Stephen Pearcy By Ray Anton June 1, 2024 Stephen Pearcy by Ray Anton Stephen Pearcy is best known as the lead vocalist of the Hair Metal band Ratt. Born in San Diego, California, Pearcy played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound and image during the late 70s and beyond. Ratt was formed in 1976 under the name “Mickey Ratt,” with Pearcy as one of the founding members. The band achieved commercial success with their debut album Out of the Cellar in 1984, which featured hit singles like “Round and Round” and “Wanted Man.” These songs, characterized by their catchy hooks and energetic performances, helped propel Ratt to the forefront of the Sunset Strip glam metal scene. Throughout the 1980s, Ratt released several albums, including Invasion of Your Privacy and Dancing Undercover, which further solidified their arena headlining status as one of the leading bands of the southern California metal genre. Pearcy’s distinctive vocal style, combining gritty intensity with melodic hooks, became a defining element of Ratt’s sound. However, internal conflicts and changing musical trends led to lineup changes and periods of hiatus for Ratt during the late 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Despite these challenges, Pearcy continued to pursue his musical career, releasing solo albums and collaborating with other artists. Ratt has reunited periodically over the years, with Pearcy consistently at the helm as the band’s frontman. Their influence on the Hair Metal genre remains significant, and they have continued to attract fans with their high-energy performances and memorable songs. Stephen Pearcy is currently touring on the 40th anniversary of Out of the Cellar. The south Florida stop on the tour came to Stage 954 in the Casino at Dania Beach on Saturday, May 25th. It’s my first time at the relatively new venue and I was quite impressed with the size, layout, sound and ease of getting in and out of the 850 seat hall. I definitely recommend the place for anyone not familiar with it. Showtime was listed as 8 pm. About 15 minutes past showtime, A James Bond style track played over the speakers as the musicians walked on to their spots on the stage. While Pearcy is the only member from the original band on this tour, he and the current ensemble ripped into “Wanted Man” and then “You’re in Trouble”, the first two tracks from the anniversary album. From the moment Pearcy stepped on stage, it was clear that he hasn’t lost his edge. His vocals, though weathered by time, still carried the same raspy power that defined Ratt’s sound. Backed by a talented band, the guys sounded great. Part of the celebration is playing Out of the Cellar from beginning to end. As the third song was arguably Ratt’s most popular song, they skipped it and went on with the rest of the album which included the hits “Wanted Man” and “Back for More”. As they finished the last song on the album, “Scene of the Crime”, Pearcy thanked the crowd and then went into the skipped third song “Round and Round” to great fanfare. After the song, the group took a bow, and walked off the stage. The audience was a tad shocked, as they had only played about 45 minutes. After just a few moments, Pearcy walked back on and said that the party was not over yet. Pearcy’s stage presence was captivating, commanding the attention of everyone in the venue. His interactions with the audience were genuine, showing his appreciation for their continued support over the years. he kept the energy high throughout the show. The rest of the quintet walked back on and they continued with “Slip of the Lip” into “Way Cool Jr” then into the movie Point Break theme song “Nobody Rides for Free.” Pearcy then introduced the band playing with him. He had Johnny Monaco and Erik Ferentinos on guitar, Matt Thorn on bass guitar, and from Slaughter, Blas Elias on drums. The guys then proceeded to rock into the Ratt hit that was released on an EP before Out of the Cellar, “You Think You’re Tough.” The rockers finished the show with “You’re in Love” and another fan favorite, “Lay it Down.” Overall, Stephen Pearcy’s hour and a half concert was a testament to his enduring talent and the timeless appeal of ’80s hard rock. Each song was executed with precision, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship and Pearcy’s undeniable charisma. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a night of good music, catching Pearcy live is an experience you won’t soon forget. Share It!
