Towards the end of 2011, Ratt were once again showing signs of tension. However, singer Stephen Pearcy reassured everyone that the reformed 80’s metal group would release a follow up to 2010’s Infestation sometime this year. But if that does happen, it looks like the next Ratt album will be without bassist Robbie Crane.
During an interview with the Headbangers At 11 radio show on 93.3 KDKB/Phoenix, Crane confirmed that he has left Ratt. You can listen to audio of him announcing his departure at Blabbermouth, but here’s a snippet of what he had to say:
“I’ve been playing in Lynch Mob since October of 2010. It’s a thing that I’ve always loved doing, and I love playing with the band. As of recently, I’ve moved on from Ratt. I definitely quit Ratt, and I let them all know that, although I haven’t officially announced it… But you know what, it’s not because of Lynch Mob. I’d been with Ratt for 15 years and it was time to move on. I love being in Lynch Mob and this is where my heart’s at…”
Crane joined Ratt in 1996 as part of their “first” reunion in place of bassist Juan Croucier. He stayed with the band throughout numerous lineup changes, and was most recently a part of the Infestation lineup (which saw the return of Pearcy into the group).
Whether Crane’s departure is yet another sign of trouble in Rattadise is at this point only speculation, although Headbangers At 11’s hosts certainly busted his balls about saying the split is “not because of Lynch Mob.” With that said, it’s safe to assume that Crane simply wants to continue working with Lynch Mob (ex-Dokken guitarist George Lynch’s group). As of now, Ratt have yet to comment on the split or announce a replacement.
