Ratt is a quintessential force in the golden era of glam metal, delivering razor-sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and an unapologetic swagger that defined the Sunset Strip's electric pulse in the 1980s. With their explosive debut Out of the Cellar in 1984, they catapulted to stardom, blending a gritty hard rock edge with pop-savvy melodies that made anthems like "Round and Round" inescapable on MTV and radio waves alike. Frontman Stephen Pearcy's snarling charisma, paired with the twin-guitar fireworks of Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, created a sonic assault that was both thrillingly raw and meticulously crafted - proving Ratt weren't just party starters but genuine songwriting powerhouses who elevated the genre beyond clichés.
Even as the '90s brought seismic shifts in rock's landscape, Ratt's enduring legacy shines through their multi-platinum catalogue and relentless touring spirit, inspiring generations of fans with albums like Invasion of Your Privacy and Dancing Undercover that remain blueprints for high-octane arena rock. Their refusal to chase ballads in favour of straight-up bangers showcased a bold authenticity, earning them a spot at #79 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and solidifying their role as architects of the L.A. glam explosion. Ratt didn't just ride the wave - they helped create it, leaving an indelible mark of rebellion, melody, and pure rock 'n' roll joy.
Here are some interesting facts about Ratt:
- The band began in 1977 as Mickey Ratt in San Diego, a playful jab at Mickey Mouse, before relocating to Los Angeles in 1980 and shortening the name to Ratt in 1981.
- They've sold over 10 million albums in the U.S. alone, with worldwide figures exceeding 18 million; their first four studio albums all achieved platinum status from the RIAA.
- The model on the cover of their breakthrough debut Out of the Cellar (1984) is Tawny Kitaen, who was dating guitarist Robbin Crosby at the time and later became famous for her Whitesnake videos.
- Their early videos for "Round and Round" and "Back for More" featured comedian Milton Berle, thanks to the band's manager being his nephew, Marshall Berle - adding a surreal vaudeville twist to their glam antics.
- Early iterations of Mickey Ratt included guitarist Jake E. Lee, who went on to join Ozzy Osbourne's band and contribute to hits like "Bark at the Moon."
- Unlike many hair metal peers, Ratt famously avoided power ballads, focusing instead on high-energy tracks that prioritized riffs and hooks over sentimentality.
- Warren DeMartini's blistering solo in "You’re in Love" from 1985 is often hailed as one of the era's finest, elevating him to shred legend status and showcasing the band's technical prowess.