Talks at Google

Ep491 - Stephen Pearcy | Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock

Oct 18, 2024

Stephen Pearcy, the lead singer of RATT and author of "Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock," dives into his wild journey through the heavy metal scene. He shares hilarious anecdotes about the vibrant Sunset Strip nightlife and his surprising collaborations, like working with Milton Berle. Pearcy discusses the balance of creativity and chaos in the band’s life, the dual edges of fame and substance use, and reflects on the unique fashion and masculinity of the 80s metal era. His story is an honest exploration of survival and nostalgia in rock ’n’ roll.

40:31

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Stephen Pearcy

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Quick takeaways

Stephen Pearcy reflects on RATT's meteoric rise in the 1980s heavy metal scene, fueled by ambition and a lifestyle of excess.

In writing his memoir, Pearcy confronts his past, revealing personal growth and a deeper understanding of life beyond rock stardom.

Deep dives

The Rise of Rat and Its Cultural Impact

Stephen Percy shares how his band, Rat, arose during the peak of the heavy metal scene in the 1980s, quickly becoming one of the defining bands of that era. Their hit single 'Round and Round' dominated the charts and encapsulated the rock and roll lifestyle, characterized by sex, drugs, and exuberance. Percy reflects on the band's rapid rise to fame, noting that their success brought about extravagant lifestyles filled with excesses that included partying and drug use. This cultural embeddedness contributed to the band's legacy as a significant part of the heavy metal movement, where their visual style and musical impact resonated with fans worldwide.

Intro

2min

From San Diego to Sunset Strip

18min

Musical Influences and Memorable Concert Experiences

2min

Nostalgic Reflections on Music and Collaboration

2min

Behind the Music: Reflections on Creativity and Challenges

14min

Contrasts of Masculinity and Fashion in 80s Metal

3min

Stephen Pearcy, lead singer and frontman of the rock band RATT, visits Google to discuss his book "Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock."

Women. Spandex. Drugs. Hair spray.

Welcome to heavy metal rock ’n’ roll, circa 1980, when all you needed was the right look, burning ambition, and a chance. Cranking out metal just as metal got hot, RATT was the perfect band at the perfect time, and their hit single “Round and Round” became a top-selling anthem. The bigger RATT got, the more excessive lead singer Stephen Pearcy and his bandmates became. There was nothing these guys wouldn’t snort, drink, bed, or break. But as RATT scrambled up a wall of fame and wealth, they then experienced a gut-wrenching free fall. Pearcy’s stunningly honest rock ’n’ roll confessional, by turns incredible, hilarious, and lyrical, is more than a story of survival—it’s a search for the things that matter most.

Originally published in July of 2013.

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