You can count RATT singer Stephen Pearcy among those who are disenchanted with MÖTLEY CRÜE’s recent alteration in their lineup, where Mick Mars was replaced by John 5
Speaking with the Hooks Rocks Podcast, Pearcy said about MÖTLEY‘s new lineup: “Motley bringing in John 5 — no disrespect — that’s not Motley Crue.” Stephen went on to add that a CRÜE lineup without Mick Mars doesn’t have “the proper elements.”
John 5 became a part of MÖTLEY CRÜE in the autumn of 2022, stepping in as the replacement for Mick Mars, the band’s co-founding guitarist. Mick had disclosed his decision to retire from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE in October of that same year due to worsening health issues.
Mars has been grappling with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic and inflammatory type of arthritis primarily affecting the spine and pelvis. Despite enduring years of performing amidst the discomfort, he informed his bandmates in the summer of 2022 that touring was no longer feasible for him. However, he expressed willingness to participate in recording sessions or performances at fixed locations that didn’t involve extensive travel.
Upon announcing his retirement from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE, Mars reiterated his commitment to remain a member of the band, with John 5 stepping in for live performances. However, in April 2023, the 72-year-old musician initiated legal action against CRÜE in Los Angeles County’s Superior Court. He alleged that following his announcement, the other members of CRÜE attempted to diminish his role as a significant stakeholder in the group’s corporation and business assets through a shareholders’ meeting.
Pearcy compared the situation to that of his own band RATT, after the departure of their classic-era guitarist Robbin Crosby in 1991.
“Ratt without Robbin — I said it when he wasn’t playing, ‘This isn’t gonna work. We can do anything we want, we can try as hard as we want. It’s not gonna be the same,’” the singer noted. “And it never was, and never will be.”
In 2024, Pearcy has scheduled performances to commemorate the 40th anniversary of RATT‘s influential 1984 album, “Out of the Cellar.” The musician had aspirations for a complete RATT reunion, (without Crosby who passed away in June of 2002) but unfortunately, his former bandmates did not share the same level of enthusiasm.
“If you’re not into it, you’re not into it,” Pearcy explained. “I can only have respect for Warren [DeMartini], he doesn’t need to (reunite). None of these guys need to. I don’t need to. It’s just a matter of where your drive is, I guess. I have a different drive than my guys. And that’s where the buck stops. I can’t force them.”
Pearcy added that he respects his bandmates’ decision, but doesn’t understand it.
“Forty years later, you should be very fortunate. It doesn’t matter how deep your pockets are, it’s the integrity you have for what you created, what you were a part of. That’s what pisses me off,” he said. “Out of the Cellar is the most important thing that we’ve done. It should be respected. But it is what it is.”
RATT, a prominent rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California, was formed in 1976 by vocalist Pearcy. The band’s lineup went through several changes during its early years, eventually solidifying with Warren DeMartini on guitar, Robbin Crosby on guitar, Juan Croucier on bass, and Bobby Blotzer on drums. The band found its stride during the flourishing Sunset Strip and hair metal scene in the 1980s, gaining popularity with their energetic live performances and catchy, guitar-driven sound.
RATT‘s breakthrough came with their debut album “Out of the Cellar” in 1984, which featured the hit singles “Round and Round” and “Wanted Man.” These songs helped propel the album to multi-platinum status and solidified RATT‘s place in the glam metal scene. The band’s success continued with albums like “Invasion of Your Privacy” (1985) and “Dancing Undercover” (1986), contributing to the soundtrack of the era with their anthemic tunes and MTV-friendly music videos.
Despite their musical achievements, RATT faced internal struggles and in-fighting among band members. Creative differences and clashes over the direction of the band led to lineup changes, with members departing and returning over the years. Pearcy, the charismatic frontman, left the band multiple times, coupled with the passing of guitarist Robbin Crosby, which impacted RATT‘s stability and contributing to a period of decreased commercial success in the early ’90s.
RATT hasn’t released any new music since their 2010 LP “Infestation”.