Round and Round

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Round and Round" by Ratt from their seminal album Out of the Cellar, and the Zoo Freaks are surely jamming to this 80s glam metal anthem. This song, which peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, became a defining hit for the band and the genre itself. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s iconic music video, which featured comedian Milton Berle in drag as his famous "Uncle Miltie" character. Berle, the uncle of the band’s manager Marshall Berle, added a humorous twist by playing both a stuffy aristocrat and his rebellious wife, making the video a staple on MTV during the network’s early years. The video’s campy charm helped propel the song’s popularity, blending the band’s raw energy with a touch of theatrical flair.

Another tidbit about "Round and Round" surfaced in a 2010 interview with guitarist Warren DeMartini for Metalholic Magazine. DeMartini revealed that the band aimed to recapture the magic of their debut album with their 2010 release Infestation, specifically drawing inspiration from the high-energy, twin-lead guitar style of Out of the Cellar. He noted that the riff-heavy, uptempo vibe of "Round and Round" was a blueprint for their later work, showcasing the interplay between DeMartini and the late Robbin Crosby’s guitars. Fans on social media have also pointed out the song’s cultural staying power, with posts on X noting its resurgence on the Billboard Rock Digital Sales Chart in 2020, fueled by a viral GEICO commercial featuring the band. The ad, which racked up over 13 million views, humorously depicted a couple annoyed by their "Ratt problem" as the band rocked out in their home.

Some fans have debated the song’s lyrical phrasing, particularly the line “what comes around goes around.” A comment on Songfacts suggested it might be a twist on the common saying “what goes around comes around,” implying a more menacing tone, like a warning of payback. Whether intentional or a lyrical flub, this phrasing adds a gritty edge to the song’s narrative of cyclical love and betrayal. Additionally, the song found unexpected pop culture moments, like its use in the end credits of a Christmas episode of The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and as a track in Guitar Hero 80s Edition, cementing its status as a nostalgic touchstone for fans of the era.

Ratt’s journey began in the gritty clubs of Hollywood in 1973, originally under the name Mickey Ratt. The band, led by vocalist Stephen Pearcy, went through numerous lineup changes in its early years, with guitarists like Jake E. Lee and Chris Hager passing through. By 1980, they released a single, "Dr. Rock" / "Drivin’ on E," to drum up buzz at their Los Angeles shows, a move to catch the eye of major labels. The pivotal moment came in 1982 when guitarist Warren DeMartini joined, followed by bassist Juan Croucier and drummer Bobby Blotzer, solidifying the classic lineup alongside Pearcy and guitarist Robbin Crosby. Their big break came with the release of their self-titled EP in 1983, which led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Out of the Cellar, released in 1984, catapulted them to fame, driven by the success of "Round and Round" and its heavy MTV rotation.

Fans can stay connected with Ratt through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates about tours and throwback posts keep the glam metal spirit alive. The band’s official website, rattpack.com, offers merch and news for diehard fans. For those looking to dive deeper into the Ratt community, the Ratt Fan Page on Facebook is a vibrant hub where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s legacy. Whether you’re spinning vinyl with the Zoo Crew or headbanging to "Round and Round," Ratt’s enduring riffs and rebellious vibe continue to electrify fans worldwide.