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)
Best of Me
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The best woman in this wild, wild west
She's got me smiling from coast to coast
A year from now were still goin' for broke
It's such a feeling, never gonna stop (gonna stop)
Ya got me spinnin' like a top
You know there's places where I haven't been
Ya said you wouldn't see me til' you got your wedding dress (wedding dress)
Your like no other, so under cover, I'll never see again
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Me and you baby we wont, make a sound
That's what we do when there's no one around
It's not like we are gonna live in the past
Remember they said it wouldn't last
Unlock the door and throw away the key (wait and see)
I want them to see that you're with me
I'm not a liar and I don't care
I wanna make you play truth or dare
You said you wouldn't be with me til I cleaned up my mess (cleaned up my mess)
Your like no other, so undercover, I'll never see again
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Just think it over, when you think about it, you better think of me
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
The lyrics to Ratt's song "Best Of Me" are about a man who has found the best woman he has ever been with in his life. He is completely enamored by her and she has brought out the best in him. He cannot imagine being without her, and he is willing to do anything to keep her in his life. The line "You got me spinnin' like a top" illustrates how the woman has completely taken over his thoughts and emotions.
The lyrics also portray a sense of urgency and desperation as the man pleads with the woman not to leave him. He acknowledges that she has the best of him and he cannot imagine life without her. Despite the challenges they may face, he is willing to overcome them and make their relationship work. The line "Just think it over, when you think about it, you better think of me" shows that he wants the woman to consider how important he is to her and not take their relationship for granted.
Overall, the lyrics to "Best Of Me" are a declaration of love and commitment, and a plea to keep the relationship strong.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you get when you've got the best
Being in a relationship with the best woman
The best woman in this wild, wild west
Referring to an exceptional woman
She's got me smiling from coast to coast
Being happy all the time
A year from now were still goin' for broke
Being committed to the relationship for at least a year
It's such a feeling, never gonna stop (gonna stop)
A feeling that will last forever
Ya got me spinnin' like a top
Feeling constantly dizzy and in love
You know there's places where I haven't been
Having not experienced certain things in life
But I'll be back here to do it again
Willing to experience new things with the woman
Ya said you wouldn't see me til' you got your wedding dress (wedding dress)
Jokingly exchanging wedding-related comments
Your like no other, so under cover, I'll never see again
Deeming the woman unique and irreplaceable
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Not wanting to be left behind or abandoned by the woman
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Asking the woman not to take advantage of his love
Me and you baby we wont, make a sound
Keeping their relationship low-key
That's what we do when there's no one around
Maintaining privacy when together
It's not like we are gonna live in the past
Not dwelling on the past and moving forward
Remember they said it wouldn't last
Recalling past criticism about their relationship
Unlock the door and throw away the key (wait and see)
Committing to the relationship
I want them to see that you're with me
Making their relationship publicly known
I'm not a liar and I don't care
Being honest and not caring about others' thoughts
I wanna make you play truth or dare
Wanting to have fun and intimate moments with the woman
You said you wouldn't be with me til I cleaned up my mess (cleaned up my mess)
Jokingly exchanging responsibilities in the relationship
Just think it over, when you think about it, you better think of me
Asking the woman to prioritize their relationship
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Repeated plea to not be left behind
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Repeated request to not take advantage of his love
Oh no please don't leave me standing here alone (you got the best of me)
Final plea to not be abandoned
Oh no, please don't keep me hanging on too long, you got the best of me
Final request to not be taken for granted
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Carlos Cavazo, Michael Elvis Baskette, Stephen Pearcy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@titamets1
Ratt is one of those bands that has such a unique sound! Nobody sounds like them! Ratt and Roll like only they can! Had the pleasure to meet Warren and Steven, great guys, let us take pictures and sign autographs!!!
@fivestring65ify
They are the definitive sound of 80s hair metal.
@FLHCSfan68
I've always liked Ratt over Motley Crue and other Hair Bands of The 80's. Warren De Martini is one of my all time favorite guitarists!
@michaelturcotte6616
It's Cause' Warren hung out with Jake E. Lee..🤟🔥😎🎸 🥂🎉
@michaelturcotte6616
Warren & Jake E.Lee. 🔥🤟😎🎉🍻
@bathelion777
Carlos WAS AMAZING TOO...
WARREN WAS THE sh*t.
@richphillips6427
The Crue isn't even in the same league as RATT.
@jameswilliams-zr8co
crue, poison, L.A. guns, whitesnake, metallica, guns n roses, ratt, bon jovi, ..80's hair nation !!
@pennycunningham3641
Saw them in the 80's and God do I miss those days LONG LIVE HAIR METAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
@SFBay69
80's were HEAVEN