Ratt Will Return With New Lineup Led by Bobby Blotzer
Ratt has officially reorganized around drummer Bobby Blotzer, after a turbulent period that saw the sudden departure of frontman Stephen Pearcy and a battle over trademark issues. The group is now preparing for a series of North American dates, dubbed the "Re-invasion Tour."
Blotzer, with Ratt since 1982, has clearly been itching to get back on the road. He performed earlier this year as the Ratt Experience. Now, he'll take the official name back, after initially establishing WBS Inc. – the corporation that owns the Ratt name – with Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini. Pearcy later lost his share of the name in court after splitting with the group in 2000, Blotzer has said. He has also said that DeMartini does not want to tour as Ratt without Pearcy, who voiced familiar Ratt hits like "Round and Round" and "Lay It Down."
"And I get it; I do too," Blotzer told Eddie Trunk. "But it's like, well dude, if they're not coming, then let's move ahead here. ... 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."
Ultimately, Blotzer says his long tenure with the group gave him a sense of ownership. "I just came to the reality that I am in Ratt," he said. "That's who I am, and people would really, probably rather come and see me play Ratt music."
Blotzer will be joined on tour by singer Josh Alan, guitarists Doc Ellis and Blaze, and bassist Scotty Griffin, the latter of whom was in L.A. Guns. Confirmed dates will presumably follow.
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