Ratt’s Stephen Pearcy: Why Motley Crue Wouldn’t Tour Together
In a recent statement, Ratt’s frontman Stephen Pearcy expressed his belief that his band deserved a spot on Mötley Crüe’s highly anticipated Stadium Tour if they had reunited. Pearcy speculated that the headliners might have hesitated to follow the energy of their opening act, Ratt. This sentiment highlights the band’s enduring legacy and stage presence.
During an engaging interview with AllMusic’s Greg Prato, Pearcy responded to the question of whether a reunited Ratt should have participated in the 2022 tour featuring iconic acts like Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett. He confidently stated, “Of course we should have. However, if it came to a vote, I doubt Mötley would want to perform after us,” showcasing his playful confidence regarding Ratt’s performance capabilities.
Pearcy elaborated on the competitive spirit that still exists in the music industry, saying, “We consider it a challenge—’What? We’re opening for you?’ It just makes sense for us to be included. I don’t mind the order; our motto has always been to go out there and give it our all. If audiences know we’re on the lineup, they’ll come to see us, regardless of our position in the schedule.”
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Efforts to Reunite Ratt’s Iconic Lineup by Stephen Pearcy
Pearcy has made multiple attempts to bring together the classic-era members of Ratt, including Warren DeMartini, Juan Croucier, and Bobby Blotzer, in recent years. Unfortunately, these efforts have not borne fruit. While Pearcy and Croucier did tour under the Ratt name in 2021, Pearcy later expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the lineup “just doesn’t cut it.” The tragic loss of guitarist Robbin Crosby, who passed away in 2002, has further complicated any potential reunion.
“I’ve made those attempts, but some of my bandmates seem content with the status quo,” Pearcy shared. “It’s not even about finances; it’s more about drive. Without Robbin—who played a crucial role in keeping us united and focused—things feel different. He was the direction behind the creation; I initiated it, but he guided it.”
Meanwhile, Pearcy continues to celebrate Ratt’s legacy through his solo tours, showcasing the band’s classic hits. He remains optimistic about a potential reunion, especially with the recent release of a 40th-anniversary reissue of Ratt’s debut album, Out of the Cellar. He hopes this milestone might inspire the band to consider participating in future iterations of the Stadium Tour.
“It will happen again, and time will tell,” Pearcy mused. “I’ve tried to rally the original members. We had one attempt, and it was quite an experience. Ultimately, I’m the one left standing, thinking, ‘This is how it should be: a 40-year anniversary.’ What I’m doing with my solo tours is performing the entire record live, something the original band never even did!”
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire