Editing Poison (band) (section)

===Early years (1983–1985)===
Poison, initially named Paris, was formed in 1983, in [[Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania]] and consisted of lead vocalist [[Bret Michaels]], bassist [[Bobby Dall]], drummer [[Rikki Rockett]] and lead guitarist Matt Smith.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poison's 'Look What the Cat Dragged In' Helped Define Hair Metal |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/poison-look-what-the-cat-dragged-in/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 25, 2020}}</ref>

Michaels began his performing career with a basement band called Laser and, then, in 1979, joined longtime childhood friend Rockett to form a band called the Spectres. In 1980, Michaels and Rockett teamed up with Smith and Dall to form the band Paris and the group started playing the club circuit, performing mostly rock cover songs in local bars. According to [[Vicky Hamilton]], Poison's first manager, the band's sound at this time revolved around guitarist Smith, who was by far the best musician in the group. While Smith was responsible for music, Rockett and Michaels focused on the band's stage show and image.<ref name="FullInBloom" />

Paris formed a strong local following in Pennsylvania but saw little opportunity of larger success there, and the decision was made to move to Los Angeles. In March 1983, Paris changed their name to Poison and headed west to California.<ref name="FullInBloom">{{cite web |title=Poison Manager Vicky Hamilton on Quitting After Bret Michaels' Stage Insult: It was a mutual parting |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ldqj2aCC8I |website=YouTube | date=March 15, 2022 |access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref>