Poison Brings Its Party Rock to Revel Casinso

Over the past 26 years Bret Michaels has evolved from frontman for hard rockers Poison to successful solo artist, reality television star, philanthropist and entrepreneur. But when it comes to talking about his achievements, Michaels remains most proud of his first love.

“We literally built Poison from the ground up,” Michaels said. “I’m proud of that and I know the guys are all proud of that as well.”

Poison, which also includes guitarist C.C. DeVille, drummer Rikki Rockett and bassist Bobby Dall, opens for Def Leppard at Ovation Hall in the Revel Casino on Saturday, July 14 . While the band has not released a studio album in 10 years, and Michaels has plenty on his plate, the band tours regularly.

“We’re still out there touring and the fans are still loving it,” Michaels said by phone. “That means everything to me. What it really comes down to is the incredible chemistry we’ve built together. No amount of rehearsing can ever give you that.”

Michaels attributed Poison’s longevity to the band staying true to its upbeat party rock, even when most of the band’s contemporaries were killed off by the grunge movement in the early 1990s or unsuccessfully changed musical and sartorial styles in failed attempts to adapt to new trends.

“We never faked it,” Michaels said. “It’s still about having a great time, and that’s what it’s always been about. Having that kind of experience behind us, we’re a better band today than we have ever been.”

It’s a busy summer for Michaels, 49. On nearly every day off from the Poison tour, he’s playing solo shows, at times performing four nights in a row between the two bands.

“I’ve worked solo shows into Poison tours in the past, but not on this scale,” he said. “My solo act is such a great way for me to express who I am as a musician and a performer beyond [Poison]. I have more of a chance to take risks as an artist and try out new things and evolve in my own way.”

Michaels’ new solo album, “Get Your Rock On,” which features a duet with Loretta Lynn on the Poison classic, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” is due out this fall. The CD also features guest appearances by Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, Aerosmith axeman Joe Perry, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, and Chickenfoot and ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony.

Michaels has carved out a multi-faceted career beyond music. He starred in his own reality television shows, “Rock of Love” and “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It,” and won the “Celebrity Apprentice” competition in 2010.

A Type I diabetic since age 6, Michaels is an active fundraiser for juvenile diabetes research. On the business side, Michaels this summer launched Pets Rock, a rock-and-roll themed line of pet products.

While Poison fans clamor for fresh music, Michaels said that between his busy schedule and solo endeavors it’s hard to imagine a new album in the near future. But he did not rule out the possibility of eventually recording again with Poison.

“I love writing music and I love those guys,” Michaels said. “When the time is right and the inspiration hits, I’m sure we’ll all find ourselves back in the studio together.”

IF YOU GO: Poison, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 14, Ovation Hall, Revel Hotel and Casino, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. Tickets are $75, $95, $125 and $200. Call (855) 348-0500 or visit http://www.revelresorts.com/events/defleppard.