Rikki Rockett Reflects on Poison’s ‘Open Up And Say … Ahh!’ and Walmart’s Controversial Cover Refusal

Initial Controversy Over Album Artwork

Rikki Rockett, the drummer of the iconic rock band Poison, recently shared insights into the making of their classic album Open Up And Say … Ahh!. One of the most notable challenges the band faced was Walmart’s refusal to carry the album due to its provocative cover art. The artwork featured an eye-catching, tribal-inspired figure with an exaggerated tongue, which ultimately became a point of contention.

The Creative Process Behind the Cover

During an interview on The Motley Croc Show, Rockett elaborated on the creative journey that led to the album’s cover design. He recounted how his friend Mark Williams was instrumental in creating the striking prosthetic tongue used in the photo shoot. “So my buddy Mark Williams, God rest his soul, built that tongue,” Rockett explained. The original concept involved a model styled with dramatic makeup and an edgy look, but the label deemed it not shocking enough for the album’s cover.

Collaboration with Neil Zlozower

Despite the initial setback, Poison was determined to maintain the essence of their vision. They enlisted renowned rock photographer Neil Zlozower to help enhance the concept. “Bobby Dall and I, we got his girlfriend Bambi and we started doing all those stripes on her,” Rockett recalled. With creative input from the band, the cover came together, and the team was pleased with the final product. “Everybody loved it, thought it was fricking great,” he said.

Walmart’s Rejection

Unfortunately, Walmart did not share the band’s enthusiasm for the cover art. Rockett confirmed that the retail giant rejected the album, with then-founder Sam Walton expressing concerns that it represented a “demonic figure.” This rejection posed a significant dilemma for Poison and their management team.

Choosing Between Art and Accessibility

Faced with the prospect of losing a substantial sales channel, Rockett and the band had to weigh their options carefully. “So we sat down with management and the label,” he explained. “Are we in the album cover business or are we in the music business?” The decision ultimately came down to a pragmatic approach: the band wanted to maximize their reach and ensure their music was accessible to fans.

A Compromise for Success

Recognizing Walmart’s significant market share—reportedly accounting for 35 to 40 percent of album sales at the time—the band agreed to create a censored version of the cover. This compromise allowed Open Up And Say … Ahh! to be stocked in Walmart stores, facilitating its release in April 1988. The album went on to achieve remarkable success, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Conclusion

Rikki Rockett’s reflections on the challenges faced during the creation of Open Up And Say … Ahh! highlight the complex relationship between artistic vision and commercial viability in the music industry. The decision to modify the album cover for broader distribution ultimately paid off, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and the desire to connect with fans.

FAQs

What was the controversy surrounding Poison’s album cover?

The controversy stemmed from Walmart’s refusal to carry the album due to its provocative cover art, which they deemed to represent a “demonic figure.”

Who designed the original cover art for ‘Open Up And Say … Ahh!’?

The original cover art was designed with the help of photographer Neil Zlozower and involved a model styled by the band members, including Rikki Rockett and bassist Bobby Dall.

What was the outcome of the album’s cover controversy?

Due to Walmart’s rejection, Poison agreed to create a censored version of the cover, allowing the album to be sold in their stores, which significantly contributed to the album’s commercial success.

How successful was ‘Open Up And Say … Ahh!’?

The album achieved remarkable success, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S. after its release in April 1988.