Ratt Guitarist Warren Demartini Wants to Stop Drummer Bobby Blotzer From Touring Under Band Name

With Ratt sidelined following singer Stephen Pearcy's latest exit, drummer Bobby Blotzer has put together his own version of the group — a decision that guitarist Warren Demartini definitely does not support.

Demartini voiced his displeasure in a statement to Blabbermouth, saying Blotzer phoned him earlier this year and informed him of his plans to take what Demartini describes as "a Ratt tribute band" on the road. "He said something to the effect that he wanted to use Ratt in the title, like Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience,'" alleged Demartini. "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."

As a result, Demartini has made it clear he's ready to do whatever he can to put the kibosh on what Blotzer's called the 2016 Re-Invasion Tour, including taking Blotzer to court if necessary. "He is soliciting his tribute band as Ratt, which he is completely unauthorized to do," Demartini's statement argues. "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."

What effect, if any, this has on Blotzer's plans remains to be seen, but as Blotzer pointed out when he announced the tour, he splits ownership of the band name with Demartini — and since Demartini is unwilling to tour without Pearcy, and Pearcy is currently unwilling to tour with Ratt in general, Blotzer feels he's been given no choice.

"It’s like, well, dude, if they’re not coming, then let’s move ahead here," said Blotzer. "I wanna go and play for the fans, go and play for my family and my own just fun of working and earning the way I do with Ratt."

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