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Back for more: Ratt & Extreme at the Wiltern Friday night 7/17

                      Top: RATT; Bottom: Extreme

Ratt began back in the late 70’s as “Mickey Ratt”. They then shortened the name to simply “Ratt” in 1983, and hit the top of the charts with Round and Round. Their album Out of the Cellar featured then It-girl Tawny Kitaen (who later married Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale), who was at the time dating rhythm guitarist Robbin Crosby. The quintet then went on to fill arenas around the world, cranking out such classics as Wanted Man, Lack of Communication, Way Cool Jr. and Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job. 

 

Following a lawsuit over the name and an uneasy truce between singer Stephen Pearcy and drummer Bobby Blotzer and guitarist Warren DeMartini, the band overcame their personal differences to reunite, proving that they are forever "Back for More".  With Crosby having become ill in later years and eventually passing away in 2002, former Scream/Motley Crue/Union singer John Corabi was recruited to take his place in the lineup, switching over to rhythm guitar much to the surprised delight of his fans. By now, Robbie Crane had replaced original bassist Juan Crocier, who was busy with his own band. Corabi left in 2008, and former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo stepped in and is happily ensconced now.  The band is currently working on a new record which should be out sometime this fall.

 

Extreme rose to rock fans' attention in the 80’s with their hits Kid Ego, Decadence Dance, and Get the Funk Out. Their ride continued into the 90’s where the band scored their first #1 single with More than Words and a #4 hit Hole Hearted before going their separate ways in 1996. Frontman Gary Cherone became famous for his ill-fated union with Van Halen for the Van Halen III album, while guitarist Nuno Bettencourt began a promising solo career and later formed the band the Drama Gods. VH1's Bands Reunited attempted a reunion in 2004, getting all the members on board except for Bettencourt, who maintained his staunch refusal. But the seed was planted, and before long, the band was backtogether. Extreme made their debut at the 2008 NAMM convention, and a new album Saudades de Rock and a tour followed soon after.

 

The show starts at 8:00pm, and you can purchase tickets here.  The Wiltern is located at 3790 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Phone: (213) 388-1400.