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)
Lack of Communication
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many people, no-one wants to be involved
(Lack of communication, back off)
Keep rearranging, it's all the same
Always saying, someone else is to blame
(Lack of communication, back off)
Look all around me, who's standin' tallHold tight, no-one's gonna answer your call
(Lack of communication, back off)
Put up our boundaries, we build our walls
It's alright, no-one's gonna change us at all
(Lack of communication, back off)
Time's passin' us by, we have our reason
No-one wants to try, we have our reason
Questions askin' why, we have our reason
Problems still arise, we have our reason, for
Back off!
You're so together, you fall apart
You never miss, when you're shootin' straight for the heart
(Lack of communication, back off)
You see it your way, I'll see it mine
Well, conversation is a useless change of line
(Lack of communication, back off)
Time's passin' us by, we have our reason
No-one wants to try, we have our reason
Questions askin' why, we have our reason
Problems still arise, we have our reason, for
Lack of communication, back off)Lack of communication
(Lack of communication, back off)
Well, back off, well, back off
(Lack of communication, back off)
In the age of the modern man
(Lack of communication, back off)
We see the problems, we don't really understand
(Lack of communication, back off)
Well, lack of communication
(Lack of communication, back off)
Well, lack of communication
(Lack of communication, back off)
Well, lack of communication
(Lack of communication, back off)
Lack of communication
(Lack of communication, back off)
Back off, well, back off...
(Lack of communication, back off) (repeat
The song "Lack of Communication" by Ratt talks about the issues and problems that arise due to a lack of communication. The first two lines of the verse talk about problems that the world cannot solve, but because of a lack of communication, nobody is willing to involve themselves to solve these problems. The chorus talks about how people put up boundaries and build walls to protect themselves from others. The lyrics ask the listeners to back off and give space because lack of communication is leading to more problems. The second verse talks about how people have their own way of thinking, and conversation has no use because of the lack of communication.
The lyrics throughout the song convey the idea that communication is essential in every aspect of life. Without effective communication, people will continue to create boundaries and build walls, and the problems in the world will keep arising. The songwriters convey a message that people need to be open to communication and try to understand each other's perspectives.
Line by Line Meaning
Too many problems, the world can't solve
The world is facing a huge number of problems that seem to be unsolvable.
Too many people, no-one wants to be involved
People are less willing to get involved with solving problems despite the growing number of problems.
Keep rearranging, it's all the same
Despite trying new methods or approaches to solve problems, the outcome still remains the same.
Always saying, someone else is to blame
People tend to blame others for the problems instead of taking responsibility themselves.
Look all around me, who's standin' tall
There is no one who seems to be capable of solving the problems that the world is facing.
Hold tight, no-one's gonna answer your call
Even if one reaches out for help, there are no answers or solutions in sight.
Put up our boundaries, we build our walls
People tend to isolate themselves from the world's problems by setting up walls and boundaries.
It's alright, no-one's gonna change us at all
People believe that they are beyond change and that they will remain the same despite the problems the world is facing.
Time's passin' us by, we have our reason
As time passes by, people continue to hold onto their beliefs and reasons for not getting involved in solving the world's problems.
No-one wants to try, we have our reason
Despite the world's problems, people are unwilling to try and make a change due to their own reasons.
Questions askin' why, we have our reason
When questioned or challenged about their reasons for not getting involved in solving the world's problems, people have their own justifications.
Problems still arise, we have our reason, for
Even though people have reasons for not solving the world's problems, problems continue to arise.
You're so together, you fall apart
Despite appearing to be put together, when faced with the world's problems, people tend to fall apart.
You never miss, when you're shootin' straight for the heart
Despite a lack of communication, people are still able to harm others intentionally or unintentionally.
You see it your way, I'll see it mine
People tend to have their own opinions and views, and as a result, communication is not possible.
Well, conversation is a useless change of line
When people do not see eye to eye, having conversations is useless and does not lead to solutions.
In the age of the modern man
Despite advancements in technology and communication, people still struggle with a lack of communication.
We see the problems, we don't really understand
People are aware of the world's problems but struggle to completely comprehend or understand the issues at hand.
Well, lack of communication
The main issue that causes problems to remain unsolved is a lack of communication.
Back off, well, back off
The lack of communication becomes a barrier that discourages people from getting involved in solving the world's problems.
Well, lack of communication
The song repeats its main message, emphasizing the importance of communication in solving the problems the world is facing.
Lack of communication, back off)
The lack of communication becomes a barrier that discourages people from getting involved in solving the world's problems.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: PEARCY CROUCIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind