personalyamaha

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

This was a very hard decision for me. I lost sleep!

[@thecrochetdiva]

i'm just wondering, is poison on hiatus or are you still a awesome rocking band?

[@mikeybucksco9434]

My brother said he worked with you guys for a while his name is Harvey he said Bobby

[@viniciusgmachado1204]

@THE POISON DRUMMER Rikki… …you are SO damn cool. No drummer is better than you! (Well, no _alive_ drummer, anyway. Neil Peart obviously stands alone. But I still love *you,* Rikki! You’re awesome!)

[@scarletturk3892]

@@thecrochetdiva You mean since the US stadium tour, waaaay back in 2022 ? 😉

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

Yamaha for me BROTHER

[@joeylynch8060]

Congratulations Rikki!! You and a couple others were the reason I play DW Love their product !! I’m sure whom ever you selected will be stellar to and for you and provide ten fold what you need to be your best!!! Can’t wait to see the “new gear day “ video !! Rock on Man !!!

[@acslater8899]

Congratulations to you, Rikki, and best of luck with your new drum company ventures! You inspired me to pick up drumming when I received my first cassette of Open Up and Say...Ahh!! Your charisma and talent sold me as a 10 year old dreamer of being on the big stage. And for that, I thank you.

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

Congrats! Can't wait to see who you are going with!

[@sammyclarkdrums]

Highest respect to you. This is the 1st time ever hear you speaking and you are so humble. Cheers to your new journey! 🥁

[@LOFIRULESCOM]

No Bert Miracles to talk over him for once!

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Agreed 👍

[@MrJasonodonnell]

I Grew up in the middle of nowhere is Rural New Zealand, And to tell the truth your band was what Inspired me to pursue Music and furthermore seek out more "edgy" rock music. As part of this, like you I played drums inc Gigging/Hire/Hi-FI/Retail/Teaching and study all the way through to 40 years old. Up till this afternoon when this popped into my recommended I realized I had never ever actually listened to you speak....You work so hard at speaking Humbly and come across to me as the real deal, and I will confess I'm impressed at how great you look.

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Thank you very much for your words.

[@stevenfederico2594]

Going to miss you from the family, but you always were, and have been an inspiration and wish you nothing but the best on your new endeavors

[@alfiend331]

You are on the short list of drummers (Criss, Lee, Van Halen also) who inspired me to pick up some sticks and play 35 years ago. Saw you on the Stadium Tour in San Diego this summer and you guys totally killed it. I can't imagine how fulfilling it must've been to look out at a packed stadium night after night. It was a dream come true taking my son to the show. Thanks for providing that! Looking forward to seeing what company you're with now!

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Thank you!

[@warrenranstrom4462]

Huge fan since the early days. My neighborhood band growing up would play I want action. I’m talking we were 10 and 11 years old back then ( this was around 1989) I can only imagine what our parents must have thought hearing those lyrics lol. Learned my stick tricks from watching you as well. My favorite DW kit was the one you played on the your mama don’t dance video!

[@davidkirby2282]

@@ThePoisonDrummer Would love to see you come to the UK.

[@shannonedens7854]

Cool! Can’t wait to see where you landed.

[@RobBluth]

It's so great to hear the positivity! Native Tongue is the reason I picked up my first pair of sticks, thank you. Very excited to see where this new partnership takes you! We'll be right here with you brother

[@robertdemaree2165]

I hope Ludwig there making great stuff now

[@annettetaber8598]

Wow! Big changes! Congrats on making the tough decision. It’s a new year, and with that, new beginnings! Change is good. It’s a unique motivator to drive passion and creativity. Can’t wait to hear more. All the best to you Rikki! 😘

[@AECJ1]

Amen Lots of ideas for the industry Best to you and yours 2023 New Year

[@rogerbones]

Hey Rikki , shout out from Australia mate , Lovin the videos. Can’t wait to see your new drums . All the best from a fellow drummer from down under 🤟🏻👍🏻

[@jamesgullo8240]

Great to hear you are feeling better. Wishing you great health and energy in the future!

[@jcacoustic7857]

Mapex! Can’t wait to hear you play them!

[@totigerus]

I thought it might be Sawtooth?

[@MAD1450]

Congratulations!!! The best of luck to you. Can't wait to see it (hear it)

[@wildbumbylee6731]

TAMA sound good right out box?

[@JL2135]

Ricky just do you man. Much respect. Glad you’re healthy and back to business. Your the man. I’m 63 and been playing the drums since I was 8. Just continue to move forward brother.

[@scottfleeger]

Rikki, I met you after a gig at Kid Rocks bar in Nashville. I walked in, and there you were playing keyboards. Blown away. I've been a Poison/Rikki Rocket fan since the early 90's. Keep rockin!

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Rikki, so many just don’t like change, however, change and taking a new road is what needs to happen, and you did that. Congratulations taking the road less traveled. Cheers

[@adventurellama7444]

I got extremely sick in 1995. Though I would never play again. You are an inspiration to keep going. You have style and the energy to drive one of the most influential bands from my childhood.

[@Channel33RPM]

We need Poison on the road again.

[@ahawk1968]

I'm just so glad you're out there doin' your thing!! Don't let other folks get you down, there's so many people out here appreciative of the content you put out!! Thanks for all the memories, man!!

[@erichschuh192]

I remember as a 20 yr old playing around Eastern Illinois University I’d never heard of DW much. The Modern Drummer feature article came out about that time. Nothing but respect from me RR!

[@bergerdrum]

After so many years, your ears just yearn for something else. It's as simple as that. And as far as going with a major company: if you're going to be touring worldwide, you need to be sure that not only are support people going to be available globally, but the PRODUCT needs to be available globally, too, so if any part of your kit breaks down on the road, you can get replacements easily - and QUICKLY. Rock on, Rikki. I still enjoy playing your tunes in the 80's glam/hair band that I'm in, and the people still LOVE hearing them!!

[@KevinMacKayOnline]

Rikki! Awesome! Can’t wait to see the new drums. Met you in Toronto last summer. It was your birthday. And what a great show it was. My daughter and I had a blast!!! Cheers!! Kevin

[@patiencebecquet1907]

Always be true to You~ looking forward to Your new choice and hearing the new sound!💙

[@bigsky5248]

Gonna be cool to see who you went with. I fell in love the DW kit from the Nothin' But a Good Time video!! Started with a Pearl Export and finally got my DWs in 2001. Keep rockin' sir!!

[@burtmcreavy7695]

This man is a superb drummer and from what I have heard is a terrific guy. I would just love to sit and chat drumming with this man. One of the best percussionists alive today no if s or buts.

[@derrickbadenhorst7329]

Looking forward to see which drum company you're aligning yourself with. Blessings from Port Elizabeth, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@DM-tj8ii]

The squared off floor tom lug leads to me to guess Tama. Good luck on your endeavors, I’ve built a fair share of kits and metal snares in my time as I’m a welder fabricator day job and I’ve seen your rocket shells up close over at Anderson International hardware and they were top notch!

[@aking_onthedrums_456]

Really excited to hear about this. Not for negative reasons. I’m excited to see a big name step away to see what you end up with. Following !!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@AeroDude73]

I’ve been a fan since Day One, & have seen you all many times. And, pardon the pun, but it truly Always is “Nothin” But A (Damn!!) Good Time!!” The crowds are always there to have fun & sing & dance, & you guys have Always provided us with that!! What more can we ask?🤷‍♂️. I’m a drummer too and loved your kits and playing. Look forward to see who you’ve moved onto now. I’m a huge fan of John Good & DW. Their drums have always sounded spectacular when I’ve seen them in concert or watching various people play them here. Quality instruments and tremendously innovative hardware. Can’t wait to see what you show us next week! Best of luck, Rikki.

[@MathiasManser]

Hey man Long time no see Would love to see the new set! Have a great week

[@dianecsehil765]

Can't wait to see the new drums!!!!🤘💚

[@Drewp06]

Man I hope it’s Mapex 🤞 I can already tell it's Tama though, based on those tom lugs :)

[@garyking6161]

Anxiously awaiting the unboxing!

[@Michael_Verrecchia]

Congratulations Rikki cant wait to see what you got brother!

[@cc_1983]

Good luck - always liked your style of drumming!

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Thanks a lot!

[@decker3100]

Very classy way to deliver the message. Best of luck in your new venture.

[@svenben9868]

Do what you wanna do my friend. I believe you have earned the right to just play what you want. Poison was the band that got me wanting to be a musician. From learning to play bass, to guitar, and drums all while singing. Poison has been a staple in my life. my first concernt was Poison. burning thru many copies of Swallow This Live. memorizing every lick, drum fill, and pointless banter between songs I have it all memorized. and now thT Im in my mid 40's, I still remember it all!! Congats to you and all you choose to do and who you choose to play with..

[@BigPerm2004]

Brother, you're a legend, I don't care what kit you play on, i'll still be a fan.

[@aspieswife2865]

Good luck to you in your new endeavors. Thanks for putting out some great music throughout the years. Your music, and a few others, have inspired me at age 57 to learn to play the drums. I'm just in it for the enjoyment. In fact I was trying to follow along with one of your songs last night. Fun! My kids never thought mom would be a drummer! Blessings to you and your family!

[@bethpiper1236]

Congratulations. Awesome video as usual. Good luck on your new opportunity and you just pave the road for others to start their journey. Please keep the videos coming. 💜🤘

[@justinreynolds3935]

I totally understand. All these companies make great drums now a days. I too drank the DW cool air for a while. Pearl Tama Dw Yamaha. Had stints with them all. Now I'm diggin w and gretsch newer stuff and they are building the best drums they ever have. It's hard to switch when you are used to things and familiar. Another company to watch is Dixon. Cheers to you. Endorsements are all about relationships. Props and cheers on the new gear. Thanks!

[@thisandthatwithmatt]

Great explanation and reasoning. Can’t wait for the new venture!!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@cwilliamsdrums]

Looks like a Yamaha Recording Custom kit. Black inner shell and the visible lugs on the 2nd floor tom looks like Yamaha

[@johnmckenna1776]

Maybe Yamaha Live Hybrid Custom Oak?

[@cancelbubble6535]

What happens to your old kits? For example, where are your kits from the Open Up era?

[@operationremodel]

Although poison is not my favorite band, I always admired your enthusiasm for your art and the drumcraft. Wishing you the best

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

Always good to try something new for sure! I am glad to see Poison back at it and look forward to more adventures on all your projects!!

[@maverick_trail]

Congrats Rikki! Now, hopefully a certain singer cooperates on future touring plans so we get to hear them live.

[@terrilynn27allen88]

Congratulations. Can't wait for the next video.

[@Madurbu]

Congratulations Your fans support you All artists need tools for their art Change is good Rock on

[@alexvaldez83]

Thank you very much for sharing this with us sir.

[@deankinney4083]

Big fan of yours and of your Channel can't wait to hear what kit you got I've been playing for 25 years and I played several different drum kits I look forward to hearing from you seeing more of your channel keep up the good work you're one of the good guys and Rock doesn't get enough credit you rock God bless

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Love the channel!

[@district51_rc]

Met you and the rest of Poison in Montgomery, AL at Art's Music Shop in 86-ish (??). Never forget it! You were a huge influence in starting to play drums when I was a kid. Wish you all the best and will be checking on where you landed!

[@wolfgangkirby6820]

Cant wait to see who you’ve gone with . Reliability is #1 when it comes to the kit .

[@nickrooney6206]

Best of Luck u deserve the best and it’s your choice to go with who you want whether it’s up-and-coming or somebody who’s been around for a while and they just do what you like and it feels good🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@nathananderson1605]

I’m excited for next week’s video. I don’t know who you went with but I know Tama pedals are amazing I love my iron cobra’s

[@glendrummer01]

You're a class act man. Loved your first Modern Drummer interview.

[@canatolakhoemini6728]

It's already been said here by more than a few from what I've seen quickly glancing through the comments, you did have a enormous effect on my choice to play drums. I have a big poster of the bright green drum set circa maybe 1988ish in my room and the DW drums were my first time see that brand and I have wanted a kit like that since! Anyway I hope everything works out for you, and as someone else said here, you did sound great this summer. I was impressed, easily the best of what I've heard. Take care.

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

That was a great kit. Bobby Dall has that kit at his home studio.

[@Da_Porkchop_Xpress]

Wishing you the best of luck with the new company.

[@Thisistheway2050]

Rikki man you gotta stand on your square and stick to your principles. Much respect! I'm actually not a drummer(bass player) but as a fellow musician I've always respected your work ethic and hustle man! 👊

[@noworriesimfijian]

Great that you are open and honest and positive. God bless you and your future plans. Been a fan from the days of Talk Dirty To Me. Always a cool groove and great showmanship. Best regards from Fiji.😎👍🇫🇯🙏

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Congrats on the change! A new chapter for sure.

[@dezboard1]

Saw Poison at Monsters of Rock at Donington UK in 1990. What an incredible set! That was almost 33 years ago! Glad you're feeling much better Ricky. Because of drummers such as yourself, I picked up the drumsticks myself. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@matthewtorossi8909]

thanks, and good luck Daddio. always respected your playing and sound!

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Rock on!

[@RJ-br2qg]

Can't wait to see the new drums!!

[@roadtrekralph311]

I'm not a drummer and I know absolutely nothing about drums but I know life lessons when I see them and there is something to take away from this. Thanks for sharing!

[@CesarGonzalez-et2qr]

Things have changed in the drum world for sure, a lot of companies are creating stellar kits now that can compete with dws quality.

[@jeffalfred5785]

Need more Urban Legends lol Best of luck and hope to catch you at a show

[@marcus_mayhem]

I'm pretty excited for you, and can't wait to see the new kit!!! I'm sorry it's been kinda stressful for you. You were very gracious in why you went away and wishing you all the best in the future!

[@ElliotComposer]

Congratulations and excited to find out the new Drum Comp and kit! 😈🤙Thanks for keeping Rock alive!!!

[@johnnyreno7200]

Love Poison, love your drumming...do what you gotta do brother man

[@danielosborne3090]

I really enjoy your videos Rikki, I aren’t a musician or singer but I enjoy your music and think you’re surely an awesome person. Here’s a little glitter for everyone’s soul.

[@useyourillusion6996]

Okay, so just came across this channel. Didn't know Rikki Rockett had this channel and the others! I have a lot of catching up to do! Happy to see someone I listened to as a kid still going and bringing us interesting content. You rock Rikki!

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Welcome aboard!

[@ScottyLo]

Can’t wait to hear what drum company you chose.

[@whatyaworkingontoday5018]

I own DW Drums but I watched because I'm a big Rikki Rocket Fan. I've been lucky enough to speak with you at NAMM many times casually. I really appreciate your attentiveness and willing to stop and say hi. I've always been and will remain a DW and Poison Fan! Hell I still have and display my cassette with the full length tongue in my drum room. Thank you sir!

[@FullContactDrummer]

You were the first drummer I had ever seen with DW. Before that, waaaaay back in the day, I had never heard of them. Looking forward to the announcement.

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Nice channel man! Great job!!!

[@FullContactDrummer]

@@ThePoisonDrummer Thanks!

[@bufordteejustice1119]

Thanks for sharing . I really enjoyed watching the videos you did while on tour last summer and look forward to future content. Much love and respect from Baltimore. I hope you are playing Ludwigs.

[@petersantulli2337]

Congratulations on the new adventure. Always a tough decision to make changes. Waiting anxiously to hear what you chose! Crossing my fingers it's my favorite brand, Ludwig! Lol! It'll great no matter what, looking forward to the reveal!

[@j.b.woodward3748]

I think he said he wasn’t going to an American legacy company. Maybe Gretsch?

[@andrewj4442]

You're one of the greats from a generation of talented artist. Change is good. I'm a Tama drums fan. But you can choose what you like. Best wishes!!

[@richh9904]

This guy has grown from a garage band dude to full blown businessman. And he still rocks!

[@lordfizzz]

Class! Time for a change, that's what it's all about. Good luck dude!

[@Cesar0000]

Looking forward to seeing what company you are with now!! But at the end of the day the drummer is the one that makes the difference !! 🤘 greetings from Bolivia 🇧🇴

[@budgetbasscovers]

From watching you open for Ratt at the Ventura Fairgrounds so many years ago to being at the Stadium Tour in Las Vegas a few months ago, your sound has always been killer!

[@CaptainBlueSam]

Looks like Yamaha drums? The black stain on the inside of the shell, and the black hoops, and I think I barely see a Yammy lug on that last floor tom. Can't wait to hear your new setup!

[@jermss_]

That’s exactly what I thought

[@christopherjobe2260]

Live custom oak ✅

[@autismradio2306]

Good luck Rikki your a great person and drummer brother ‘Keep being true to yourself .

[@drumsrlife71418]

Cant wait for the unveil, thanks Rikki. 🙏

[@drumsrlife71418]

@The_Poison_Drummer hi Rikki did u post a prize giveaway message to me? Just want to make sure someone isnt posing as u and making false promises, thanks

[@drumsrlife71418]

@The_Poison_Drummer thanks just checking ✔️

[@presto111man]

Glad your health is good. You and DW seemed like a great match, hate to see you leave them.

[@Bungletronics]

I've loved DW Drums since I was 10 years old and they've always been in my backyard in Newbury Park and Oxnard. I've never owned any of their drums, only some pedals. But I get it. I worked I the MI industry a long time and companies change a lot. Artists move around and it's totally fine!

[@latentsea]

The NP shop was humble beginnings. They used to give me free sticks when I would get my VW van worked on at the shop a few doors down. Always kind, Cool peeps.

[@Bungletronics]

@@latentsea That is so cool! I see Don Lombardi around town at different restaurants from time to time. He created a great company. Personally, I feel like the sale should have been for a lot more $$ but I'm not involved in any of that. Just a fan.

[@TheTubeMeister]

I just bought the DW design series clear acrylic. Absolutely in love with it. Personally I think DW is the best but that’s my opinion.

[@mikem.3308]

It's a RCI shell kit with DW hardware and stamps it has nothing to do with DW at all lol

[@michaelgehringmusic8440]

Good to see you looking so healthy. I miss the days of running into you at GC on Ventura and bangin' on things together.

[@jojjem1108]

DW are amazing. Owned a couple of sets and played with Zildjian cymbals. Last fall I switched to Tama Star and Paiste cymbals. I don't regret it for a second, even if it was a bit difficult to get used to at first. Good luck in the future😃

[@brianjezuit4085]

I truly have the utmost respect for you and your career 👍 although I admit, I'm not a huge Poison fan, but I've always appreciated your playing! PropZ for even posting this video!!! A lot of people are going to have their own opinions, but thank you for putting this up 🤘🥁🥁

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

Thank you!

[@Indigenous267]

I totally get it. I brand hopped for years playing different kits and set ups. I have been playing Tama drums since 2006 but I'm ready to try something different. My Tama's are still phenomenal and I wont part with them but I'm thinking I'd like some high end Ludwigs or DWs