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)
Garden Of Eden
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a bad reputation
An you knew it so well
Yeah, I give you what you need
I'm gonna take you too hell
Doesn't matter how you feel Just gives you stories to tell
I'm gonna take it right back
I'm gonna throw in the towel, yeah
Nothing you do is wrong
Nothing you could have said
Welcome to my world
In this Garden of Eden
If you could have seen it
You wouldn't believe it
In this Garden of Eden
Yeah, you're my addiction
Between shame and temptation
Yeah, you give me what I need
And I like it like that
Nothing you do is wrong
Nothing you could have said
Welcome to my world
In this Garden of Eden
If you could have seen it
You wouldn't believe it
In this Garden of Eden
In this Garden of Eden
If you could have seen it
You wouldn't believe it
In this Garden of Eden
In this Garden of Eden (In this Garden of Eden)
If you could have seen it (In this Garden of Eden)
You wouldn't believe it (You wouldn't believe it)
In this Garden of Eden
The lyrics to Ratt's song "Garden of Eden" are about a tumultuous relationship between two people, one of whom has a bad reputation. The singer acknowledges that the other person knows about their reputation, but they also give that person what they need and take them to hell. Despite any negative feelings the other person may have, they are drawn to the singer and become addicted to them. The singer welcomes the other person to their world, which is like a garden of Eden. If the other person could see it, they wouldn't believe how amazing it is.
The song's lyrics are heavily metaphorical, with the garden of Eden representing a seemingly perfect, but ultimately flawed world. The singer acknowledges that they may not be the best person, but they offer something that the other person wants and can't resist. The addictive nature of their relationship is likened to shame and temptation, further emphasizing the sense of danger and uncertainty that comes with it. Despite the potential risks, both parties seem to be enjoying themselves in this Garden of Eden.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
An indication of enthusiasm or agreement
I got a bad reputation
I have a negative perception among people
An you knew it so well
And you are fully aware of it
Yeah, I give you what you need
I am providing you with what you want
I'm gonna take you too hell
I will lead you towards trouble or danger
Doesn't matter how you feel
Your emotions or thoughts are irrelevant
Just gives you stories to tell
It only provides you with anecdotes to share
I'm gonna take it right back
I will reclaim or take away what I gave you
I'm gonna throw in the towel, yeah
I will give up or quit trying
Nothing you do is wrong
You cannot disappoint me or make a mistake
Nothing you could have said
Your words do not affect me
Welcome to my world
You are now a part of my life and experiences
In this Garden of Eden
This is a place of perfection and happiness
If you could have seen it
If you had the opportunity to witness it
You wouldn't believe it
You would find it hard to accept as real or possible
Yeah, you're my addiction
You are something I cannot resist or live without
Between shame and temptation
In the midst of feelings of guilt and desire
And I like it like that
And I prefer it to be that way
In this Garden of Eden
This is a place of perfect happiness and contentment
If you could have seen it
If you had the chance to observe it
You wouldn't believe it
You would find it hard to accept as true or feasible
In this Garden of Eden
This is a place of perfect happiness and contentment
If you could have seen it
If you had the chance to observe it
You wouldn't believe it
You would find it hard to accept as real or possible
In this Garden of Eden
This is a place of perfect happiness and contentment
Contributed by Jeremiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Joe-f9q
Who listening 8/2024 still listening since out of cellar album 53 and still listening
RATT - ROLL
@twilightsithstephenbutler9746
i can believe Ratt is still rocking out \m/ \m/
@680mudman
This record is produced so amazing! man incredible mix!
@MZer019
Why they still sound so damn good
@uu-so2yn
Quality prevails
@davidjenson1570
Pretty cool song.
@KL-rv5do
❤️❤️❤️❤️
@Izzyozzy2000
This album is recorded a little too LOUD, but the music is good
@itssean3457
Nah I like it like this. It’s in your face sounds pretty good
@cellblocknine5385
Heavy as fuck.