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)
Slip of the Lip
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweet sixteen, you couldn't see straight
You couldn't let go
Now you're eighteen and you barely make a sound
You're getting older, a little bolder
You're in the lost and found
All the way you say you'll take me
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
I like the way you move your hips
Loose lips
Sink ships
The way you move, you don't miss
I said I told ya, I'll get to know ya
We're goin' all the way
Move over, I'm gonna hold ya
To everything you say
And now I've showed you baby everything's okay
When I hold ya and when I show ya
You're gonna want to stay
All the way you say you'll take me
Any day you'll never break me
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
I like the way you move your hips
Loose lips
Sink ships
The way you move, you don't miss
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
I like the way you move your hips
Loose lips
Sink ships
The way you move, you don't miss
Slip
All the way you say you'll take me
Any day, well, nothing to say
You're so bad, your reputation
You know it's all the same
It's just a game
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
I like the way you move your hips
Loose lips
Sink ships
The way you move, you don't miss
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
I like the way you move your hips
Loose lips
Sink ships
The way you move, you don't miss
Slip slip
Slip of the lip
The opening lines of Ratt's "Slip of the Lip" describe a young woman who is searching for someone to call her own. At sweet sixteen, she didn't understand how to let go, but now that she's eighteen, she's quieter and more reserved. The song's protagonist, likely a man, seeks to be the one for her, urging her to let him in and assuring her that he won't hurt her. The song's chorus is catchy, with the repeated phrase "Slip slip, slip of the lip" referring to the singer's physical attraction to the girl and her ability to move her hips, an attribute he clearly admires. Overall, the song is about young love and physical attraction, with the singer seeking to get to know the girl better, despite her chequered reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
I could take you wanted someone to call your own
I sensed the need within you to have someone special in your life.
Sweet sixteen, you couldn't see straight
You were too young and naive to understand the consequences of your actions.
You couldn't let go
You were holding on to something that was not worth your time.
Now you're eighteen and you barely make a sound
You have grown up, but maybe you have become too quiet and shy.
You're getting older, a little bolder
You are maturing and taking more risks in life.
You're in the lost and found
You seem to be lost and looking for someone or something to make sense of your life.
All the way you say you'll take me
You promise to be with me every step of the way.
Any day you'll never break me
You assure me that you will never hurt me.
I like the way you move your hips
I am attracted to your body and the way you dance.
Loose lips
Being careless with what you say.
Sink ships
It can lead to negative consequences, just like a ship sinking.
The way you move, you don't miss
You are confident and skilled in your movements.
I said I told ya, I'll get to know ya
I promised to get to know you better.
We're goin' all the way
We are committed to each other and will see this through.
Move over, I'm gonna hold ya
I want to be close to you.
To everything you say
I will listen to and respect your thoughts and opinions.
And now I've showed you baby everything's okay
I have made you feel safe and accepted for who you are.
When I hold ya and when I show ya
My actions prove my love and commitment to you.
You're gonna want to stay
I hope you will choose to stay with me and continue our relationship.
Nothing to say
There is nothing left to be discussed.
You're so bad, your reputation
You have a bit of a wild side and a reputation to match.
You know it's all the same
Despite your reputation, you are just like everyone else.
It's just a game
This relationship is all about having fun and not taking things too seriously.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JUAN CROUCIER, STEPHEN E PEARCY, WARREN JUSTIN DE MARTINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MikeysMorgue
Warren DeMartini doesn't get the credit he deserves as a great guitarist.
@cidiose
Many downplay this era as “fast food overproduced music for the masses played by copycat handsome dudes” which I do agree to a certain extent, but boy DeMartitni can play, guy is GOOD.
@samsims4020
Well he needs to be.
@ChillingFactsShorts1776
Apparently neither does Robbin crosby
@MichaelBowen-cv7qe
I agree
@johnyoung4561
👏👏👏🤘
@lackyfoo
Easily one of the best 80s songs that many people don’t know about.
SO GOOD!
@jonbergstrom9883
The guitar is unreal!
@alci720
sexy and killer!
@tommcdonough6086
That whole album hits hard. RATT really started rolling in 84 when I was 16 in highschool still one of my favorite bands of all time, Warren is a guitar god absolute LEGEND...........