The legendary hair metal band RATT has given fans a long-awaited treat: the release of their previously unreleased track, “Reach for the Sky.” This hidden gem, recorded during the sessions for their iconic 1984 debut album, Out of the Cellar, made its live debut on December 29th during a Stephen Pearcy solo concert at the soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Fan-filmed footage of this momentous performance is available online.
“Reach for the Sky” first saw the light of day as part of limited-edition releases commemorating the 40th anniversary of Out of the Cellar. Released on November 8th, 2024, via BMG in partnership with Rhino Entertainment, these special editions included the previously unreleased track alongside the classic album.
The story of RATT is one of meteoric success. Formed in Los Angeles, the band’s early exposure on Uncle Joe Benson’s “Local Licks Drive Time” show on KLOS-FM proved pivotal, leading to their signing with Atlantic Records. Their classic lineup – Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars), Robbin Crosby (guitars), Juan Croucier (bass/vocals), and Bobby Blotzer (drums) – ignited the national scene in 1984 with Out of the Cellar.
The album’s led single, “Round and Round,” with its unforgettable hook and music video, soared to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Out of the Cellar itself reached no. 7 on the billboard Top 200 and achieved triple-platinum certification. Follow-up singles, “back for More” and “Wanted Man,” further cemented their success. The album’s impact was undeniable, propelling RATT to sell-out world tours, sharing stages with rock giants like Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, and Twisted Sister.
The 40th-anniversary release of Out of the cellar came in various formats, including a striking red-and-black splatter vinyl with a lenticular cover and a neon orange 7″ featuring “Reach for the Sky.” A limited-edition CD with a lenticular cover and the new track was also available. To further celebrate the occasion, limited-edition color vinyl versions of their albums Reach for the sky, Invasion of Your Privacy, Detonator, and dancing Undercover were also released.
RATT’s success continued with Invasion of Your Privacy (1985), a double-platinum album reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like “Lay It Down” (No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “You’re in Love.” Dancing Undercover (1986) saw them tour North America with a then-unknown Los Angeles band named Poison. The album’s lead single, “Dance,” hit the Billboard Hot 100, and “Slip of the Lip” became another music video hit. ”Body Talk” even made its way into a key scene in Eddie Murphy’s The Golden Child. Dancing Undercover became RATT’s third consecutive platinum album, reaching No.26 on the Billboard 200.
The 1988 album, Reach for the Sky, marked a notable point in RATT’s career. While details about the album’s production are available elsewhere, the release of “Reach for the Sky” decades later highlights the enduring legacy of this influential band and their continued connection with their dedicated fanbase.
Pearcy himself hinted at the song’s history, stating, “We played ‘Reach for the Sky’ in our live set in 1982-83 right along side with ‘Round’, ‘Morning after’.”
RATT’s Stephan Pearcy to Electrify Detroit Stage
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Get ready, Detroit! Rock and roll icon Stephan Pearcy, the legendary voice behind the iconic band RATT, is set to ignite the stage in a highly anticipated concert. 760WJR radio announced the exciting news, promising a night of unforgettable rock anthems.
The concert, scheduled for October 18, 2024, will feature Pearcy alongside another powerhouse act (name to be announced). This collaboration promises a double dose of electrifying rock and roll, delivering a high-energy performance for fans of all ages.
Pearcy’s career with RATT spans decades of chart-topping hits and sold-out tours. The band’s influence on the 80s hair metal scene is undeniable, with albums like “Reach for the sky” achieving platinum status and reaching No. 17 on the Billboard 200. Hits like “Way Cool Jr.” and “I Want a Woman” became MTV staples, showcasing RATT’s signature blend of hard rock and catchy melodies.
Even their later albums, like 1990’s “Detonator,” which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, maintained their success. This album marked a shift, incorporating contributions from notable songwriters like Desmond Child and Diane Warren, and featuring guest appearances from Jon Bon Jovi and Michael Schenker. The singles ”Lovin’ You’s a Dirty Job” and “Giving Yourself Away” further solidified RATT’s place in rock history.
RATT’s impact extended beyond the music charts. Their song “Nobody Rides for Free” featured prominently in the 1991 action classic “Point Break,” starring keanu reeves and Patrick Swayze, introducing their music to a new generation of fans.
In a 2021 interview with SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk,” Pearcy expressed his openness to recording a new album with the surviving members of RATT’s classic lineup.While no new music has been released sence 2010’s “Infestation,” this concert promises a thrilling possibility to experience the timeless energy of RATT’s legacy live.
“#760WJR invites you to experience two Rock n Roll powerhouses together on one stage, Stephan Pearcy of the band RATT…”
RATT’s ”Reach for the sky”: Expert insights on a Lost Gem and Lasting Legacy
A Conversation with John Garcia, Rock Historian and Music Journalist
Forty years ago, RATT, the kings of Sunset Strip glam metal, burst onto the scene with their explosive debut album, Out of the Cellar. Now, a previously unreleased track from those legendary sessions, “Reach for the Sky,” has finally seen the light of day.
we spoke with John Garcia, renowned rock historian and music journalist, to delve into the story behind this rediscovered gem and its significance in RATT’s enduring legacy.
Unearthing “Reach For The Sky”:
WToday: john, what makes the release of “Reach for the Sky” so special for RATT fans?
John Garcia: Well, it’s like unearthing a hidden treasure! This song comes from those seminal recording sessions that produced Out of the Cellar, an album that essentially defined the sound of ’80s hair metal. To have a complete, unreleased track surface decades later is a genuine treat for any dedicated fan.
WToday: This track was actually played live back in the early days, correct?
John Garcia: You’re right.Stephan Pearcy himself has mentioned playing it alongside classics like “round and Round” and “Morning After” back in ’82 and ’83. So, it’s not entirely new, but having a fully produced studio version adds another dimension to the experience.
The Impact of “Out of the Cellar”:
WToday: Out of the Cellar is considered a landmark album. Do you think this release, even with a single bonus track, keeps that momentum going?
John Garcia: Absolutely.Out of the Cellar wasn’t just a great album; it was a cultural phenomenon. It captured the energy and angst of a generation, and songs like “Round and Round” are practically anthems. Releasing ”Reach for the Sky” is a way to revisit that pivotal moment in rock history, reminding us why RATT resonated so deeply with audiences.
RATT’s Enduring Legacy:
WToday: What do you think has contributed to RATT’s enduring legacy?
John garcia: A few things. Their music was undeniably catchy and powerful. They had a distinct sound that blended hard rock with melodic hooks.Plus, their live shows were legendary for their energy and theatricality.
But beyond the music, there was a certain charisma and rebellious spirit to RATT. They embodied the excess and excitement of ’80s Hollywood, and that resonated with a lot of people.Even today, when we hear those songs, it’s like a time capsule transported us back to that era.
WToday: Do you think “Reach for the Sky” will find its place amongst the band’s classics?
John Garcia:* It’s certainly got the potential.It’s got that classic RATT sound: powerful riffs, catchy melodies, and Pearcy’s unmistakeable vocals. It’s a worthy addition to their catalog and a reminder that RATT’s music continues to connect with fans, old and new.
Twenty years from now, we might be talking about “Reach for the Sky” in the same breath as “Round and Round.”
