Lay It Down

The song "Lay It Down" by Mickey Ratt, featured on the Mickey Ratt EP, is a high-energy glam metal track that became a cornerstone of the band's early success. In an interview, frontman Stephen Pearcy described the song's creation, noting that it was sparked by a riff from guitarist Warren DeMartini. Pearcy recalled, "It's a Warren-instigated riff. I believe when he brought that riff in, it was all over with. It was just – bam! – strong from the start." The band demoed the track while on vacation in Hawaii, taking a break from their grueling "Out of the Cellar" tour. This laid-back setting ironically birthed one of their most aggressive anthems, with lyrics Pearcy described as a bold call-out: "Hey, you know you want to lay it down, you know you want to get it on." The song's raw energy made it a fan favorite, often highlighted in live performances.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song's music video, which features a young Stephen Pearcy, played by child actor Whit Hertford, at a birthday party. After blowing out his candles, the character envisions his future as a rock star, performing with the band in a gritty, abandoned building. The video starred Playboy Playmate Marianne Gravatte, who also appeared on the cover of the band’s second album, Invasion of Your Privacy. This visual storytelling, blending childhood dreams with rock stardom, resonated with fans and added a nostalgic layer to the song’s appeal. On social media, particularly in posts on X, fans often share clips of the video, praising its '80s aesthetic and the band’s theatrical flair.

Mickey Ratt, the precursor to the iconic glam metal band Ratt, was founded by Stephen Pearcy in 1977 in San Diego. Initially named Crystal Pystal, the band evolved into Mickey Ratt by 1976, playing local clubs and building a cult following. Pearcy, a charismatic frontman, was driven by a passion for music from a young age, influenced by the raw energy of ‘70s rock. By 1980, the band released a single, "Dr. Rock" / "Drivin' on E," distributed to fans at Los Angeles club shows to attract major label attention. The lineup saw several changes, including early member Jake E. Lee, who later joined Ozzy Osbourne. In 1982, Pearcy rebranded the band as Ratt, solidifying the classic lineup with Warren DeMartini, Robbin Crosby, Juan Croucier, and Bobby Blotzer. This transition, coupled with a move to Los Angeles, led to their breakthrough with Atlantic Records and the release of their debut album, Out of the Cellar.

Fans can connect with Mickey Ratt’s legacy through various platforms. The band’s official website, The Ratt Pack, offers tour dates, news, and exclusive content. Their Facebook page is active with updates and fan interactions, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes photos and throwback images from Pearcy. On X, the band engages with fans, sharing nostalgic posts like one from August 2020 celebrating the 1983 Ratt EP release. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Ratt Pack Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees discuss the band’s music, share rare photos, and organize meetups. Websites like Last.fm also host fan-driven content, including tracklists and listener stats for Mickey Ratt’s early work.