Reach for the Sky (Previously Unreleased)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the previously unreleased track "Reach for the Sky" by Ratt, a gem from the 40th-anniversary edition of their debut album Out of the Cellar, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this blast from the '80s. This song, recorded during the 1983 sessions for Out of the Cellar, was written in 1982 by Stephen Pearcy, Robbin Crosby, and Mark Torien, who briefly served as a guitarist for the band in 1983. Despite being a staple in their live sets from 1982-83 alongside hits like "Round and Round," it was left off the original album, possibly because its harder edge and stylistic similarity to "Wanted Man" didn’t quite fit the album’s vibe. Fans on Reddit’s hairmetal community have noted its heavy opening riff, likening it to Queensryche or Crimson Glory, though some feel the chorus lacks punch, explaining why it remained unreleased for four decades.

Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy has shared his excitement about finally releasing "Reach for the Sky," posting on X that it took 40 years for the song to see the light of day, calling it a tribute to the late Robbin Crosby, whom he refers to as "King." Pearcy believes Crosby would be thrilled, noting the song’s guitars still hold up and capture the 1984 Sunset Strip experience. In a quote shared on Sleaze Roxx, Pearcy mentioned playing the song live in 1982-83 and felt its release was perfectly timed for the Out of the Cellar anniversary, suggesting fans might even hear it in his solo sets. The song’s debut came live on December 29, 2024, at Soaring Eagle Casino in Michigan, as reported by BraveWords, marking its first performance in decades.

Some fans, like those commenting on Eddie Trunk’s site, argue the song’s exclusion from Out of the Cellar was wise, citing its slightly misaligned tone with the album’s polished glam metal sound. One fan remarked it could’ve worked better as an instrumental, while another praised its heavier edge but felt it didn’t match the album’s flow. Despite mixed reactions, the track’s release on red-and-black splatter vinyl and neon orange 7” as part of the anniversary edition, available through Ratt’s official site, has sparked renewed interest. The song’s connection to Crosby, a key architect of Ratt’s sound, adds emotional weight, especially since Pearcy emphasized Crosby’s love for the track.

Ratt’s journey began in Los Angeles, where they formed in the late 1970s as Mickey Ratt before adopting their iconic name. The classic lineup—Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars), Robbin Crosby (guitars), Juan Croucier (bass/vocals), and Bobby Blotzer (drums)—honed their craft on the Sunset Strip. Their big break came when they were featured as an unsigned act on Uncle Joe Benson’s "Local Licks Drive Time" show on KLOS-FM. This radio exposure led to their signing with Atlantic Records, catapulting them into the national spotlight with Out of the Cellar in 1984. The album, driven by the hit "Round and Round," peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200, went triple platinum, and defined the glam metal era with its catchy hooks and MTV-friendly videos featuring model Tawny Kitaen.

Follow Ratt on their Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates on their music and tours. Fans can dive deeper into the Ratt community through The Official Stephen Pearcy Fan Page on Facebook, a hub for Zoo Freaks and diehard Ratt supporters. For more on their discography and merchandise, check out Discogs or join discussions on Classic Rock Forums, where fans share stories and celebrate Ratt’s enduring legacy in hair metal.