Q&A with Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer
The 1980s introduced some of the world's most popular metal bands, giving us hits like "Wanted Man," "Round and Round" and "Lack of Communication" by RATT.Β
Those hits β and many others β will be heard once again at the Pima County Fair, as RATT headlines the KLPX Rock Fest on Saturday, April 16. Opening acts include Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.Β
Bobby Blotzer, who's been the band's drummer since 1982 and is the only original touring member, spoke to us in a phone interview from his Valencia, California home, while laying in bed, drinking coffee and "doing RATT business."
Have you always been a musician? "I've always been a musician...I've always known how music is put together. I've always gotten it. As a kid in the 60's, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, I was only like 6, but I knew what was going on. I got it. My sister jumped around like a maniac and we loved it. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time. I love catchy, hook heavy songs. That's what Ratt is all about. All of our songs are really catchy. I want people to listen to the songs we write and stay with them and think of good times of the past."
What is the band's energy like? "My band is like Ratt was in 1984. They're young. They're hungry. We sound just like the records...They're such great players. We don't fight or argue. They're so talented. It's just amazing. We put on a great show."
How has the rock music scene changed over the years? "It's gone from a lot of fun and a lot of bands to, you know, a lot of disgraceful things happening in the business...It's not like it was where you can put a band together, establish a following, get somebody down from a record company and get a deal...I don't see the funness, unless it's some little kid band like One Direction. They seem to be having fun and their audiences are having a good time. But, rock bands..I'll look at some internet sites and they all look like prison gangs or something, ghouls from the Walking Dead. And I'm just like what the (bleep). We tried to look good. Girls loved the band. It was sexy for the chicks, but looked rocked up enough for the dudes. We tried to have a broad appeal. When I say this people think 'oh your parents were saying the same thing' and I guess that's true to a degree, but it is what it is."
How many stops are you making on this tour? "We're gonna do 60 dates, domestically and we'll probably do another 20 around the world. We are very excited. We are playing a lot of festivals and arenas. A lot of dates with Bret Michaels. We sold out an arena in Toledo last week and it was amazing."
How many times have you played Tucson? "A million. I love Arizona. I love being in Arizona. I love playing Arizona...Arizona is a gorgeous state...We're gonna come and kick some ass. I can't wait to get there."
