DE-RAILED
Bobby Blotzer’s new RATT plan being contested by Warren DeMartini
Los Angeles, CA — As first reported by Metal Sludge back on September 12th, rumors swirled that drummer Bobby Blotzer planned to morph his Ratt tribute band Bobby Blotzer’s Ratt Experience into the official RATT band.
Now as of September 23rd Blotzer did just that with a press release announcing the ‘2016 RE-INVASION TOUR” upgrading his tribute group to the official new RATT lineup according to him.
However it seems this doesn’t sit to well with lead guitarist Warren DeMartini.
In an exclusive statement with Blabbermouth.Net guitarist Warren DeMartini of RATT says in short; “Bobby Blotzer is soliciting his tribute band as RATT which he is completely unauthorized to do. I am totally against it…”
The guitarist also claimed that Blotzer called him back in March 2015 about the idea but that he did not agree with Blotzer using the RATT name in the title.
“He used it anyway” says the guitarist.
The RATT axe-master released an official statement to Blabbermouth which we have copied below.
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DeMartini‘s statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET reads as follows:
“Back in March, Bob Blotzer phoned me and said he wanted to form a RATT tribute band and call it something like ‘…RATT EXPERIENCE.’ I suggested he not use RATT in the title and call it something like BOB’S CELLAR as RATT‘s debut record, ‘Out Of The Cellar’, has rounded its third decade. He said something to the effect that he wanted to use RATT in the title ‘like JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE.’ I said I had no problem with him playing songs he recorded with RATT, but I didn’t agree to him using the name in the title. He used it anyway.
“Now he is soliciting his tribute band as RATT which he is completely unauthorized to do. I am totally against it, and steps are being taken to prevent any further misuse of the name as well as representation about future RATT performances.”
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DeMartini is the only classic era lineup member to play every live RATT show with the group. Bassist Juan Croucier left the group for 2 solid decades (1992-2012) being replaced by Robbie Crane during his absense. Lead vocalist Pearcy the sole original founding member of the brand has left a few times to perform solo and front other projects (Arcade, Vicious Delite) over the years. Blotzer has missed some live shows due to neck injuries during select dates in 2014 and was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso (Megadeth, Y&T, Alice Cooper band).
In recent months bassist Juan Crocuier launched his own project Ratt’s Juan Croucier The Other Voice Of Ratt. The band is playing live and features Pete Holmes (Black N’ Blue) on drums.
Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has continued to book live shows and perform regularly during his time away from RATT.
Read more of the story right here at Blabbermouth.Net
