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Ratt
Metropol
Pittsburgh, PA
1/20/2001
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While TPRS.com is wondering if
snow storms are due to plague every show in the new year, Ratt found
themselves playing in front of a packed venue despite the blizzard.
The pack was lead by none other than Jizzy Pearl (Love/Hate, LA Guns), who
may in fact have More Crickets than Friends, but most definitely
has more balls than former frontman Stephen Pearcy.
After a few cuts it was clear to most of the
audience that Pearl was the perfect choice for this band.
And while many critics
are left wonder why this band continues on with only two original members, true
fans are left wanting more.
Rounding off the act was new addition John Corabi
(The Scream, Motley Crue, Union), long-time bass player Robbie Crane (Vince
Neil, Tuff), and mainstays Bobby Blotzer and Warren DeMartini.
Even though Corabi has
surprisingly taken a backseat in this project playing guitar and singing
backup vocals, his presence has added a new element to the band leaving
them room to harmonize unlike ever before. This factor was clearly
illustrated in songs like "Round and Round" and the revamped
version of "Luv Sick" from their self-titled Portrait Records
release that by far put the original to shame!
For those interested, Corabi says that he and his Union bandmates have not
officially called it quits and their label is still very interested in the
band.
But, for the time being, they are keeping busy
with other projects because the industry is currently not open to new projects
like theirs. As a result, Union guitarist Bruce Kulick is currently
performing with Grand Funk Railroad and drummer Brent Fitz has joined the
Bulletboys, replacing Jimmy D'Anda, who has recently joined George Lynch and Oni
Logan in Lynch Mob.
Getting back to the subject at
hand, it is difficult not to mention the memorable stage antics of lead
axeman Warren DeMartini, who has enough energy behind him to rank with the
likes of other great showmen like Dokken's Jeff Pilson and perhaps even
Van Halen's David Lee Roth.
His talent and memorable guitar riffs have played a huge part in the
numerous hits this band has behind them, including "Lay it
Down," "Shame, Shame, Shame," "Way Cool Jr.," and
"Back for More" just to name a few... And while some found
that drive absent from the band's last release, it is reassuring to find
that it has not been lost in their live performances.
Also adding to the excitement of the evening was
the warm welcome received by drummer Bobby Blotzer, who is native to Pittsburgh.
Since the club was filled with friends, family, and fans who appreciated an
intimate performance from a hometown rocker, it made for quite an enthusiastic
crowd, and an enjoyable set.
Unfortunately, as the
curfew warrants, the band finished their set just before 10 p.m. to make
room for a scarce dance crowd, but before ending the evening they made
room for other Ratt favorites like "Body Talk" and "Nobody
Rides for Free," as well as their cover of "Walking the
Dog" from their debut album.
For more information on Ratt, check out their official Web site
at www.therattpack.com. |
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