RATT LIVE!

August 21st 2010 at Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

by John McGee
Staff Writer

RATT rolled into Ohio’s capital on a hot August night to a sold-out crowd. You could feel the energy vibrating through the air as the opening band, Dirty Side Down, pumped up the audience with some classic 80’s hits. Dirty Side Down is an incredibly good band to watch perform. This was the right choice for an opening act. After the opening band played a set lasting about 45 minutes RATT finally took the stage. This was their first appearance at the Alrosa Villa since 1997 when they played with LA Guns. Needless to say Columbus, Ohio was geared up to see them play.

As the stage filled with smoke Warren DeMartini’s guitar was ablaze with the opening lick of “You’re In Love”. The crowd erupted; a true sign that RATT N’ ROLL had undeniably returned. Never stopping RATT played straight into “Lay it Down”. Only as the final notes reverberated through the room did Stephen Pearcy finally say “Columbus Ohio how the hell are you?!”

RATT reached down into the cellar and came back with the song “Lack of Communication” before moving into “Take a Big Bite” the first of four songs off the band’s new album Infestation. RATT continued to pull out the hits from their earlier releases. The songs included “I Want a Woman”, “Slip of the Lip”, “Loving You is a Dirty Job” and “Back for More”.

Having seen the band during their heyday I can confidently say that they can still put on one hell of a show! Stephen Pearcy is still one the best front men in Rock and Roll; proving once and for all that he is the voice of RATT. Having proven in the 80’s that he was a guitar-God; Warren DeMartini still continues to astonish his fans with his guitar prowess. Carlos Cavazo, the newest member of the RATT PACK, seamlessly slid into the 2nd guitar position sharing guitar solos and limelight with DeMartini as if they had been doing it for years. The rhythm section powered by Bobby Blotzer and Robbie Crane was like that of a well -oiled machine.

In this photographer’s opinion there were many highlights of this unbelievable show. The most memorable being when RATT performed their encore of “Round and Round” and the crowd went insane singing along and pumping their fists in the air. Overall this was an amazing show that simply put…rocked. RATT once again showed that they have never lost their touch. This band still has what it takes to perform to another sold-out crowd thirteen years later.
Side note: If you were unable to catch one of RATT’s shows on this tour you really don’t know what you missed.

Set List:
You’re in Love
Lay it Down
Lack of Communication
Take a Big Bite
I Want a Woman
Slip of the Lip
Loving You is a Dirty Job
Last Call
Best of Me
Back for More
Nobody Rides for Free
Way Cool Jr.
Wanted Man
Morning After
Round and Round
Eat Me Up Alive

Photos courtesy of John McGee

RATT LIVE!

May 10, 2010 at Irving Plaza, New York, NY.

by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer

After a lengthy recording hiatus and a slew of lineup changes that eventually resulted in the core members reconciling, Ratt are finally back in action with an excellent new album, Infestation, and a tour to back it. Still in its early days, stop number five brought the band to NYC, and though they may not have the ’80s power to fill Madison Square Garden, the tightly-packed crowd at Irving Plaza certainly let it be known that there’s no shortage of Ratt-hungry metal fans in the Big Apple.

Opening act September Mourning was a very strange choice for the event, as they are little more than a Hot Topic-swathed, pseudo metal/industrial gang of Marilyn Manson worshipers. Having recently completed a tour with the aforementioned Manson, one would expect them to be, at the very least, a bit tighter as a band, but instead their performance felt more like an outtake from a high school talent show. The only beacon of hope for the band is lead vocalist Emily Lazar, whose presence and talent save the band from being totally forgettable. It would do her well to attempt something a bit more original if she intends to reach true heights of celebrity. Regardless, whoever chose September Mourning as an opening act for Ratt needs some serious therapy.

After a reasonably fast set change, the lights went down, and the main event began. Kicking things off with back-to-back Invasion of Your Privacy tracks “You’re In Love” and “Lay It Down,” it was as if the time machine to the days of metal radio dominance had been turned on. Things continued down the flashback highway with classics from all of Ratt’s classic releases (save 1999′s self-titled error in judgment), though the set tended to stay on the main road, never really diverging into rarely heard, deep album cuts. It would have been great to hear a long unplayed gem such as “Got Me On The Line” or “One Good Lover.” But alas, it was not to be.

The biggest set changes came, unsurprisingly, in the form of tracks from Infestation. Four new songs were played, including single “Best of Me,” and the best track they’ve done in 20 years, “Eat Me Up Alive.” The tracks worked well in the live environment, and easily blended in—stylistically and quality-wise—with the rest of the set list. It was at least nice to see the guys steer clear of the Kiss idea of almost completely avoiding new material live.

Considering the slew of great songs the band chose to include, and the fact that they played them excellently (with the exception of Pearcy avoiding many of the higher vocal parts), it was quite surprising that the show had very little overall energy. The band did not seem exceedingly excited to be there, and most of the time it appeared everyone was just going through the motions rather than giving it their all. Perhaps it was the small stage, or just the band being a little older, but they definitely lacked the power that took them to the top of the charts in their heyday.

As noted, technically, most everything was top-notch. Warren Demartini did a stellar job of bouncing between shred-worthy solos and blues-heavy jamming. Shockingly, however, it was recently-recruited guitarist Carlos Cavazzo that truly stole the show. A true fretboard master, each solo seemed a perfect balance of speed and melody, and on newer tracks, such as the previously noted “Eat Me Up Alive,” it appeared that Warren took a back seat to let Carlos go wild. It was nice to see the solo limelight shared, but also seemed a bit odd for Warren allow himself to be overshadowed.

Overall, Ratt’s performance was solid, albeit little uninspired. Former Hanoi Rocks front-man Michael Monroe had performed in New York the night before, and his performance was incredibly energetic and over-the-top, a far cry from Ratt’s general lethargy. Coming from almost the exact same time period, it seems Ratt have no excuse for not turning up the energy level a few notches. But pumped-up or not, Ratt are clearly still capable of delivering the goods, even they come in a more laid-back package.

Set List (in a rough semblance of order):
You’re In Love
Lay It Down
Lack of Communication
I Want A Woman
Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job
Slip of the Lip
Nobody Rides For Free
Back For More
Way Cool, Jr.
Wanted Man
Take a Big Bite
Eat Me Up Alive
Last Call
You Think You’re Tough
Best of Me
Round and Round

Ratt Infestation

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

“You drive me crazy, and you’re all I need. There’s no one better, when you’re on your knees …” That’s right — Ratt is back! While a serious number of ‘80s bands — like Great White, Dokken, Motley Crue, Scorpions, KEEL, etc. — have released new music over the past year, none of them have dove headfirst into where they came from with the same unfettered abandon as Ratt’s new release, Infestation. This sounds like Ratt; it sounds like a mixture of Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy. It’s unapologetic Hard Rock that exudes the same level of sleaze and guitar heroics as Ratt did decades ago, and it might even be better.

In an interview with Hardrock Haven, lead singer Stephen Pearcy noted that the reason Infestation sounds like Ratt’s hit songs of old is because Ratt wrote all their multiplatinum hits — they didn’t use any outside songwriters but composed everything in-house. In fact, Ratt added an amazing guitarist and songwriter in Carlos Cavazo, who helped pen the debut single, “Best of Me.”

“Eat Me Up Alive” is the opening track, and if you didn’t miss Warren DeMartini’s riffs, then you are not a true music fan. With the entire music industry evolving around them, Ratt’s music is an uncanny surgical strike; they know exactly what their fans want to hear and they don’t give a damn about popular music. That’s exactly what you get on “Eat Me Up Alive.” Pearcy’s vocals snarl and sneer, melodic yet somewhat edgy, and it’s the perfect way to begin Infestation.

Their single and video is for the track “Best of Me.” This is by far the most radio-friendly track on the album, and it is similar to a past hit “What’s It Gonna Be.” Ratt’s ability to be both sincere and flagrantly base has to impress everyone. When you hear Pearcy croon, “You said you wouldn’t see me ‘til you got your wedding dress,” followed by the bubbly backing vocals, it works. The buoyant backing vocals during the chorus don’t sound cheesy, even though they should. It’s just a damn fine Hard Rock pop hit.

Stripper anthems are something Ratt excels at, and “Look Out Below” can certainly make you want to remove various articles of clothing. The entire track is one huge groove and grind, and the lyrics, like “She’s a devil, and I like that ass,” let you know Ratt didn’t really clean up their act, even if they announced they’d try back in “Best of Me.”

The song “Lost Weekend’s” riff will remind you of “Lack of Communication” just for a couple seconds; yes, it’s that good. DeMartini and Cavalos are two of the best guitarists the genre has ever produced, and to have them on the same team should be illegal.

Personalities abound in Ratt, and Bobby Blotzer makes his presence felt on every song, especially the thundering beginning to “Take Me Home.” It’s one of the slower songs on Infestation, though, so Blotzer tempers the pounding with more deft fills in some passages. “Take Me Home” highlights Pearcy’s voice, shoving it out front of the music and allowing him to lead with his distinct voice. After all years, Pearcy sounds as strong as ever.

“Don’t Let Go” closes Infestation, a manic, hyper rocker with Blotzer going off, and Cavalos and DeMartini trading solos and leads. Ratt’s music, for some reason, has always been one of those bands you can hear a track once or twice and sing along with it, almost word for word. Everything is a hook, everything is catchy, and that describes everything on Infestation.

Ratt, one of the founders of the whole ‘80s Glam/Hard Rock movement, and their new album are proof that you can go home again, even if your home is an alcohol-fueled den of musical iniquity. Infestation doesn’t just meet and exceed expectations; it gnaws the hell out of them and announces Ratt isn’t just on top of their game — they are the only game in town.

Online: http://store.roadrunnerrecords.com/RATT-Infestation  

Track listing:
01. Eat Me Up Alive
02. Best of Me
03. A Little Too Much
04. Look Out Below
05. Last Call
06. Lost Weekend
07. As Good as it Gets
08. Garden of Ede
09. Take a Big Bite
10. Take Me Home
11. Don’t Let Go

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10

Stephen Pearcy of Ratt

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Ratt lead singer Stephen Pearcy checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about their rabid new release Infestation; what it was like adding guitarist Carlos Cavazo (ex-Quiet Riot) to the mix; writing and recording new Ratt music again; the single and video for “Best of Me;” downloading in today’s scene; upcoming tour plans; and a whole lot more.

Ratt was one of the founders of the ’80s Hard Rock Glam/Sleaze movement, and their new studio album with Pearcy back in the band somehow feels like he never left. Tune in to the interview now, and pick up Infestation immediately thereafter!

(If the embedded player doesn’t populate, click here to stream the interview in a stand alone player.)

Warren DeMartini

by Chris A.
Staff Writer

Hardrock Haven: For the past week I’ve been digesting Infestation and from the very first cut it put a smile on my face, I felt like I just ran into an old friend. How’s it feel to be back with a new Ratt disc after more than a decade?

Warren DeMartini: Its feels great! It’s really wonderful, and feels just like the bases are loaded again. We are very happy with how it turned out and we’ve had great encouragement from the folks at Roadrunner Records and our management.

Hardrock Haven: Did you do much recording or solo projects outside of Ratt the past 10 years?

Warren DeMartini: You know, not really. I’ve enjoyed the ride with Ratt and I’ve been very fortunate to be able to channel all my work through the band so it hasn’t been necessary.

Hardrock Haven: I would imagine with the advances in technology over the past 10 years not to mention the bands experience and maturity were positives for recording Infestation.

Warren DeMartini: It was very comfortable and very cool. We enjoyed the advances in recording technology and our production team were just the best. We really enjoyed the time savings that digital recording afforded us. I mean we were able to knock out things in a week that used to take three weeks. We went into the studio with only one rule, we wanted our stuff to sound as authentic and real as possible. We had no time limits or restrictions other than that one rule because we wanted our stuff to be alive and filled with energy. We didn’t want to put out some sterile stuff to save time. I mean, we used to record on tape and I remember cutting and pasting this reel-to-reel tape and it took forever. Today it’s much more efficient and cost effective. As for our recording process we recorded all the tracks live in the studio. Two guitars, bass and drums, all of us in the room playing together. We wanted it to be very natural a sort of “what you hear on the record is what you get live.”

Hardrock Haven: I know Ratt’s been together with your current crew for the past couple years; how’s the chemistry between you and your friends, both old and new, in the band?

Warren DeMartini: It’s firing on all pistons. Carlos Cavazo’s (formerly with Quiet Riot) has been with us for a year and his playing really allows that allows the guitar players to play double leads and that’s something I am looking forward to doing live . We’ve really become a double lead guitar and it’s gonna be a blast play live.

Hardrock Haven:: What’s the stand-out feature for your, of your soon-to-be-released disc Infestation?

Warren DeMartini: On Infestation we really merged all the sonic capabilities that a band like Ratt has. We’re very much a live band and we want to capture the elements and emotion of what a unique band we are. When I hear the disc I hear a great blend of guitars that you don’t just hear everyday.

Hardrock Haven: Do you stay in touch with your old friend Jake E. Lee?

Warren DeMartini: I do! I saw Jake bout three months ago, Ratt was doing a show in Vegas and Jake made an appearance. We had a great time and stayed out way too late telling stories. It was great to see him and he is doing great! He’s always been a solid guy. For example, when I replaced him in Ratt he let me stay at his place so we ended up darn near being room mates. I have to laugh when I think back to me sitting around playing with chords that would eventually become “Round and Round” while Jake would noodle around on the guitar playing riffs that would become “Bark At The Moon.”

Hardrock Haven: After establishing yourself with Ratt, what was it like moving onto Whitesnake for a couple albums?

Warren DeMartini: In 1991 Ratt broke up so in 1994 when Whitesnake was on tour and I got the invite to play and it was just perfect for me. I love to travel and Whitesnake would be playing a lot of locations around the world that Ratt hadn’t played. I had a great time working with Whitesnake and of course, since they are a very blues based band my guitar playing fit right in. Working with David Coverdale also opened my eyes to the fact that a rock ‘n’ roll tour could be very organized and professionally managed.

Hardrock Haven: How would you say Infestation stacks up in comparison to Ratt’s earlier work?

Warren DeMartini: Again, we went into the studio with only one rule, that being try to play it in the studio like we’d play it live. We were looking for energy. Out of the Cellar is a very different kind of album than Infestation is. On Out Of The Cellar we laid the tracks down quickly hoping that we’d get a great take and we didn’t spend a lot of time in the studio. On later albums we took a lot more time in the studio and experimented with sounds and recording but that’s an entirely different animal. Overall I think Infestation is a great record with tons of energy.

Hardrock Haven: Ratt always had a reputation as a “breeding ground” for great guitar players. Clearly nothing has changed as Infestation is rich with incredibly tone filled rock guitar fireworks. What’s your current choice for guitars?

Warren DeMartini: Guitar wise I played a couple Charvels and a couple performance guitars. On one song called “As Good As it Gets” I played a few overdubs with a Gretsch Nashville. Pretty much all of the album is recorded with Charvels plugged straight into the heads of my very reliable Soldano amps. For effects I toss it a little touch of Univibe on a few tunes. I really love my Soldano amps because they have a great sound, they are rugged and can stand up to the beating they take on the road, plus they are very consistent in sound.

Hardrock Haven: Do you collect vintage guitars or amps?

Warren DeMartini: I do have one 1958 Fender Stratocaster that I purchased back in 1986. It’s a real pleasure to play and own. But no, I’m not really a collector and don’t have a big vintage collection.

Hardrock Haven: I understand that playing the guitar comes relatively easy for you? Is that true and if so what do you chalk that up to? Do you practice playing at all?

Warren DeMartini: I do practice all the time. Once I got over the cliff of learning things playing got easier and easier. But no, it wasn’t like I was automatic. I failed on guitar a couple times over they years as I tried to take up the instrument. I remember wanting to play since as early as six or seven years old but I didn’t think I could. I tried it a few years later and it was still alien to me and I just wasn’t getting it. A few years later, I was involved in an accident and was bed ridden for a month and a friend brought over a guitar to help me while away the time. Thats when I started to figure it out. But yes, I do play all the time I think it’s fun to do and I’d be doing it as a hobby if I wasn’t doing it professionally.

Hardrock Haven: I would assume with a new album out a Ratt tour must certainly be in the works. Any news or details on any tours?

Warren DeMartini: We are indeed going on tour starting in Europe in June. We’re doing festival gigs, special appearances and headlining shows all over the continent. Now, nothing has been firmed up but I would anticipate that there will be a US tour sometime in the late summer or fall.

Hardrock Haven: Warren, hey man, thanks for your time is there anything you’d like to chat about or pass onto our readers?

Warren DeMartini: Well thanks for interviewing me, I hope everyone will go out and grab a copy of Infestation when it’s released on April 20th and as said by the late great Frank Zappa, “Music is the best!”

Ratt Live!

August 29, 2009 at the The Wolf Den in Mohegan, CONN.

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

RATT proved they are “Back For More” on their Out Of The Cellar Tour at a recent sold out appearance in The Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on Aug. 29. Many fans were turned away from the free show that featured ’80s platinum recording artist RATT in a rare upclose and personal setting.

RATT featuring Stephen Pearcy on vocals, Bobby Blotzer on drums, Warren Demartini on guitar, Carlos Cavazo on guitar and bassist Robbie Crane performed a vast array of many of the classic RATT hits in a 90 – minute set which included “You Think You’re Tough”, “Wanted Man”, and “Way Cool Junior” before launching into performing their classic hit album Out Of The Cellar in its entirety.

Singer Stephen Pearcy commented to the sold out audience,”We are going to perform Out Of The Cellar for you tonight. Is that OK? I don’t think many of you here tonight were born yet when it was released in 1984. We will be heading back into the studio to finish recording our first album in ten years. It should be out soon. I hope you all buy it.”

Opening with “Tell The World”, RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy held the audience in the palm of his hand. RATT unleashed hit after hit. You really don’t realize what a popular extensive catalog that the band has until you witness the live show. Mostly every song has been heard on FM radio or MTV at one time or another. It was great seeing the band having fun onstage. The Wolf Den is the perfect venue to see a band perform in an upclose setting with perfect acoustics.

The theme of the evening was centered around the guitar solos that Warren Demartini unleashed. Also, Carlos Cavazo is a welcome addition to the band. The rhythm section of drummer Bobby Blotzer and bassist Robbie Crane held down the funky grooves, as guitarist Warren Demartini laid down the bluesy riffs on “Way Cool Junior.”

It was exhilarating to hear Out Of The Cellar performed live. It is quite an accomplishment for a band to be able to perform an album back to back with every song sounding as great as the record with songs that have survived the test of time 25 years later. Highlights of the Out Of The Cellar catalog were “Wanted Man,” “Back For More,” and “Lack of Communication.”

RATT Set List:
Tell The World
I Want A Woman
Nobody Rides For Free
Lay It Down
You’re In Love
Way Cool Jr.
Body Talk
Wanted Man
You’re In Trouble
Back For More
Lack Of Communication
In Your Direction
She Wants Money
The Morning After
I’m Insane
Scene Of The Crime
Round And Round

Photos by Deb Rao.