Ratt released a self-titled mini-album in 1983 on a local label, the release now often known as just 'Ratt', and they struck up a close personal friendship with members of Mötley Crüe, friendly rivals that shared the same hard partying lifestyle. The aforementioned glam metal scene of southern California brought the fledgling band major inspiration. Ratt then made their breakthrough with their first full studio album, 'Out of the Cellar', which stayed in the Billboard Top 20 for six months. Single "Round and Round" became the signature song of the group. The album has since been certified as multi-platinum by the RIAA and continues to be loved by many metal fans.
They toured with Ozzy Osbourne before joining a Billy Squier jaunt, where they were apparently 'thrown off' because they were more popular than the headline act. Their subsequent output has seen them follow a familiar arena-friendly hard rock route, with accusations over sexist videos contrasting with their ability to sell out concert halls and produce recordings that regularly received platinum and gold certifications. In particular, their highly successful sophomore album, 'Invasion of Your Privacy', proved that they were no "one album wonder".
Still, the changing musical zeitgeist would not be kind to groups such as Ratt, with grunge and alternative rock seizing the spotlight. Ratt's 1990 release 'Detonator' featured several songs co-written with Desmond Child, known for his previous work with Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi among others, and it proved their most adventurous recording to date in some ways. Yet the group's success had clearly waned, and the years on the road had contributed to conflict within the band. Crosby would depart after the September 1991 release of compilation album 'Ratt & Roll 81-91'. In 1993, Pearcy unveiled his new solo outfit, Arcade, confirming the dissolution of the band.
Though the band reformed with a new self-titled album in 1999, also known as Ratt (1999). Pearcy would leave Ratt again not long after, unhappy with the album's sound and the musical chemistry within the band. Original guitarist Robbin Crosby's passing in 2002 caused many fans to fear that the group was gone for good. Nonetheless, the band re-united in 2007 for a successful tour with fellow 80s rockers Poison.
The band toured throughout the latter half of the 00s, as retro interests caused a general popular resurgence of 80s musical and culture, and hopes for a new album grew. Ratt went back into the studios minus original guitarist Robbin Crosby. He had died some years earlier brought on by the long and public battle he waged against drugs, having gotten AIDS from sharing needles. His last television interview was with VH1's 'Behind The Music' program, in which the rocker stated: "Don't feel sorry for me. Don't cry for me at my funeral. I've lived the life of ten men. I've been very lucky."
Ratt released a new album in 2010, titled 'Infestation', with Pearcy on the vocals. A commercial and critical comeback, fans rejoiced at the energetic metal sound. The release hit the #30 slot on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was also the first album since the death of Crosby in 2002.
On October 26, 2010, Ratt announced that the band would be going on indefinite hiatus due to internal tensions.
Reunion with Croucier and second departure of Pearcy (2012–2015)
In January 2012, Pearcy said Ratt was in the process of writing material for a new album, planned to be released that summer. On March 22, bassist Robbie Crane announced his departure from Ratt to focus on Lynch Mob. In April 2012, rumors arose original bassist Juan Croucier would rejoin the band that summer; these rumors were confirmed when Croucier played with Ratt at the M3 festival on May 12.
On April 24, 2014, Pearcy announced that he had left the band again, explaining he was "officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans."
Legal issues and two versions of Ratt again (2015–2018)
In June 2015, Blotzer formed a band called Bobby Blotzer's Ratt Experience. In August 2015, Croucier formed a touring band that played Ratt's deep cuts, with the band debuting in September.
In September 2015, Blotzer took over control of WBS, a company he set up with DeMartini and Pearcy in 1997 to handle RATT business, over the objection of DeMartini and announced that he had "taken control" of Ratt and his Ratt Experience lineup was the real Ratt and would be embarking a tour in 2016 titled the American Made Re-Invasion Tour.
Until early 2017, Blotzer toured using the name Ratt. The 2016 Re-Invasion tour took Ratt throughout North America. Their tour also took them to the UK, including Hard Rock Hell and London.
Ratt's "New Breed" and unknown future (2018–current)
On June 1, 2018, it was announced by vocalist Pearcy that Ratt would move forward with him and bassist Croucier. It was confirmed that DeMartini had departed from Ratt, with Cavazo and Degrasso following. On July 5, 2018, it was revealed that Pearcy and Croucier would be joined by Black 'N Blue drummer Pete Holmes and guitarists Jordan Ziff and Chris Sanders. In February 2020, guitarist Chris Sanders announced his departure from the band, along with announcing his retirement from the music industry.
In March 2020, the band announced they would be embarking on the Big Rock Summer Tour starting in June, along with Tom Keifer, Skid Row, and Slaughter. On June 17, the tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, it was announced that all Ratt shows in 2020 were rescheduled for 2021.
In January 2021, Pearcy expressed interest in making one final Ratt album with all the remaining original members. On June 26, Ratt announced the addition of guitarist Frankie Lindia of David Lee Roth's solo band, replacing Chris Sanders.
In September 2022, Pearcy revealed that he would only want to continue Ratt with the remaining classic-era bandmates, but that "it's not gonna happen". He said reuniting with the members would be "all business pretty much", but that "there's no business in the Ratt camp". He also revealed he regretted touring as Ratt with only Croucier from the classic lineup and that he would be continuing to play Ratt songs with his solo band
Website: http://www.therattpack.com/
Discography
Ratt (EP - 1983)
Out of the Cellar (1984)
Invasion of Your Privacy (1985)
Dancing Undercover (1986)
Reach for the Sky (1988)
Detonator (1990)
Ratt & Roll 81-91 (1991)
Ratt (1999)
Infestation (2010)
7th Avenue
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You, you're always dancin'
Look who's fashion conscious
True always romancin'
Out until the sunlight
Nothing else to say
Puttin' out 'til morningWell then just walk away
I've seen your pictures in the magazine
I knew it must be you
You know I really want to meet you, girl
On 7th Avenue
It's your sweet attitude
You, you're always playin'
I don't know what you're sayin'
You, you like the night life
Well diamond girls don't think twice
Showy strings of pearls and
Trips around the world
Got men 'round your finger
Well that's my kind of girl
I've seen your pictures in the magazines
I knew it must be you
You know I really want to meet you, girl
On 7th Avenue
It's your sweet attitude
Yeah you, you look for trouble
You, you're always dancin'
Look who's fashion conscious
True always romancin'
I got love I want to show you
I know it's up to you
You know I'm dyin' to meet you, girl
On 7th Avenue
On 7th Avenue
On 7th Avenue
You know I really want to meet you, girl
On 7th Avenue
The lyrics of Ratt's song "7th Avenue" describe a woman who is trouble and a party-goer, but also fashionable and romantic. The singer has seen pictures of her in magazines and is eager to meet her on 7th Avenue, presumably a reference to a famous shopping district in New York City. Despite her wild lifestyle and the men that surround her, the singer believes he has love to offer her.
The song's lyrics create a vivid image of a glamorous, free-spirited woman who refuses to be tied down by any one man. The repeated references to her love of dancing and the night life, as well as her expensive taste in jewelry and travel, suggest that she lives for the moment and does not concern herself with the consequences of her actions.
At the same time, the singer seems to be drawn to her confidence and independence. He is willing to overlook her flaws and pursue her, despite the fact that she is always on the move and surrounded by admirers. The image of the couple meeting on 7th Avenue suggests that anything is possible in the big city, and that passion and love can flourish even in the midst of the chaos and excitement.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah you, you look like trouble
I can tell by your appearance that you may be a risky or dangerous person
You, you're always dancin'
I've noticed that you enjoy dancing, it's something you frequently do
Look who's fashion conscious
It's clear that you are very aware of current trends and care about your style
True always romancin'
You seem to be very romantic and interested in love and relationships
Out until the sunlight
You stay out really late, even until the sun comes up
Nothing else to say
There's nothing more to talk about
Puttin' out 'til morning
You're willing to give physical affection until the sun comes up
Well then just walk away
If you're not interested in continuing the relationship, just leave
I've seen your pictures in the magazine
I've come across photos of you in a publication
I knew it must be you
I recognized you from the pictures
You know I really want to meet you, girl
I'm genuinely interested in getting to know you
On 7th Avenue
Let's meet up on this particular street
It's your sweet attitude
Your pleasant demeanor is what draws me to you
You, you're always playin'
You seem to enjoy games or playing around with others
I don't know what you're sayin'
I don't understand what you mean or what you're trying to communicate
You, you like the night life
You enjoy going out and doing things at night
Well diamond girls don't think twice
Women who are used to wealth or luxury don't hesitate or think twice about certain things
Showy strings of pearls and
You're seen wearing expensive and fancy jewelry
Trips around the world
You've been fortunate enough to travel to different countries
Got men 'round your finger
You have the ability to control or manipulate men
Well that's my kind of girl
I'm attracted to women like you who have power and influence
I got love I want to show you
I have feelings for you that I want to express
I know it's up to you
I'm leaving it in your hands to decide if you feel the same way
You know I'm dyin' to meet you, girl
I'm incredibly excited and interested in the opportunity to meet you
On 7th Avenue
Let's meet up on this particular street
On 7th Avenue
Let's meet up on this particular street
On 7th Avenue
Let's meet up on this particular street
You know I really want to meet you, girl
I'm genuinely interested in getting to know you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind