DISMISSED
Stephen Pearcy on DeMartini and Blotzer: “Those two gentlemen are completely dismissed”

Metal Sludge  —  In a brand new interview with Sleazeroxx frontman Stephen Pearcy talks all things Ratt.

Pearcy is the founder of the Ratt brand going back to 1976 with his first inception of the group as Mickey Ratt.

The singer and chief Ratt songwriter talks about the (new) line-up and how the process went for selecting them to join the band.

Aside from classic era bassist Juan Croucier, the new breed include Pete Holmes (Black N’ Blue) on drums, Jordan Ziff (lead guitar) and Chris Sanders (guitars).

He also talks about his latest solo effort on Frontiers, his recent (multiple) knee surgeries and mentions writing new music with Croucier.

At some point Pearcy is asked about Warren DeMartini.

Pearcy responds: “[Pause] No. Those two gentlemen are completely dismissed and without going into anything, it’s all public record. You know, it’s another thing. We pretty much want to get back is some of the integrity of the band from everybody and move ahead. So we don’t dwell on that much. Everything is well, done and over. It’s over. If people really don’t want to play or have a negative take on everything, it’s not too helpful to the brand you know. So without going into it any further, we’re happy with who we have now. Fortunately, we’re not the most dysfunctional band in the planet.”

One can only assume that the 2nd person Pearcy is referring to, is former Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer.

Later in the interview Blotzer is brought up as the interviewer questions as to whether the litigation with Blotzer is over.

Peracy: “[Laughs] I wanted to stay off this subject but everything is well and over.”

See excerpts from the interview below.

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Ratt: Jordan Ziff, Pete Holmes, Stephen Pearcy, Juan Croucier, Chris Sanders

Sleaze Roxx: So who’s involved in writing the new Ratt songs?

Stephen Pearcy: Ummm. Well, first, it’s going to be Juan [Croucier] and myself. You know, “Lack of Communication”, “You’re In Love” and all these other songs that we co-wrote together so we’re going to try along those veins for songwriting. And we’ll see what happens. I have plenty of ideas. Juan’s got plenty of ideas and we’ll see what the other guys have to offer down the line.

Sleaze Roxx: Speaking of the new line-up, how did you get Pete [Holmes], Jordan [Ziff] and Chris [Sanders] in the band? Did they have to audition? How did it work?

Stephen Pearcy:Yeah, of course. We auditioned quite a few players. Tried to keep it on the down lo. We knew that the minute that we started auditioning, the word would be out there. Pete came from Black ‘N Blue and he was playing with Juan’s solo band, and when we were doing rehearsals, he was sitting in for us. I just loved his playing. You know, it was just thunderous and that took care of that. And then we auditioned guitar players, had them come back a second time and possibly a third time and then we go with what feels good and the persons themselves. You know, this is going to be a long haul for the next few years at least. Keep things moving. We had to find the right soldiers for the job.

Sleaze Roxx: [Laughs] Fair enough. What’s the status for Warren DeMartini? Is he still part of the Ratt partnership or is he completely out of the band?

Stephen Pearcy: [Pause] No. Those two gentlemen are completely dismissed and without going into anything, it’s all public record. You know, it’s another thing. We pretty much want to get back is some of the integrity of the band from everybody and move ahead. So we don’t dwell on that much. Everything is well, done and over. It’s over. If people really don’t want to play or have a negative take on everything, it’s not too helpful to the brand you know. So without going into it any further, we’re happy with who we have now. Fortunately, we’re not the most dysfunctional band in the planet.

Sleaze Roxx: [Laughs]

Stephen Pearcy: [Laughs] I mean, you’ve got [Judas] Priest out there with Rob [Halford] and the bass player [Ian Hill. You’ve got this band with that. When I go out, it’s the original Ratt. You know, once Robbin [Crosby] — rest in peace — I knew that it would never be the same. All you can do is give it the best you got. I think a little bit different than those people about situations because I am in it. You know, we just want to keep… Get some integrity and some real Ratt N’ Roll going again. It has to be a positive venture. It can’t just be negative, negative or else you’re not firing on all pistons and you’ll lose the race.

Sleaze Roxx: Speaking of Robbin [Crosby], it seems that when he was in the band, there was some sort of stability to the band and once he was out of the band, there seemed to be a lot of infighting within the band. Is that correct or…

Stephen Pearcy: Correct. You’re correct. Yeah. You know, everybody has their place. In later years, people took their place to ridiculous [laughs] [pause].

Sleaze Roxx: Levels?

Stephen Pearcy: Their level of thinking and unfortunately, it’s history. Next! We’re very happy right now. The band is sounding great. We are doing some great shows. We just intend on staying on this fast track and give you the best we can.

Sleaze Roxx: Cool! I know you’re thinking of going forward but just one last question about Bobby Blotzer. Is the litigation over with him because we haven’t heard about him in a long time [since end of March 2018]?

Stephen Pearcy: [Laughs] I wanted to stay off this subject but everything is well and over.

To read the full interview, please visit Sleazeroxx