We couldn’t let January go by without sharing a fun story about RATT while working with them in 1991 (we’re now happily aligned again with Stephen Pearcy). 35 years ago this month, the band received a certificate of commendation from L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley.

The wording on the certificate was absolutely classic, as noted by Patrick Goldstein in his Los Angeles Times article, titled “RATT TRAP.” It ends with a brilliantly funny Pearcy quote. Link to the story below. 👇

Here’s what Goldstein wrote:

“L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley recently paid tribute to Ratt for the hard-rock group’s involvement in several anti-drunk driving organizations and voter education programs. But did the band get a key to the city? A free pass to City Council meetings? An honorary badge from police chief Darryl Gates? No way. The group got an offer it couldn’t refuse. In a certificate of commendation signed by Mayor Bradley, the band was so honored: ‘Recognizing the usual habit of Ratt’s rodent namesake, the group has an open invitation to receive a tour of our hundreds of miles of Los Angeles sewers anytime.’ According to Bill Chandler, Bradley’s publicity exec, the city does occasionally offer similarly oddball commendations. ‘We once had a Funniest Nut Day in honor of Planter’s Peanuts,” he said. “But we did want to praise Ratt’s involvement in several worthy causes.’ As for Ratt, group leader Stephen Pearcy sounded excited about taking Mayor Bradley up on his offer. ‘I’m anxious to take the tour. Trust me, I’ve slept in worst places.’”

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-13-ca-178-story.html

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