By: Robert Cavuoto
Ratt invaded the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, on Thursday January 23rd, during the NAMM convention (National Association of Music Merchants).
For Ratt fans, Ratt n’ Roll has always been about sticking to your guns. It’s about music with attitude, laced with fun and fuel injected riffs.
Throughout their 30 year career, Ratt’s style has never wavered from that mantra, upholding the integrity of the music that helped make the soundtrack of our youth.
Ratt fans look for that constancy, because it gives them something to count on and tonight they didn’t let anyone down as the set list was perfectly cultivated for this vibe.
Newly reunited with bassist, Juan Croucier, the band has yet to play the East Coast, so I made it my personal mission to see them in Anaheim. The House of Blues holds about 1,100 people and was sold out, jammed with people hanging off the balcony! Opening for them was Warrant and Chris Holmes of WASP fame – Stonebreed.
Ratt’s performance focused primarily on their mega hits from the ’80s. They opened with a powerful version of “Wanted Man,” and then went into a 90 minute set of 15 songs including “Body Talk,” “Way Cool Jr.,” “Walkin the Dog,” and “You’re in Love”. Stand outs for the night were “Lack of Communication,” “Nobody Rides for Free” from the movie Point Break and an explosive version of “Round and Round”, as the encore.
The ring leader of this circus was Stephen Pearcy, a premier frontman exuding charisma that hasn’t changed since their formation in 1980s. He still packs the vocal ability fans expect and dresses as though he’s in his prime years. At one point he quipped that the band’s 30 year anniversary was coming up, “30 years and we still hate each other”. The crowd roared. All joking aside, he did tell us that the band is writing a follow-up CD to their 2010 release Infestation.
Warren DeMartini displayed some of his own swagger as he took the spot light for the band’s solos, providing the rock star posturing with his snakeskin Charvel. His bluesy solos were flawless and were played with a fury that only he can pull off.
Juan Croucier added all the backing vocals that helped created Ratt’s original sound which had notably been missing since his departure. Highly energetic he put his bass through a series acrobats moves that only trained professionals should tackle like; “the over the shoulder spin”. It’s good to see him back!
Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot is a great addition to the band. He complements Warren playing and his metal legacy ties nicely with the band. Carlos traded off licks with Warren using his Gibson Flying V and also supplied the tight rhythm, allowing Warren to soar.
Missing a few dates is drummer Bobby Blotzer who is recovering from neck surgery. Filling in for him on these dates was Jimmy DeGrasso. Wishing him a speedy recovery!
I don’t know who was having more fun tonight, the band or the audience.
GALLERY
