Stephen Pearcy: ‘The Real Ratt’ Will Return in 2017
Longtime Ratt singer Stephen Pearcy has sent out a tweet stating that the "real" version of the group will be back in action next year.
Pearcy's original tweet, as reported by Blabbermouth, stated "Be ready 2017! From out of the cellar the return of the real RATT." That post has been taken down, but a new one promising a press release has taken its place. You can see that tweet below.
Pearcy's former bandmate, drummer Bobby Blotzer, has been touring with his own version of the group for much of this year. This has led to a series of legal battles and public spats between Blotzer and his fellow surviving classic era alumni: Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini and bassist Juan Croucier. (Guitarist Robbin Crosby died in 2002.)
DeMartini, Croucier and Pearcy played a surprise show together this past October on the Monsters of Rock West cruise, fueling speculation that a larger-scale reunion could be in the works for the trio.
Blotzer, Pearcy and DeMartini last worked together on the 2009 album Infestation and its accompanying tour. In 2012, they reunited with Croucier and were reportedly working on a new record. But Pearcy quit the group for a second time in 2014, citing “constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum and, most of all, the disrespect to the fans.”
Blotzer then formed his own version of Ratt, prompting DeMartini to take legal action against him. The drummer claimed that, as half-owner of the band's name along with DeMartini, he had the right not only to use it on tour, but also to legally stop Croucier from touring as "Ratt's Juan Croucier," as the bassist began doing last September.
Blabbermouth reports that a Nov. 8 ruling in that case seems to indicate that Pearcy and Croucier – along with DeMartini and Blotzer – still have an ownership interest in the Ratt name and brand. Apparently and potentially, this could free the other three to use some form of the band's name without Blotzer's approval.
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