Ratt is a U.S. Los Angeles hard rock band that enjoyed significant commercial success in the 1980s.
Although Ratt's music was initially influenced by 1970s pop-metal bands such as Sweet, and Van Halen, the band would eventually incorporate blues-rock influences along the lines of Aerosmith. Ratt also initially adopted a glam rock image similar to 1970s bands such as Alice Cooper, New York Dolls, and KISS.
The origins of Ratt go back to 1978 with a San Diego band called Mickey Ratt, which was formed by founding member vocalist Stephen Pearcy. Guitarist Chris Hagar, bassist Matt Thorr, and drummer John Turner, completed the four-piece line-up. Guitarist Jake E. Lee briefly joined in 1980.
In 1980, Mickey Ratt recorded a single called "Dr. Rock / Drivin' on E", which was given to fans at early Los Angeles club shows.
By early 1982, the band's name was shortened to "Ratt". In 1982, Ratt also included the song "Tell the World" on the first Metal Massacre album, which is also known as the first album to have a Metallica song ("Hit the Lights"). After this album release, Jake E. Lee, Chris Hagar, and Matt Thorr all left Ratt to join another band called Rough Cutt. Jake E. Lee was with Mickey Ratt for about a year before joining Ozzy Osbourne's band in October 1982. The three members would be replaced by bassist Juan Croucier (who in 1982 left the band Dokken) and guitarists Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini.
By late 1982, the classic Ratt line-up of Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Robbin Crosby (guitar), Warren DeMartini (lead guitar), Juan Croucier (bass guitar), and Bobby Blotzer (drums) was complete.