Motley Crue’s Reluctance to Follow Ratt on Tour
Ratt’s lead vocalist, Stephen Pearcy, recently shared his thoughts on the band’s potential participation in Mötley Crüe’s highly anticipated Stadium Tour. He expressed that if Ratt had reunited, they would have rightfully earned a spot on the tour. Pearcy speculated that the headlining band might have been hesitant to follow such a dynamic opening act. His insight into this situation reveals the competitive spirit that still exists among bands from that vibrant era of rock music.
During an engaging interview with AllMusic journalist Greg Prato, Pearcy reflected on whether a reunited Ratt should have joined the 2022 tour, which also featured iconic acts like Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett. He confidently stated, “Of course. But I’m not the one deciding… If it were a vote, I doubt Mötley would want to follow our performance.” His comments highlight the band’s legacy and the respect they command in the rock community.
Continuing his thoughts, Pearcy noted, “There’s still some competitive energy out there, you know? We would think, ‘What? We’re going to open for you?’ So yes, we absolutely should have been included. It would have made perfect sense. Honestly, I don’t care if we were placed third or fourth; our motto has always been, ‘Go out there and give it your all.’ If fans know you’re performing first, they’ll make it a point to see you, regardless of the order.”
READ MORE: Discover Ratt’s Previously Unreleased ’80s Track ‘Reach for the Sky’
Efforts to Bring Together Ratt’s Classic Lineup by Stephen Pearcy
Pearcy revealed that he has made multiple attempts to reunite with the classic lineup of Ratt, including surviving members Warren DeMartini, Juan Croucier, and Bobby Blotzer. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been fruitful. Although Pearcy and Croucier toured under the Ratt name in 2021, Pearcy later expressed that the lineup did not resonate with the essence of the original band. The absence of guitarist Robbin Crosby, who passed away in 2002, has also been a significant factor hindering any reunion progress.
“I’ve made those attempts,” Pearcy explained. “Some of the guys are complacent, and it’s not about finances for them. It’s more about the lack of drive. Without Robbin Crosby—who played a crucial role in keeping the band unified and focused—things have been challenging. He was the one who really guided our direction. I initiated the conversations and outreach.” His commitment to reviving Ratt’s legacy is commendable, showcasing his passion for the music and the band’s history.
Meanwhile, Pearcy has not let the lack of a reunion dampen his spirits. He has been actively performing Ratt’s catalog during his solo tours, while still holding out hope for a future collaboration. Recently, a special 40th-anniversary reissue of Ratt’s debut album, Out of the Cellar, was released, which he hopes will inspire the original lineup to consider participating in another iteration of the Stadium Tour.
“It’s bound to happen again, and we’ll see,” Pearcy mused. “As I mentioned, I’ve tried to gather the original members. We had one attempt, and it felt like, ‘Whoa.’ Ultimately, I’m the one still here, saying, ‘Okay, that’s all good. This is how it should be: 40 years of history.’ What I’m doing on my solo tours is performing the entire record live—a feat the original band never even accomplished!” His dedication to preserving Ratt’s legacy shines through in his performances and aspirations for the future.
Explore the Top 30 Glam Metal Albums of All Time
Indulging in these classic albums is a pleasure without guilt.
Gallery Credit: Bryan Rolli