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)
All The Way
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I'm always the last you call at night
Never gonna believe a word you say
You got hell to pay
This was meant to be
I'll make ya scream and shout
Yeah you know I like it loud
Let's go all the way
Step by step I'm movin' forward
Let's go all the way
Someone like you is gonna make me crazy
I still get this feelin' deep inside
You know it's something that I just can't hide
Now you know it's something worth waiting for
I'm gonna nail ya to the floor
You can show me, but I will live to tell
You can take me home tonight
Let's go all the way
Step by step I'm movin' forward
Let's go all the way
Someone like you is gonna make me crazy
Let's go all the way
Maybe by numbers colors baby
Let's go all the way
I gotta have you or I'll go crazy
Why, yeah, your cryin', yeah, yeah
This was meant to be
I'll make ya scream and shout
Yeah you know I like it loud
Let's go all the way
Step by step I'm movin' forward
Let's go all the way
Someone like you is gonna make me crazy
Let's go all the way
Let's go all the way
Maybe by numbers colors baby
Let's go all the way
I gotta have you or I'll go crazy
Why, yeah, your cryin'
Let's go all the way
Let's go all the way
Let's go all the way
Let's go all the way
The lyrics to Ratt's song All The Way appear to be about a relationship that is not entirely satisfying for the singer. They feel neglected and like an afterthought compared to other people in their partner's life. They express frustration and a desire to take things to the next level, to go "all the way." There is a sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics as the singer asserts that they need this person or else they will go crazy. The phrase "let's go all the way" is repeated throughout the song and becomes a refrain, emphasizing the singer's desire for a deeper, more committed relationship.
The lyrics also contain some sexual overtones, with lines like "I'm gonna nail ya to the floor" and "you can take me home tonight." The singer seems to see physical intimacy as a way to connect more deeply with their partner and satisfy their own desires. However, there is a sense of tension and uncertainty in the lyrics, with the singer acknowledging that their feelings might not be reciprocated and that their partner might not fully commit to the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics to All The Way suggest a complicated and somewhat troubled romantic relationship, with the singer expressing a mix of frustration, desire, and uncertainty towards their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't believe it's never crossed your mind
I'm surprised you haven't thought about what I want
That I'm always the last you call at night
You don't prioritize me or think of me first
Never gonna believe a word you say
I can't trust what you say
You got hell to pay
You will face consequences for your actions
This was meant to be
We are supposed to be together
I'll make ya scream and shout
I want to give you pleasure
Yeah you know I like it loud
I prefer things to be exciting and dramatic
Let's go all the way
Let's commit fully to each other
Step by step I'm movin' forward
I'm making progress in our relationship
Someone like you is gonna make me crazy
You drive me wild and I can't resist you
I still get this feelin' deep inside
My emotions for you haven't gone away
You know it's something that I just can't hide
I can't keep my feelings a secret
Now you know it's something worth waiting for
Our relationship is valuable and worth the effort
I'm gonna nail ya to the floor
I want to keep you with me and never let you go
You can show me, but I will live to tell
You can't hide anything from me, I'll find out the truth eventually
You can take me home tonight
I'm ready to be with you physically
Maybe by numbers colors baby
We can explore our desires in different ways
I gotta have you or I'll go crazy
I need you in my life to be happy and fulfilled
Why, yeah, your cryin', yeah, yeah
I realize that you have emotions and vulnerabilities
Let's go all the way
Let's fully commit to each other and our relationship
Let's go all the way
Let's take a risk and see where our feelings take us
Let's go all the way
Let's give our relationship a chance to flourish
Let's go all the way
Let's not hold back and fully pursue our love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WARREN DE MARTINI, WARREN JUSTIN DEMARTINI, STEPHEN EMIL DUDAS, MARK JEFFREY HUDSON, STEPHEN E PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind