The Bizarre Story Behind RATT's Famous Album Cover!

In this episode, Robert John Hadfield dives into a fascinating 1985 Hit Parader interview with Ratt during the height of their Out of the Cellar success and uncovers the incredible story behind the band's early rise. What started as a six-song independent EP became the launchpad for one of the biggest hard rock bands of the 1980s.

Along the way, you'll learn how former Van Halen manager Marshall Berle helped turn Ratt from a popular Los Angeles club band into a major-label success, why the band's self-financed EP was such a game-changer, and how a $3,000 recording session ultimately led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Robert also explores the connections between Ratt, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, and even Milton Berle's unforgettable appearance in the "Round and Round" video.

The centerpiece of the discussion is the legendary EP cover featuring Tawny Kitaen and a handful of live rats. You'll hear the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of how the photo was created, the mystery of the "extra" rat that appeared during the shoot, and why photographer Neil Zlozower believed an unknown band's photo didn't belong on the front cover.

The episode also looks at Ratt's early lineup history, including Jake E. Lee's connection to the band, Robin Crosby's role in shaping the classic lineup, and why Ratt's combination of catchy songwriting, musicianship, MTV-savvy videos, and stage presence helped them stand out from the crowded Los Angeles metal scene.

Plus, Robert answers three Ratt-themed trivia questions, shares stories from Stephen Pearcy's autobiography, and opens a newly arrived vinyl record that will likely become the subject of a future Audiomover episode.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – The Story Behind Ratt's Famous EP Cover
00:44 – Ratt Rock Trivia Challenge
01:40 – Hit Parader's 1985 Ratt Interview Begins
03:04 – How Out of the Cellar Changed Everything
04:14 – Opening for Ozzy, Mötley Crüe, and ZZ Top
06:04 – Why Ratt Connected with Fans
07:18 – The Formation of Ratt and Jake E. Lee's Early Role
08:31 – The Independent EP That Led to Atlantic Records
09:27 – Marshall Berle's Critical Influence
11:01 – Tawny Kitaen, Live Rats, and an Iconic Album Cover
13:23 – Photographer Neil Zlozower's Vision
15:36 – MTV, Milton Berle, and "Round and Round"
18:19 – The Story Behind "Wanted Man"
19:25 – Ratt vs. the Los Angeles Metal Scene
20:02 – Following Up Out of the Cellar
21:00 – Trivia Answers Revealed
22:32 – Vinyl Unboxing: A Future Audiomover Episode
23:43 – Whitesnake's 1987 Album Surprise

If you enjoy classic rock history, vintage rock magazines, album artwork, and the untold stories behind the bands that defined the 1980s, subscribe to Audiomover for more deep dives with Robert John Hadfield.

Видео The Bizarre Story Behind RATT's Famous Album Cover! канала AudioMover