Way Cool Jr.

The Zoo Crew is spinning the slick sounds of Ratt's "Way Cool Jr." from their 1988 album Reach for the Sky, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some wild stories behind it! This bluesy glam metal anthem, which hit #75 on the Billboard Hot 100, paints a picture of a charismatic, shades-wearing drug dealer who thinks he’s the coolest cat around. Co-written by vocalist Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini, and producer Beau Hill, the song’s lyrics drip with irony, exposing the hollow flash of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Some fans speculate it was a nod to guitarist Robbin "The King" Crosby, whose struggles with heroin addiction were deepening at the time, adding a layer of raw truth to the track’s sleazy vibe. Crosby’s blues influence, a cornerstone of Ratt’s sound, shines through, making this a standout on the album. Fun fact: the music video, directed by Marty Callner, takes you on a first-person joyride through Hollywood’s club scene, featuring former Playmate Ava Fabian, and it’s pure ‘80s excess!

Another cool tidbit comes from the X post by Stephen Pearcy on November 1, 2020, where he celebrated Reach for the Sky’s release, noting its climb to #17 on Billboard’s 200 album chart and its platinum status. Fans on platforms like Reddit still rave about the song’s unique saxophones and that gritty opening riff, calling it a departure from Ratt’s usual sound. The album’s surreal cover art, with its night-vision-goggled statue and wicker chair, sparked endless fan theories, though the band stayed tight-lipped to keep the mystery alive. Despite some criticism for its edgy lyrics, “Way Cool Jr.” is now hailed as a blues rock classic, capturing Ratt’s disillusionment with the glitzy ‘80s rock scene.

Let’s rewind to how Ratt got their start, born in the gritty clubs of San Diego. In 1977, Stephen Pearcy formed Mickey Ratt, but the real magic happened when he moved to Los Angeles in 1980, revamping the lineup. Enter a teenage guitar prodigy, Jake E. Lee, who later left to join Ozzy Osbourne. His student, Warren DeMartini, stepped in, and with drummer Bobby Blotzer, guitarist Robbin Crosby, and bassist Juan Croucier, Ratt’s classic lineup was locked in. Managed by Milton Berle’s nephew, they dropped their self-titled EP in 1983, catching the ear of Atlantic Records’ Doug Morris. Their debut album, Out of the Cellar, exploded in 1984 with “Round and Round,” hitting #12 on the pop charts and going triple platinum. Ratt’s blend of glam metal and hard rock, influenced by Aerosmith and Judas Priest, made them a staple of the ‘80s LA scene, sharing stages with Motley Crue and Scorpions. They sold over 20 million albums worldwide, cementing their legacy as glam metal pioneers.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Ratt on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, news, and more. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans are buzzing on the Ratt Wiki, a treasure trove of band lore, and you can join the diehards in the Ratt Pack Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. So crank up “Way Cool Jr.” and let’s keep the party rockin’!