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)
Wanted Man
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, low dealer, with snake eyes
You cross me, you realize you're
You're hot leather, you're cold steel
You make a move, I'll make you feel like a
Human target, in my eyes
I've got you well in my sightsAnd by the rope you will hang
It's your neck from this Ratt gang
'Cause I'm a wanted man
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
Well, gun fighter, you think twice
Are you fast, you heed my advice
I drink whiskey, you say goodnight
I'll put an end, to this here fight you're a
Human target, in my eyes
I've got you well in my sights
And by the rope you will hang
It's your neck from this Ratt gang
It's really what you want to be
A wanted man (a wanted man)
A wanted man (a wanted man)
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man, yes I am
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
The lyrics to Ratt's "Wanted Man" are about a tough, confident individual who is wanted for some sort of wrongdoing. The song paints a picture of a dangerous and exciting lifestyle, one in which the singer is constantly being hunted and must stay one step ahead of those after him. The lyrics use a lot of imagery related to guns, violence, and being pursued, emphasizing the danger and excitement of the singer's life.
The first verse describes the singer's confidence as a result of his surroundings. He is a "low dealer," someone who operates outside the law and is comfortable in dangerous situations. He is described as having "snake eyes," meaning that he is a skilled gambler who is hard to read. The lyrics use contrasting metaphors to describe his personality - he is both "hot leather" and "cold steel," indicating that he is both passionate and tough. The singer is an expert in his field, and anyone who crosses him will face severe consequences.
The second verse focuses on the singer's ability to fight. He is a "gun fighter" who is fearless in battle. He warns his opponent to "think twice" before taking him on, as he is more than capable of winning in a fight. He enjoys drinking whiskey and is unafraid of his opponents, who are no match for him.
Overall, the lyrics to "Wanted Man" paint a picture of a dangerous and exciting lifestyle, one in which the singer is constantly on the run and being pursued. The lyrics use imagery related to guns, violence, and being hunted, emphasizing the singer's prowess and confidence in his abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, low dealer, with snake eyes
You are a dishonest gambler and I can see it from your eyes
You cross me, you realize you're
If you try to cheat me, you'll regret it
You're hot leather, you're cold steel
You are both dangerous and strong
You make a move, I'll make you feel like a
If you make any threatening moves, I'll retaliate and hurt you
Human target, in my eyes
You are now a target that I will aim for
I've got you well in my sights
I have a clear vision of you and can easily attack you
And by the rope you will hang
If you are caught, you will be hanged as punishment
It's your neck from this Ratt gang
The Ratt gang is responsible for catching and punishing you
'Cause I'm a wanted man
I am known as a criminal and wanted by law enforcement
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
I am dangerous and people should stay away from me
Well, gun fighter, you think twice
If you're going to fight me, you better think twice about it
Are you fast, you heed my advice
You may have quick reflexes, but you should listen to my warning
I drink whiskey, you say goodnight
I am stronger than you and can easily defeat you
I'll put an end, to this here fight you're a
I will stop this fight and make sure you don't challenge me again
It's really what you want to be
Is being a wanted man really what you want?
A wanted man (a wanted man)
Being wanted by law enforcement is dangerous and not something to be proud of
A wanted man (a wanted man)
People will fear and avoid you if you're wanted
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
I am a dangerous criminal who is not to be messed with
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man, yes I am
I am proud of being a wanted man and embrace my criminal lifestyle
'Cause I'm a, a wanted man
I am a dangerous man with a reputation for breaking the law
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robbinson Crosby, Stephen Pearcy, Joey Cristofanelli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@korneforoshibkus3956
I'm 26 years old, I come from France and I discovered RATT last summer with this song.
I instantly became a mega big fan of these guys.
I feel better when I hear Ratt's songs. It's magic. So I listen to Ratt's songs everyday, I can't stop it.
Thank you so much RAAT for these amazing songs. I love you !
Stephen❤️
Robbin❤️
Warren❤️
Juan❤️
Bobby❤️
@bretenhumphries689
For those of you not fortunate to live in this decade you missed the ride. Going go concerts and watching bands like this live can never be forgotten. 63 and still banging my head, my party has never ended.
@SLAWWNN_2214
Завидую вам!😢😂
@brianwolfe9294
56 here and still rocking to the best era of music...
@carlalaudicinaLFC
Indeed. So grateful for these incomparable rockin days every day the entire life we lived.
@Donathon-f6f
No... but I'm 61... the party definitely slowed down... lolol 😢❤
@oldrockerkickinass5569
Yes! I'm 62, still rockin and kickin ass! I love Ratt and many other 80s bands!
@sonnymontigny7194
Never be another decade like it! Totally Awesome!! So glad I grew up in the 80's! If you didn't grow up then, you wouldn't completely understand how awesome it was!! Trust me, it was kick-ass!! Music ruled too! Blows today's music away!!
@javila6341
Sonny Montigny 100% True talk ...you had to live back then to fully understand it....the Amount of great Music created was incedible..Rock Ruled ...USA and the world was such a better place to grow up then
@jasonriley6877
Sonny Montigny hell yes it did
@buckroger6456
Best music ever came from the 80s