Formed 1981, U.S.A.
Albums:
1983
Ratt
1984
Out Of The Cellar
1985
Invasion Of Your Privacy
1986
Dancing Undercover
1988
Reach For The Sky
1990
Detonator
1991
Ratt & Roll 8191
1997
Collage
1999
Ratt
2002
The Essentials
2003
Metal Hits
2007
Tell The World: The Very Best Of Ratt
History:
Ratt was a hugely successful sleaze band that emerged from the Los Angeles glam
scene. Branding their music "Ratt'n'Roll", the rodent rockers had hit after hit until
the bottom fell out of the movement in the early 90's.
Originally formed in Los Angeles and known as Mickey Ratt, in 1981
the name was shortened to Ratt by founding member and vocalist Stephen Pearcy.
Guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, Juan Croucier (bass)
and Bobby Blotzer (drums) rounded out the band. The self titled debut EP
caused people to stand up and take notice, and led to a major label deal with Atlantic.
Out Of The Cellar went on to sell over 3 million copies, and
with the help of the hit single "Round And Round", Ratt
became one of metal's biggest names. Future albums never matched the debut's success,
however platinum albums and sold out shows were the norm for the band during the late
80's. Top 40 albums and singles like "Lay It Down" and "Dance" were commonplace,
however by 1990 things were about to change. Crosby left in 1990, and
the band became a four piece with the release of "Nobody Rides For Free" for the
Point Break soundtrack. Pearcy walked away shortly after to form
Arcade, and Ratt quickly dissolved. Blotzer would join
the super group Contraband for one album.
In 1997 Ratt decided to make their return as a four piece with
Robbie Crane (Vince Neil solo) on bass. The first new material in years
was released in 1999 and they hit the road with several other 80's bands on a highly
successful tour. But in early 2000 Pearcy left again, leaving the band in limbo
and forcing them to cancel tour dates. The remaining members are currently touring
with Jizzy Pearl (from Love/Hate and L.A.Guns fame)
and John Corabi (ex-Motley Crue and The Scream), but are now
without a record label. Ratt vows to soldier on, but their mainstream
acceptance days appear to be behind them. Sadly, the legendary
Robbin Crosby lost his long fight with drugs, and succumbed to AIDS
on June 6, 2002.
Links:
The Official Ratt Page
The Official Stephen Pearcy Page
The Official Jizzy Pearl Page
Ratt World
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