Sunday, August 8, 2010

Ratt Live - Review

Ratt finally made it to Fresno after at least 20 years. Opening up for them were local band Shuvelhead and another 80's band Jetboy. If you expect to hear some glowing review because you think I wouldn't post anything negative then you weren't at the show.

Shuvelhead opened first and played a decent set, the sound was a little light on guitars and lead vocals, while the bassist mic seemed even louder than the lead vocalist. Shuvelhead are a solid local band and have some catchy original songs, but I believe that's all they'll every be, a decent local band. You can check them out at http://www.myspace.com/shuvelheadusa.

Jetboy played next and I was pleasantly suprised. I haven't listened to their music in nearly two decades, but they sounded good (same sound problems has Shuvelhead) and put on an energetic show. I would be interested in checking out their new music and would go see them again. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/jetboyrocks.

Ratt came on next and opened up with "You're In Love", the music sounded fine with the same exceptions as the first two bands (obviously the sound tech had some issues, all the bands looked like they weren't happy with the monitors), but when Stephen Pearcy started singing he was off key, off time, and as my friend's wife said to me "He sounds like crap." As the show progressed he actually started to sound a little better and by the time they played "Round And Round" he was tolerable. I had heard complaints before (by band members to say the least) that Stephen had issues as a front man live, and if this is how he always sounds then now I know why Ratt has never garnished the attention like other 80's bands. I would put Ratt's catalog against the majority of the big 80's name, i.e. Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, etc..., but for some reason they never got the attention of those bands. Then seeing a 51 year old man walk around stage in leather pants may not of been the best decision. They played a couple of tracks off of their new CD "Infestation", and Stephen probably sounded the best on those tracks, but the older one's he struggled on. The new album is great, and I would recommend any 80's fan to go out and purchase it, but don't waste your time and money going to see them live.

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