Michael Anthony performs Jimi Hendrix classic with Ratt; video available
Former Van Halen and current Chickenfoot bassist Michael Anthony joined Ratt on stage this past Saturday night (January 16) at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California to perform a cover version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Fire". Ratt also debuted two brand new songs from the band's forthcoming album, "Infestation", which is scheduled for release on April 20 via Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records.Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be viewed below.
Ratt's first studio CD in 10 years, "Infestation" was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette, whose credits include Puddle Of Mudd, Chevelle, Saliva, Limp Bizkit, Alter Bridge and Three Days Grace, to name a few. The effort - which has been described by singer Stephen Pearcy as a cross between 1984's "Out Of The Cellar" and 1985's "Invasion Of Your Privacy" - marked the first time the group had stepped outside of Los Angeles to track a new CD in 20-plus years. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Look Out Below", "A Little Too Much", "Garden Of Eden" and the album's first single, "Best Of Me".
Regarding the recording process, drummer Bobby Blotzer told Noisecreep, "It was a great experience, but there are always speed bumps in Ratt. It's never an easy job to get to the finish line. We're kind of a dysfunctional bunch in the way that we work. It's not an English tea party. It's more like a pirate ship with a bunch of salty dogs. We work hard, we play hard, and it makes the aggression in the music come out more. But when we finally get where we're going, it makes the ride more rewarding."
On the subject of Carlos Cavazo's (Quiet Riot) addition to Ratt, singer Stephen Pearcy said, "He's perfect for the band. He co-wrote a couple songs and he plays like a motherfucker on this thing. Great live, great guy and great integrity for what he does. And as far as the double solos thing goes, he and Warren [DeMartini] knew exactly what they were doing. It was like the old days."