RATT: The RISE & FALL Of the Band Behind 'Round And Round', Death of Robbin Crosby

RATT: Whatever Happened to the Band Behind Hits Like 'Round & Round'?

0:00 - Introduction/Mickey Rat
1:55.- RATT Early Days/Lineup Changes
4:24 - First Record Deal/RATT EP
5:35 - Atlantic Records Years
9:11 - Commercial Decline/Issues
11:15 - Reunions/Robbin Crosby Death

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I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.

Ratt, a prominent '80s rock band, emerged during the hair band era and experienced both highs and lows. Originating in San Diego, frontman Stephen Pearcy's car accident led him to form Mickey Ratt, later renamed Ratt, in collaboration with guitarist Robbin Crosby. The band moved to Los Angeles, becoming part of the Sunset Strip scene, and faced lineup changes, including guitarist Jake E Lee's brief stint. With perseverance and the addition of guitarist Warren DeMartini, they found success with their EP "Ratt N' Roll" and secured a deal with Atlantic Records in 1983.

Their debut album, "Out of the Cellar," released in 1984, skyrocketed with the hit single "Round and Round," leading to widespread popularity and extensive touring. The band's lifestyle became increasingly extravagant, marked by wild parties and a notorious tour bus called the "Rolling Hilton." Ratt's success continued with the double-platinum album "Invasion of Your Privacy" in 1985, featuring hits like "Lay It Down" and "You're in Love."

Despite the achievements, internal tensions surfaced during the recording of "Dancing Undercover" in 1986, exacerbated by substance abuse and personal conflicts. The following years witnessed Ratt's commercial decline as new bands like Guns N' Roses emerged. The band faced challenges recording "Reach for the Sky" due to issues with producer Mike Stone but managed to achieve platinum status.

By the early '90s, internal strife, coupled with changing music trends and the onset of grunge, led to Ratt's diminished popularity. Crosby's struggles with addiction became apparent, and the band faced a decline in album sales and audience attendance. The departure of Stephen Pearcy in 1992 marked a significant blow to the band.

Subsequent years saw various lineup changes, a brief reunion in 1996, and Crosby's tragic death in 2002 due to a drug overdose. Ratt endured legal battles and continued with different lineups, releasing the album "Infestation" in 2010. Ongoing conflicts within the band, including legal disputes and lineup changes, persisted. Despite Pearcy's desire for a reunion with surviving original members, uncertainties surrounded the possibility of another album. Ratt's journey remains a rollercoaster of triumphs, challenges, and the enduring spirit of an '80s rock legacy.

[rnrtruestories]

Coming this Friday…a legendary punk rock group I’ve never talked about before.

[JWMCMLXXX]

In 1989 I had a badass RATT tshirt with this mechanical cyborg rat on it.
I was 9. To this day its the coolest shirt I ever owned.

[mtguitar]

I mean they fell only in as much as metal fell out of style, but I feel like Ratt is one of few 80s bands that transcends decades

[shotakuervo]

I'll keep saying it, Ratt's secret weapon was Warren DeMartini. All though he receives praise for his playing, he rarely is mentioned among the great 80's lead guitarists of that era.

[oengland]

Ratt was 10 times the band Motley Crue were. They were one of the most talented 80s bands of the era.

[EViLGrEEn]

Invasion of Your Privacy and Out of Cellar are classic albums.

[dwade]

Saw RATT in '89 in D.C. and about 10 yrs ago in Maryland. They had a hell of a run from '84-'91. Looked great, sounded great, and kept their names relevant. I think drugs really put a stop to that bulldozer they were driving. Still a hell of a legacy for them. 🤟

[chrisitalia]

Ratt had a really sleazy, bluesy, slick sound that aged way better than most of their peers in the glam era.

[davidsaroea]

They have really underrated and good songs: "lay it down", "body talk", and "shame, shame, shame" to name a few. Too bad they're mainly known for "round and round"

[Metalcomedienne]

Ratt is one of my all time favorite metal bands and Stephen Pearcy is still amazing frontman. Rest in peace Robbin Crosby, Milton Berle and Tawny Kitean. ❤

[t.s.racing]

I was 24 in 84, hair band lover times 1000. Ratt was absolutely 1 of my all time faves. I always rocked Way Cool Junior while getting my hair ready for Friday night festivities 🎵🤟🎼

[tbevros]

I remember the movie Point Break used their song “Nobody Rides For Free” over the end credits. A month later Nirvana’s Nevermind came out and ended the reign of the hair metal.

[RicVee]

I'm 49 so I remember RATT back to when I was like 8 or 9. My fav band if all time I still to this day blast RATT at least once every week. They were the right set of musiaians at just the right time and that combo created something great. RATT N ROLL till the day I die !

[musicmamma]

Grew up listening to Ratt. Loved em since early spring 84. Thanks 4 posting.

[garrettchristensen]

Great one. Ratt was a stand out in that era.

[mrmaxaxl]

I love their first 3 albums.
Very unique sounding band.

[kenterminateddq]

Rock and Roll True Stories, I like how you made two videos on Robbin Crosby.
Without him, Ratt might not had a hit, "Round and Round".
RIP Robbin.

[juanramirez-wkty]

The best of the glam metal bands IMHO. Also should have mentioned how Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot joined the band playing guitar with Warren Dimartini for a while which is awesome.

[reprintranch]

If anybody's interested, Stephen Pearcy will be performing on May 4, 2024 at the M3 Festival in Columbia, Maryland. He's second on the bill that night, with Queensryche headlining.

[michaelgriffith]

Sonuva...EVERY time I hear Round and Round it gets stuck in my head for the rest of the day.