ROCK MOMENT – Poison ‘Talk Dirty To Me’
Poison’s ‘Talk Dirty to Me’ stands as one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s glam metal movement—a high-energy anthem that captured both the sound and look of the era. Released in 1987 as the second single from the band’s debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In, the track was the band’s first major hit and the song that launched them into MTV superstardom.
Written by Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett, “’Talk Dirty to Me’ perfectly encapsulated Poison’s blend of raw energy, catchy melodies, and playful sexuality. Built around DeVille’s instantly recognizable guitar riff and Michaels’ swaggering vocals, the song delivered an irresistible combination of pop hooks and hard rock punch. Recorded at Music Grinder Studios in Hollywood with producer Ric Browde, the track showcased Poison’s ability to balance attitude with accessibility—a formula that would define their career.
The MTV music video for ‘Talk Dirty to Me’ played a massive role in propelling the band to fame. Filmed in a gritty warehouse setting, it featured the band performing onstage with big hair, bright outfits, and unapologetic glam style. Its mix of performance footage, cheeky humor, and colorful visuals embodied the era’s excess. The video received heavy rotation on MTV, turning Poison into household names almost overnight.
With ‘Talk Dirty to Me,’ Poison not only broke into the mainstream but also helped shape the visual and sonic identity of late-’80s rock. The song climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of their live shows. Decades later, it remains a glam metal classic—a song and video that together define the fun, flashy, and rebellious spirit of the era.
