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)
Looking for Love
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Sexy."
She said I'll take you to the top of this madness
She said I'll even take you all of the way
I'm gonna take away all of your sadness
You've got everything, more than it takes, baby
She said I'll make it if you say that you want me
She said I'll even make it perfectly clear
I'm gonna make you pay with all of your lovin'
You've got everything, more than it takes, baby
I'm lookin' for you
You're lookin' for me
It's nothing new
You're only looking for love
I know it's true
You know it's me
I know it's you
You're only looking for love
(You're only looking for love)
You see I really felt that you want me
You see I really thought that you cared
I had this feelin' she was comin' from somewhere
You've got everything, more than it takes, baby
I'm lookin' for you
You're lookin' for me
It's nothing new
You're only looking for love
I know it's true
You know it's me
I know it's you
You're only looking for love
(You're only looking for love)
Looking for love (Looking for love)
Looking for love
I'm lookin' for you
You're lookin' for me
It's nothing new
You're only looking for love
I know it's true
You know it's me
I know it's you
You're only looking for love
(You're only looking for love)
I'm lookin' for you
You're lookin' for me
It's nothing new
You're only looking for love
I know it's true
You know it's me
I know it's you
You're only looking for love
(You're only looking for love)
Looking for love (Looking for love)
Looking for love (Looking for love)
Looking for love
Looking for love
Looking for love (Looking for love)
The lyrics of Ratt's song "Looking for Love" are about two people who are searching for love and finding each other, but are wary of the other person's intentions. The first verse is sung by the female, who tells the male that she can take him to the top of the madness and make him happy by getting rid of his sadness. She also promises to make him pay with all his love if he says that he wants her. The male responds that he knows it's true that she's looking for love, but he's also looking for love, and they're only looking for each other.
The second verse is sung by the male, who says that he thought the female really cared for him, but he now realizes that she's just looking for love from anyone. He dismisses his own feelings and says that he knows it's true that she's looking for love, but he's still searching for her. The chorus repeats that they're both looking for love and that they're just searching for each other.
The song is about the search for love and the longing for a genuine connection. It also touches on the fear and suspicion that can come with that search, as well as the desire to find someone who will stick around through the madness. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of hope and determination, even in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Sexy.
The woman described seems physically attractive to the singer.
She said I'll take you to the top of this madness
The woman suggested that she can help the singer reach success amidst their chaotic surroundings.
She said I'll even take you all of the way
The woman claims that she can help the singer achieve all their goals.
I'm gonna take away all of your sadness
The woman promises to remove any negative feelings the artist has.
You've got everything, more than it takes, baby
The woman sees potential in the artist and thinks they have everything they need to succeed.
She said I'll make it if you say that you want me
The woman suggests that if the singer reciprocates her feelings, they will both achieve success in their personal lives and relationship.
She said I'll even make it perfectly clear
The woman claims that she will ensure that the singer understands her intentions and desires.
I'm gonna make you pay with all of your lovin'
The woman wants the artist to reciprocate her feelings and show love in return.
You see I really felt that you want me
The artist believes that the woman was attracted to them.
You see I really thought that you cared
The artist believed that the woman was invested in their relationship.
I had this feelin' she was comin' from somewhere
The singer sensed that there was a deeper connection between them and the woman.
I'm lookin' for you
The artist is trying to find the woman they are attracted to.
You're lookin' for me
The singer believes that the woman is also trying to find them.
It's nothing new
Looking for love and connection is a common human desire.
You're only looking for love
The singer believes that the woman's intentions revolve solely around finding love.
I know it's true
The artist is confident in their previous statement that the woman is solely looking for love.
You know it's me
The artist believes that they are the person the woman is looking for, and vice versa.
Looking for love
The song's title and key message.
Looking for love
The song's title and key message.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CROSBY, CROUCIER, PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind