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)
Lay It Down
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you don't really care to see me
I'm into total affection
Not being scared if you never please me
You know you really want to lay it down
Right now
And how
I know you really want to lay it downRight now
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Under the sheets you will find me
I know that nothing's for free
You take what's good for your pleasing
I'll take what's good for this crazy evening
You know you really want to lay it down
Right now
And how
I know you really want to lay it down
Right now
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
I know you only want romance
I'll give you all that I canIf you'll give me just one chance
To prove myself and my love
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
The lyrics to Ratt's song Lay It Down are about a passionate sexual encounter between two people who do not have much emotional connection. The singer says that the person they are with does not really know them and does not care to see them outside of this moment. They crave physical affection and are unafraid to express their desires. The singer believes that the person they are with also wants to "lay it down" with them and encourages them to do so.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea that there are no strings attached in this encounter. Each person takes what they need from it without any expectation of more. The singer acknowledges that they know this person only wants romance, but they are willing to give everything they can if given the chance to prove their love.
Overall, the song is a representation of the raw, physical desires that can exist between two people who do not have an emotional connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you don't really know mee
I'm aware that we don't have a deep, meaningful connection
I know you don't really care to see me
I understand that you may not have a strong desire to spend time with me
I'm into total affection
I wholeheartedly believe in showing affection in a relationship
Not being scared if you never please me
I'm not afraid to enjoy intimacy with you, even if it doesn't always meet my expectations
You know you really want to lay it down
I can sense that you have an intense desire for physical intimacy right now
Right now
At this very moment
And how
Absolutely, without a doubt
Under the sheets you will find me
If we engage in physical intimacy, you will discover more about me
I know that nothing's for free
I understand that physical intimacy typically comes with consequences or expectations
You take what's good for your pleasing
You may focus on what benefits you during our time together
I'll take what's good for this crazy evening
I'll try to enjoy the experience and find pleasure in it, even if it's not perfect
I know you only want romance
I believe that you desire a romantic connection with me
I'll give you all that I can
I'm willing to put in effort to make this experience fulfilling for both of us
If you'll give me just one chance
If you're willing to give our relationship a real opportunity
To prove myself and my love
To demonstrate my commitment and affection for you
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lay it down
Let's engage in physical intimacy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Juan Croucier, Robbin Crosby, Stephen Pearcy, Warren De Martini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind