Of all the ’80s hair metal bands, Ratt is one that’s stood the test of time, at least kind of. It’s hard to deny that “Round and Round” is an epic jam, as are “Back For More,” “Lay It Down” and hell, there’s enough that there’s an unofficial holiday, Ratturday, in which people we know drink, smoke up and listen to Ratt on Saturdays. What’s been going on with the band lately? Well, it’s been a bit of a confusing mess, honestly. Drummer Bobby Blotzer has been touring as Ratt, even though he was the only original member in his incarnation of the band. Guitarist Warren DeMartini filed suit against Blotzer for using the name. And while it seemed like Blotzer was close to winning, the court has granted ownership of the name to DeMartini, singer Stephen Pearcy and bassist Juan Croucier.
The initial lawsuit was filed by Blotzer after Croucier performed as Ratt’s Juan Croucier in the fall of 2015. It’s a little confusing, but the band’s partnership agreement dates back to 1985, and states that the name and trademarks of Ratt can only be transferred with the unanimous approval of all partners. In 1997, Blotzer, DeMartini and Pearcy moved to transfer the trademarks to a new corporation, WBS, but since Croucier wasn’t told about this, it turns out the old partnership still owns Ratt’s name.
The band responded to the ruling by kicking Blotzer out of the partnership, meaning he’s no longer a member of Ratt and can only refer to himself as a “former member of Ratt.” No word on who the new drummer is going to be, but the press release states that DeMartini, Pearcy and Croucier will be touring again as Ratt.
