- Ratt, still hott
If '80s hair-metal princes Ratt were upset about performing in a moderately filled club instead of a packed hockey arena last night, it didn't show during their spirited and satisfying performance at House of Blues.
The show didn't suffer for lack of pyrotechnics, lighting, or staging either (Ratt always were the most authentic rock band of the hairspray set). With just a simple canvas backdrop, the group treated the appreciative audience to a high-energy run through their surprisingly consistent catalog.
Singer Stephen Pearcy, drummer Bobby Blotzer, and guitar whiz Warren DeMartini (all original members) were joined onstage by longtime bassist Robbie Crane and former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo. All five seemed to have held onto their own hair and waistlines quite admirably.
They kicked off with a one-two punch of "You're in Love" and "Lay It Down" (from 1985's Invasion of Your Privacy), then barreled through a tight, well-paced, and solo-spotlight-free set featuring minor classics "Slip of the Lip," "Way Cool Jr.," and "Back for More."
A handful of songs from their new album, Infestation, held their own, particularly the single "Best of Me," Ratt's most melodic tune in ages.
In an admirable move, Pearcy bid the crowd a clear farewell before ending the main set with "Round and Round," eliminating any need for a staged encore and actually leaving the crowd wanting more. —Matthew Wilkening
