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)
Between the Eyes
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't stand for givin' it away
So you want some action, ask me why
You say you want to keep me in your target sight
Can't you see the world turn and hear the cries?
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
You know I'm the only one this time
Can't you see the world turn and hear the cries?
Can't you see you're burnin' me between the eyes?
You hardly notice
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
I see you burnin' me between the eyes
I don't like your cheatin' misfit ways
I don't stand for givin' it away
Can't you see the world turn and hear the cries?
Can't you see you're burnin' me between the eyes?
You hardly notice
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
You hardly notice
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
Right between the eyes
Right between the eyes
You hardly notice
Can't you see you're burnin' me between the eyes?
(Between the eyes)
(Between the eyes)
I see you burnin' me between the eyes
In Ratt's song "Between the Eyes", the singer is expressing their frustration and anger towards a partner who has been dishonest and unfaithful. The tone of the lyrics is confrontational and accusatory, as the singer states that they do not approve of the way their partner has been behaving. The use of the phrase "cheatin' misfit way" shows that the singer views their partner's actions as untrustworthy and unacceptable. They also express their discomfort with the way their partner has been treating them, as they do not appreciate being taken for granted or given away so easily. The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as the singer asks their partner if they can see the harm they are causing, and declares that they are being "burned right between the eyes". This metaphorical language illustrates just how deeply the singer is being affected by their partner's actions and how much pain they are experiencing.
Ultimately, "Between the Eyes" is a song about betrayal and confrontation. The singer is clearly fed up with their partner's behavior and is not afraid to call them out on it. The lyrics are filled with anger and frustration, but there is also a sense of desperation and sadness underlying them. The singer is not just angry with their partner; they are also hurt by the way they have been treated. Overall, the song is a powerful expression of the pain that can be caused by dishonesty and betrayal in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't like your cheatin' misfit way
I dislike your dishonest and unsuitable behavior.
I don't stand for givin' it away
I do not tolerate giving things away easily.
So you want some action, ask me why
If you want something to happen, then ask me why it should happen.
You say you want to keep me in your target sight
You claim that you want to keep me in your focus, as your goal.
Can't you see the world turn and hear the cries?
Are you blind to the world's movement and the sounds of agony?
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
Do you not realize you are causing me immense pain and discomfort?
I don't like your hot and cold device
I detest your fluctuating behavior.
You know I'm the only one this time
You acknowledge that I am the only one for you at this moment.
You hardly notice
You scarcely pay attention.
I see you burnin' me between the eyes
I perceive you hurting me, specifically in my eyes.
Right between the eyes
Directly in the eyes.
You hardly notice
You scarcely pay attention.
Can't you see you're burnin' me right between the eyes?
Do you not realize you are causing me immense pain and discomfort, specifically in my eyes?
(Between the eyes)
In the eyes.
(Between the eyes)
In the eyes.
Can't you see you're burnin' me between the eyes?
Do you not realize you are causing me immense pain and discomfort, specifically in my eyes?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEPHEN PEARCY, WARREN DE MARTINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind