Something to Believe In

The song Something to Believe In by Poison from their 1990 album Flesh & Blood is a power ballad that struck a chord with fans, peaking at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's last top-10 hit on that chart. The song was deeply personal for lead vocalist Bret Michaels, dedicated to his best friend and security guard, James Kimo Maano, who had passed away before the song’s release. During the filming of the music video, the director included footage of Maano on a screen in front of Michaels without his knowledge, aiming to capture an emotional response. The tactic worked too well—Michaels, overwhelmed, had to leave the set for several hours. In the final cut, you can see him visibly holding back tears during the second verse, adding raw authenticity to the performance. The song’s lyrics touch on heavy themes like televangelism scandals, the struggles of Vietnam veterans, and poverty, reflecting a more serious side of Poison compared to their typical party-rock anthems.

Another piece of trivia involves the single’s cover art, which features a tattoo on Bret Michaels’ arm—a cross with the words “Something to Believe In.” The tattoo artist, reportedly intoxicated at the time, misspelled “believe” as “belive,” placing the “e” before the “i.” Michaels attempted to cover the error by adding a rose to the design, but he was never fully satisfied. Years later, during the first season of the reality show Rock of Love, he visited a tattoo shop to have the design properly touched up, finally correcting the mistake. Fans on platforms like Last.fm have noted the song’s enduring emotional impact, with comments highlighting its ability to evoke memories of loss and the search for meaning, making it one of Poison’s most revered tracks.

Poison, formed in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1983, began their journey under the name Paris before adopting their iconic moniker. The band—consisting of Bret Michaels (vocals), C.C. DeVille (guitar), Bobby Dall (bass), and Rikki Rockett (drums)—started playing local gigs in the Harrisburg area, honing their glam metal sound. By 1984, they relocated to Los Angeles, diving into the Sunset Strip scene, where their flamboyant style and high-energy performances caught attention. They scraped by, sharing cheap apartments and playing clubs like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go, building a grassroots following. Their big break came in 1986 when they signed with Enigma Records and released their debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In, which included hits like Talk Dirty to Me. The album’s success, driven by relentless touring and MTV airplay, catapulted them to stardom, establishing them as a defining act of the 1980s glam metal era.

You can keep up with Poison through their official channels: their website at poisonofficial.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or “Zoo Freaks” in the spirit of this radio station, can also connect through dedicated communities. Notable fan spaces include the Poison Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, concert updates, and tributes to the band’s legacy. While independent fan sites have become less common with the rise of social media, platforms like Last.fm and Lyrics.com host fan-driven discussions and song analyses, keeping the Poison spirit alive for new and longtime listeners alike.