Intro (Edit)

RATT is an American glam metal band formed in San Diego. During the 1980’s is when they enjoyed their highest peak of success. The group is recognized as a key part in the formation of the 1980’s hair metal scene.

The band has sold 20 million records worldwide and over 8 million in the US.

The bands roots started in 1976 with a band called ‘Mickey Ratt.’ The band was formed by founding member, Stephen Pearcy, who was a vocalist.

In 1980, the band relocated to Los Angeles to increase their chances of getting signed to a major label.

In 1982, the band shortened their name to Ratt. Then Jake E. Lee, Chris Hager, Matt Thorr, and Dave Alford left the band to form another band called Rough Cutt. That left Stephen alone in the band.

Pearcy started looking for other band members for his band, and soon recruited Warren DeMartini, as a guitarist. DeMartini was 18 years old and in college and didn’t want to drop out because the band only had limited success. Then Pearcy found Robbin Crosby, another guitarist, bassist Juan Croucier, who left Dokken in 1981. Then the band asked Robert Sweet to play drums for them. But due to religious beliefs, he turned down the offer. Robert enjoyed success later on in the band Stryper. So the band turned to Bobby Blotzer. He accepted the offer and the band was now complete.

In July of 1983, the band released a self-titled EP on their own label. The EP began to attract attention to the band. The EP included the hits, ‘You Think You’re Tough’ and the song ‘Back For More.’ The version of ‘Back For More’ was slightly different than the version released on their debut on ‘Out of the Cellar.’ The EP was a success, and sold over one million copies. Today, it is considered a rare collectors item.

After the EP sold successfully, the band signed with Atlantic Records. They started writing and recording their debut, full length album. The album was released in March of 1984 and was called, Out of the Cellar. The album got very good reviews from fans and critics. The single, ‘Round and Round’ was in constant rotation on the radio and on MTV.

The album was a commercial success and went platinum many times in the US. The band soon became rock idols and were selling out countless stadiums and arenas worldwide.

The bands second album was released in July of 1985. The album, ‘Invasion of Your Privacy’ had mostly positive reviews by fans and critics. The album spawned the hits, ‘You’re In Love’ and ‘Lay It Down.’ These hits kept the band on the radio and MTV. The album was certified double platinum.

The next release from the band was, Dancing Undercover in September of 1986. The critics didn’t really care for the album, but from a commercial standpoint, the album kept the bands streak of platinum albums alive. This album was the first to not have a model on the cover, the band did this in an effort to be taken seriously. Also, the album did not contain a single power ballad. Successful singles from the album were ‘Body Talk’, ‘Dance’, and ‘Slip of the Lip.’

November of 1988 saw the release of their next album, Reach For The Sky. Even though the album went Platinum and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard charts, the critics didn’t like the album. Regardless, the album included the hits, ‘Way Cool Jr.,’ and ‘I Want A Woman.’ Those two songs are now glam metal classics.

The bands fifth release was the album, ‘Detonator.’ It was released in August of 1990. This album attracted mixed reactions from the fans and the critics. This was the first Ratt album not to go Platinum, instead, it only reached the Gold status. Regardless, the album still spawned the hits songs, ‘Shame Shame Shame.’ and ‘Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job.’

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History (Edit)

The Japenese tour would be the last tour dates with guitarist Robbin Crosby. His substance abuse had gotten to a point where his playing on stage was being hindered. Once the band got back to the US, Crosby checked into rehab, and Ratt continued on with Michael Schenker, formerly of the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group.

Ratt was featured on the first season on MTV Unplugged. They shared the stage with an all-female rock band Vixen. Michael Schenker was still with the band during this time.

At the end of 1991, the band released their final single. The song was ‘Nobody Rides For Free.’ The song appeared on the Point Break movie soundtrack. The song is a clear change in direction for the band, due to the fact Robbin did not play or help write this song. The band never recorded or performed with the original five members.

In September of 1991, Atlantic Records released a greatest hits compilation called, ‘Ratt & Roll 81-91.’ The album didn’t do so well because of Nirvana’s album, Nevermind. The only other 80’s band doing well at the time was Skid Row. Atlantic Records kept Ratt with them hoping they would follow in Skid Row’s success, but Ratt did not.

Due to the rise in grunge music 80’s hair bands were losing support in popularity and from their record labels. In February of 1992 Pearcy left the band to form a new band, Arcade. After that he moved again to a industrial band called Vertex. In 1993, Crosby performed on Rumbledog’s self-titled album. Croucier and Blotzer started living normal lives outside of the public. DeMartini toured with Whitesnake for a little bit and recorded two solo albums.

In 1996, the five original members began to discuss a reunion and album of new material. But, after talking with Robbin, it was decided he wasn’t in physical shape to record or perform with the band. Regardless, the band moved forward with Pearcy, DeMartini, and Blotzer. They hired a new member, Robbie Crane fo bass guitar and started a new version of Ratt.

In 1997 the band released a compilation album of B-sides, alternate recordings, and new versions of songs from the Mickey Ratt period.

The year 1999 saw the band Ratt signing a record deal with Sony. They also released another album called, Ratt. The album featured all new material with a blues rock feel. The band ditched their anthemic party tunes to focus on more serious themes. The fans and critics slammed the album, saying that it was weak. They also said the vocals were weak and sounded wore out. The album was a commercial failure.

In 2000, the band hired Keri Kelli as a second guitarist and Pearcy left the band again. Pearcy formed two more bands, Vicious Delite and Nitronic. After that he started a solo career.

Ratt replaced Pearcy with singer Jizzy Pearl.

In 2002, Robbin Crosby died of a heroin overdose, not of AIDS-related complications as many had thought before.

On July 31, 2007, Ratt released a DVD called, ‘Ratt – Videos From The Cellar: The Atlantic Years.’ The DVD is a chronicle of the bands video history.

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Update (Edit)

In August of 2008, Carlos Cavazo replaced John Corabi for the position of rhythm guitar after Corabi had resigned.

Recent rumors have said that Warren DeMartini and Stephen Pearcy are writing songs for a new album. The album will be released on Loud & Proud / Road Runner Records.

RATT will be releasing their new album titled Infestation on April 20, 2010. Track listing and album details are available here.

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