This heavy metal band was formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, by Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Robbin Crosby (b. 4 August 1959, San Diego, California, USA, d. 6 June 2002, Los Angeles, California, USA; guitar), Warren DeMartini (guitar), Juan Croucier (bass), and Bobby ‘The Blotz’ Blotzer (drums). They evolved out of 70s band Mickey Ratt, transmuting into their present form in 1983, with a hint of pop about their brand of metal similar to Cheap Trick or Aerosmith. They released a self-titled mini-album in 1983 on a local label, and struck up a close personal friendship with members of Mötley Crüe, which no doubt helped them to sign to Atlantic Records the following year. They made their breakthrough with their first full album, Out Of The Cellar, which stayed in the Billboard Top 20 for six months and spawned the hit single ‘Round And Round’. Ratt 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 saw them follow a familiar heavy metal route, with accusations over sexist videos contrasting with their ability to sell out concert halls and produce recordings that regularly received platinum discs. Detonator featured several songs co-written with Desmond Child and proved their most adventurous recording to date.
Ratt split-up with the departure of Pearcy in 1992. The singer unveiled his new outfit, Arcade, the following year. However, he was reunited with his former colleagues in 1997 to record the poorly received Collage. A major label contract followed, and 1999’s self-titled album, featuring new bass player Robbie Crane, was a marked improvement. Crosby died of complications from AIDS in June 2002.
