Happy Birthday Rikki Rockett
Richard Allan Ream (aka Rikki Rockett) was born on August 8, 1961 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the youngest of two children of Norman and Margaret Ream. He attended Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill. Before founding Poison with vocalist Bret Michaels, Rockett worked as a hairdresser, lifeguard, dishwasher, emergency medical technician and a suit salesman.
In late 1993, Rockett discovered that the then guitarist Richie Kotzen of Poison was having a relationship with Deanna Eve, Rockett's fiancée at the time. Kotzen was fired due to this incident. In VH1's Behind the Music, singer Bret Michaels said he never wanted to speak to Kotzen again.
Rockett and Brian Cocivera joined forces creating custom built drum kits called the Chop Shop Custom Drum Company.
After almost 20 years with Poison, Rockett released his first solo album Glitter 4 Your Soul on January 7, 2003 which was distributed online. The album was a tribute to 1970s glam rock. He also guested on Britny Fox's Bite Down Hard.
On April 26, 2007, Rockett announced the creation of Rockett Drum Works Inc. It is a drum manufacturing company, specializing in the creation of ultra custom drum kits, snare drums and custom accessories. Prior to setting up his enterprise, Rockett worked for Chop Shop Custom Drum. He departed after conflicting opinions with Chop Shop founder Brian Cocivera. Rockett recruited most of the staff from Chop Shop along with some newer staff members.
On September 19, 2007, Bosphorus Cymbals unveiled the Rockett Ride, a custom-ride cymbal in 20" and 22" sizes, designed to Rockett's exact specifications.
In 2015 Rockett co-formed a new rock supergroup the Devil City Angels with guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), bassist Eric Brittingham (Cinderella) and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brandon Gibbs (Cheap Thrill). Their self-titled debut album was officially released September 11, 2015.[9]
Source wikiwand
