Interview with the Voice of RATT, Stephen Pearcy

April 01, 2021

Interview with the Voice of RATT, Stephen Pearcy

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Stephen! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Stephen Pearcy: Hello! How you doing?

CV: Great! How are you?
SP: Very well…everything's copacetic.

CV: How do you view change? Is it something you look at as an inevitable piece of the puzzle being an artist or is it something that you try to avoid when possible?
SP: Oh, no, as an artist, I embrace it, you know. Yeah, I like change.

I like it depending on the change. You know, the change isn't good when it comes to what's going down for shows and this and that. But I keep busy…record and write songs all the time.

CV: And with that, do you see change being essential to an artist’s career? Should they embrace it?
SP: 100 percent because, you’re either in the game or you're not you know. You can't be a part time rock guy or a songwriter (laughs). Or, you know, I'm not going to be a part time physicist, you know, doesn't work that way.

CV: You then look at change as a challenge, meeting it head on and do whatever it takes to surmount it?
SP: Without a doubt, because that's what I'm doing right now with the stream concert and these shows that we’re trying to get into production and move on. I have other interests besides yelling at people anyway…personally, you know. There's plenty to do if you're in the business.

Some of the business I don't like. But overall, the music business, I love it. You know, I wouldn't be doing it this long.

CV: Do you see online streaming events like your upcoming performances at the World Famous Whiskey a Go Go becoming a staple for artists even after restrictions are lifted? Or are they something just to fill the gap at the moment?
SP: Yeah, you're asking great questions. I think it's just going to be part of the system now because there are so many restrictions to doing shows now. I mean, there was a list that came out through one of the biggest buyers in the world and it pretty much said to artists you're not going to get your guarantees up front…you're not going to get this, you're not going to get that…you miss a gig twice…you're going get all punished. So you weigh it out, you know, and it's going to become an option. That's what I think.

We're just going to get better at it. I mean, the stream concert I'm doing, I did some homework. I watched some bands and I wasn't too excited. I just saw a band get up there and play and say later…I'm not doing that.

I want to be more personal. I want to be up front, like your front row seat. Have a good time you know…joke! Everybody's taking shit too seriously right now anyway. There's no reason to throw everybody off course. So come to the show.

CV: So your plan is to make it more like a personal, almost one-on-one experience?
SP: A hundred percent…a front row seat, you know. Ten dollars make it a night. Give it a 70s price.

We're approaching things back to basics. I’m not changing the way I've done things since day one. If I want something recorded or written I do it. I don't wait for anybody…even in my band, to just say, “Well, I'm ready to write.” It's like, well, that's good that you're ready, I've been writing, you know (laughs).

CV: Do you think online streaming events will become a more economical avenue than physical touring for artists given that the music industry seems to have made it harder for artists to make a good living?
SP: For the new, new bands…for the younger bands…for the “B, C, listers”…yeah, definitely. They don't have an option because you can't go anywhere still. You can go to Texas, Florida…but how many shows can you do out there? You know, it's like racing…there's only so many races you can race this year and where (to race). So you're so limited. So really, I am embracing this because there's no other way to do it, you know.

If you want to hang out in the business and you're not a weekend rock star and you take your shit seriously, well, you'll figure out a way to get shit done, you know.

CV: Going on the idea that you plan to make the online streaming events more of a one-on-one experience for the fans…Do you feel an artist can truly be themselves on stage with their fans or are they always playing a role of some kind to appease audience expectations and fulfill some form of listener need?
SP: Well, there's a lot of realism with Ratt. That's why we've, pretty much have kept to ourselves over the years and our dysfunction is the only thing people concentrate on. But I personally, you know, it's strange because there’s two of me. There is this business guy, writer guy, creative whatever person…and then I flip a switch and I go out there and give you that guy, that rat bastard guy, you know, and whether it's with Ratt or my solo things, I just fall into the sky and, you know, sometimes I know him and sometimes I don't…you know, he's a little more aggro than me, but he's a fun guy, you know…there's no problem there (laughs). He just might not be too nice once in a while (laughs).

CV: Are you saying that you surprise yourself sometimes, even after all these years?
SP: Oh, 100 percent. Because, you know, I get really serious with them for a moment. You know, if I have eye contact and then I'll just laugh and smile and just, you know…left field…they just go…”whoa shit this guy guys having a good time.” Of course I'm having a good time (laugh). Know I'm out here yelling at ya and things are good, you know. It’s a show!

CV: Would you say that keeps you on your toes?
SP: Yes, definitely…yeah I would say that it keeps you on your toes. You know I still like doing what I do. I still love it. The best thing about doing my solo shows is I get a chance to play my other songs and I'd like people to hear them. I don't expect anything nowadays to go gold and platinum.

And I don't think any of these new bands are going to even have that opportunity, which really sucks. You know, they might get a million streams. What do you get…a million stream award? (laughs) You know, it's like they're missing out on so much that we were you know, almost entitled to in our decade. I mean, Ratt’s fortunate enough…we did a lot of work, granted.

We wrote songs. We were serious with Beau Hill. Shit was serious. It wasn't all fun and games, you know. But we have a track record and it's terrible for some of these new bands they have to find alternative ways to get out there to make money. But you can do it, you see. The thing is, it can actually get done because of the medium that we're in and have been in, social media per se and some people don't even have a clue. I know musicians and big bands and they don't have a clue of what they're doing. So…I do and that's all that matters (laughs).

CV: Classic is defined as being “judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind; a work of art of recognized and established value.” How would you define “classic” as it refers to music and would you consider Ratt as being a classic band?
SP: No, no…beautiful questions, dude! No…totally, we are classic…and I saw this old That Metal Show (episode) with Eddie Trunk yesterday actually. And I said, you know, this is what's missing right now; these kinds of programs and things for our audience…you know, not necessarily the 80s decade…but he (Eddie) was saying, “why are you labeling a genre like the 80s as hair metal?” He was saying there was long hair in the 60s, 70s, 80s…you know, kind of given us respect.

And I agree, because the premise of this show “Backstage Pass” that we're instigating the last couple of months is going to end up being a real show…interviewing about the legacy of some of these bands who people really don't give accolades to and even know the real stories. So back to your question of classic…I embrace that. That's what we are. You know, it's not a label like a "hair" this or a hair band or, you know; it's always been just rock music to us. We're a rock band…I'm a rock band. But you should be happy you're classic. That means they're playing the shit out you (laughs). It's all good!

CV: Some artists have a love hate relationship with the term “Hair Metal” feeling it groups the entire decade as one type of music. But Ratt was in existence way before the term ever got popular. Some embrace it because it has helped their career. Some it helped restart their career. But you have been pretty much non-stop. How do you feel about the term?
SP: Thank you.

You know it doesn't bother me. I'll embrace it with Ratt because we got lumped into it and like I told somebody else, you know, don't send a check, you know, it's all good. Call me whatever you want. Just don't send a check when you play my tune. I mean, give me cash or something (laughs). I don't mind it…it doesn't bother me. I think it's stupid…it's like who decided this genre with Zepplin that started with the 60s, and what…because they have long hair? What are they labeled? Classic Rock. Well, OK. Well, eventually if you hang around long enough, you should be respected enough to be called classic. You know your classic. That's it. I embrace it. I have no problems with people dogging, people praising. people anything because it's all up to your fans at the end of the day, you know.

Who likes it, who wants to buy your tunes, who listens to ya…and actually what you're doing, the artist shouldn't be out there bullshitting people either. I believe you should be straight up. And hey, like I say, this show is important to us in many respects because I want to try something different with this stream concert. I want to make it exciting. You're not going to go, “oh, yeah, well, this hair metal band….” No, I want them to say, “yeah, that singer, that rat bastard…he laid it down and it's all good…it was like I was right there.”

Embrace the stuff and that's the big word here I’m getting to. I'm doing all these interviews lately and that's a good word, embrace, because you've got to find different outlets if you want to do your thing out there. And bands should be getting out there and doing whatever they could right now…seriously.

CV: So with embracing the idea of being a classic band is the Ratt sound still evolving in your opinion or have fan expectations made it difficult to move beyond previous accomplishments?
SP: Yeah, yeah, that's a good one. Wow…that’s a tough one.

Of course, they want to hear the hits. That's the hardest thing for Ratt to ever do since day one…give you a set list because they're going to bum somebody out, you know, (laughs) but we'll always play those hits and they're classics. What can I say? It's almost 40 years… and you know, “Round and Round” actually charted again due to this (Geico) commercial…there's no complaints.

They want a new sound, sure. They want a new progression. They want something. And I would love to give it to them. I mean, that's all I'm reading. I made a point the last few interviews; I would never do a Ratt record unless it was with the original guys. There are four of those left standing…there would be no reason why we couldn't deliver the goods. But it has to be all of us…all or nothing, you know.

So on that end, yeah, I think people want to hear something. It's just a matter of how you deliver it. Don't try to go backwards because it's not going to work. Your songs became classics for a reason. You hung out for years and years. People still see ya, they still buy ya. They still want to be entertained by ya. So yeah, good question.

CV: So when you are working on your solo material, is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own past accomplishments or that of the fans, when working on new material?
SP: 100%...I gotcha. I totally hear what you're saying. Yeah…I mean, that's what I love about my solo record. You know, a lot of my fans know I've been doing this since ‘92. So they've accepted it. A lot of them love my solo stuff. They can't wait for a new solo record. I've been working at a solo career because it’s just necessity. You know, my band doesn't really want to do a record, or touring or whatever isn't feasible. My solo career offers me so much more to be creative, and I think they want to hear it. Sure. But they're always going to want to go back to that good place. And I love it…doesn't bother me. I'll play “Round and Round” a million times, you know.

CV: Any chance that you'll do something with Arcade again? Team up with Fred Coury from Cinderella for another record?
SP: You know, people love that band and that's so cool. It can happen. I mean, nothing's out of the question. I talk to Fred all the time. He's way deep and doing TV and some movie spots and things like that…but he wouldn't mind going out and rocking. Frankie Wilsey from Arcade is in my solo band…he has been for years. I couldn't get the bass player. I think he's a cop now, or something (laughs).

But the band can exist…oh yeah. And it just might…I don't know…it can be done just once. I don't know…maybe…but you just gave me an idea. Ya see what you did…you’re making me think about a streaming Arcade gig.

CV: Awesome! Sign me up. It was great stuff!
SP: Great music…

CV: What do you believe makes music more honest and impactful...something that both the artist and listener can share in? What’s the hook?
SP: Yeah, well, I would think from an artist perspective…shouldn’t be deterred of trying something new or refreshing, that could be a new hit. You don't know. I mean, when you sit down to write a tune, nobody knows what a hit is, you know…you don't know what you’re gonna write…you don’t know you're going to be the biggest band since sliced bread (laughs). So, yeah, you know you're asking some good questions…I'm loving this.

CV: Well if there was a clear cut answer, everyone would be writing hits all the time…
SP: 100 percent, yeah.

CV: What have you learned from the events of 2020…any new perspectives both as a person and as an artist?
SP: Well, it just made me switch into the mode that I was in, in the 70s. You know, when I started writing my own songs in Mickey Ratt…you know I met Van Halen in ‘78 when they were just introducing themselves. I saw a lot of things. I took a lot of notes and to me it's just back to basics for me. You know, personally, I just take things and as I did then…they didn't bother me. I kept writing. I kept recording. I was in the studio.

Even my own guy in Ratt, you know, who has a studio, has no interest in writing new Ratt songs. And that kind of was disappointing. But I have an outlet, you know, and I've been writing Ratt songs since day one. A lot of those compositions are just me. So I know what I can do. And hopefully some of these songs that I write…I write for Ratt anyway, whether I like it or not. People are going to go, "it’s that rat guy," you know…but that sounds industrial or it sounds pop or it sounds too metal. Well, that's what I want to do. I want to sound all of those things. I want to try a different shit, you know?

CV: What can fans expect to see coming from you as 2021 marches on?
SP: We've got some good stuff. We've been busy the last year and a half. My sixth solo record is done. Erik Ferentinos is my guitar player and co-writer. So it's about all done and it's ready to go. That will be out this year sometime.

I'm going to be doing this stream concert live at the Whiskey on April 2nd. And that's going to be really fun and people will be surprised.

I've been working with ASY TV on a Stephen Pearcy docu-series. It's come along good. It'll probably air around sometime in April. And then we move into the project which I've been working on for a bit, which is Backstage Pass…and that's giving respect to some musicians who don't get it. And I want to know what their legacy is going to be.

You know, I want them to tell me and go through their careers because a lot of bands in my genre and other bands from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s…I'm not just doing a show about the 80s with Backstage Pass. It covers the whole music spectrum because there are so many people that will never get the accolades because it's such a politically driven award system of who is going to award what and who's going to get the Grammy and who's going to get the Hall of Rock and…you know what I'm saying? (laughs)

So I want to get something else, you know. I want to see what else is out there. Because there's too many musicians who don't get the time of day…and it's time. We've built this industry. A lot of bands in the 80s, people forget, turned the 80s into a multi-billion dollar business, you know…and these artists should be noticed.

So a lot of work's going into that. We're just excited about the concert and the solo record. We're already working on new music. So we're working…we're very, very busy over here at the Top Fuel World.

CV: Thank you again Stephen for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
SP: I appreciate it brother, thank you so much man!

Check out Stephen at:
Official: www.officialstephenpearcy.com
Tickets & Merch : www.stephenpearcy.veeps.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEPearcy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenEPearcy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septopfuel/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCptfAb-5MW1m2vthKtYJfxg?view_as=subscriber

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.