Ratt Tragic Death of Guitarist Robbin Crosby Who Wrote Round and Round
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2024
- RATT: The Tragic death of guitarist Robin Crosby who co-wrote the song Round and Round and Lay it Down
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#ratt #robbincrosby #stephenpearcy
“Everything that’s happened to us has been like something out of a fairy tale.” Those were the words of Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby who was talking about the success of the band’s first album, 1984’s Out of the Cellar. Ratt would go on to dominate the rock scene in the 80’s with hit album after hit album. But soon enough Crosby’s fairy tale would turn into a nightmare. Stay tuned for the full story.
Becoming a rockstar was the dream of guitarist Robbin Crosby who grew up in San Diego. In the 1970s he played in a local band named Mac Media where he came up with early versions of the songs "Scene of the Crime" and "I'm Insane" both of which would show up on Ratt’s debut album. Eventually Crosby left the group and joined a different San Diego outfit named Phenomenon. It was around this time Crosby would meet a Singer named Stephen Pearcy who was fronting a group named Mickey Ratt. By 1981 both musicians hadn’t yet played in the same band, but they moved to LA with their respective groups hoping to land a major record deal. Also joining Crosby on his journey from San Diego to LA would be his girlfriend andfuture model and actress Tawny Kitaene We’ll talk more about her in a bit.
Pearcy would recall to the San Diego Tribune during a 1984 interview why he moved to LA saying
“The only bands that were getting signed (to record contracts) in San Diego at that time were new wave-type bands, so I decided to take my band, Mickey Ratt, to Los Angeles,”
Los Angeles proved to be a much more fertile ground for the type of rock n’ roll that the two musicians were playing given the success of LA based bands like Van Halen and Quiet Riot.
And it wasn’t too long after the pair moved out to LA that their own bands fell apart and Pearcy and Crosby soon started playing together under the moniker Ratt.
Pearcy would discuss the important of Crosby joining the band and how he was instrumental to the band’s sound during a 2011 interview with Noisecreep saying
I brought Robbin into the lineup. Together we laid down the foundation for what everyone knows as the Ratt sound. In those early years, Robbin was pretty much the main guy.
And the band would undergo several lineup changes before finally settling on the musicians that got them a record deal with lead guitarist Warren DeMartini drummer Bobby Blotzer and bassist Juan Croucier . Percy would recall the twin guitar attack of De Martini and Crosby telling Noisecreep “Robbin had his own style, but he was definitely influenced by Billy Gibbons and Jimi Hendrix. He played with great feel. Warren was more of a noodler, a guitar hero type of player. They complimented each other so well,” Warren was progressing so phenomenally that it was hard to ignore he'd say.
Shortly after their formation, Ratt would play at the Whisky A Go Go and soon earned the status of house band. It was during this time that they caught the attention of Marshall Berle, who was the nephew of comedian and actor Milton Berle who would appear in the band’s future music videos. Berle would sign the band to his time communications record label releasing a self titled EP that sold so incredibly well that it caught the attention of several labels. They band would eventually sign a major recording contract with Atlantic Records and release their major label debut Out of the Cellar. Appearing on the front cover of the band’s first EP and LP would be Crosby’s girlfriend Tawny Kitaen. Out of the Cellar would be the biggest album of their career going triple platinum and the album was spurred by the single Round and Round, which got heavy airplay on MTV and was a top 10 hit on the music charts in America.
Guitarist Robbin Crosby would tell the San Diego Tribune in 1984 how Ratt separated themselves from other rock bands at the time saying “We definitely try to be melodic so that we don’t get caught up in the heavy metal shuffle, but I think our music is aimed more at a female audience than a lot of contemporary hard rock bands. Part of our plan was to attract a female audience. We try to come off with a lot of sex appeal in our lyrics and our look, rather than having a violent or rebellious image.” - เพลง
This was a heavily requested story. Throw your suggestions below. Our google form is acting up.
Oh, btw who thought that OJ Clip didn't age well?
☹️ RATT-n-ROLL
I’d say Robin dodged a bullet... or a knife...
That wife of his sounds like a bit of a sloot
@@goodfella2400 I was thinking the same thing...
Dimebag Darrel, Vinnie Paul, Tom Petty please 💋💋💋💋
He was also a great guy regardless of his vices, he left all his money to his nieces and nephews who went on to college and more. Addict or not, the man had a big heart, took care of family, and was a very talented musician. R. I. P- Robin
According to the diary of someone who knew him and helped him through the last few years of his life he had barely enough to live. Not only was he in hospital, bed bound for 2 years, he had to take in a flatmate called Patrick to cover the rent on his meagre home. He also would sell and pawn guitars often and would call this guy and beg for money. When he did get a royalty cheque it wasn't for thousands and thousands. Maybe he had insurance or something, or more likely assurance, but its surprising to me he would have enough for tuitions. Not having a go at him, by all accounts he was an amazing man, but he put most of his money in his arm. Sad reality of it.
@@mccarthy5825 Yup he pretty much died broke, even pawned off all his guitars over the 90s up to his death. Apparently this housemate was also what led him back into drugs.
@@treysimmons7707 you read that heartbreaking blog too huh? As a recovering heroin and crack addict I really felt for Robbin even though I was only born in 84. A huge hero in Dublin, Phil Lynott died young too due to heroin and my mam also named Phil, grew up near him and knew him a bit. I've had overdoses and pneumonia from aspirating and some bad abscesses and infections so those giant legends getting brought down really gets to me.
@@mccarthy5825 Indeed I did !! Its now gone, I wish it were still there !!!
I'm not sure where you got your information but he seemed like a big hearted but in the end his addiction swallowed him whole
Robbin Crosby is what Steve Clark was to Def Leopard, He was the sound.
Legends never Die 💯🤘❤
Yes Richard, my thoughts exactly! I've met the current 5 Members of Def Leppard- Great people. Good day to Ratt N Roll today too!
I 💯 % agree ,I really miss them both.
he absolutely was... neither band was them same without them.
@@mariek6993 so very true, I miss them so very much.
Dude!!! I said the same thing! I agree 1000%. Although, I will say I think Steve has gotten a good bit of recognition on this point, whereas Robin’s song writing contributions are sorely underrated, imho. That man certainly doesn’t get the recognition he deserves on that end.
The cassette player in my car from high school wore the sound off the tape listening to Ratt! Many country roads with friends rockin out. These guys wrote real 80s music. Thank you Crosb for the memories!
Dude I had the same setup in my mustang in high school the cassette player on the passenger seat cranked that was my stereo !!! 🤪😜🤣
@@lfader wow..thats so cool !💓
@@ms.whatever1294 I thought I was styling to have a good enough cassette player play over my loud engine I thought I was living large 👍👑
High school Kids back then were borrowing their parents cars most kids didn't have their own ...
The 12 string acoustic sound of back for more is calling my name as I read your comment.
So did the other 80’s rock bands.
The guys in Ratt, all of them, were hands down THE nicest, most genuine people in the whole 80s scene out of LA. They loved playing music, were grateful for their success & the opportunities it afforded them to travel the World & perform for their fans. They were the antithesis of "rock stars," & yet we're undeniably rock stars. RIP, Robbin ❤️
Wasn't Jake E. Lee in Mickey Ratt for awhile?
@@lexbeltran1354 yes he was.
@@rogeliofernandezjimenez3053
You are correct sir!
😺That's Right. Nice, Genuine People who did not forget their fans! They were the coolest! I still remember them sending me a christmas card, autographed, no less! Both me and my female cousin had a crush on them! It's so sad what happened to Robbin. May Bastet & Lillith Both watch over & bless!💋
@@catarinacattasaki6865The guys in Motley Crue are nicer.
I met Robbin in 1987 when I was 17 at a record signing. I am 6ft6 and we kind of connected. He took some extra time to talk to me. I told him I was a bass player and he said he was glad top see another giant making music. He also got a kick out of seeing my girlfriend at the time who had the 80s big hair and was a red head. He said watch out for those red heads. I did not listen. He was a great guy. I think RATT did him wrong by pushing him away. They have not been the same since.
Awesome story, he gave Ratt the punch they had. People could just tell the guy was special.
It’s called Greed
@@jimmysapien9961 He was sick with addiction. They couldn't take him out on the road.
way cool jr. I met him at a recording studio in the late 80's. super nice guy. yeah. the kind of guy that would spend a few moments with someone just because...
makes no sense, push a guy away for the main reason he is using in the first place.. makes no sense, guess rockers know very little about what makes us all tick, they tried to do it to Ozzy, but Ozzy kicked back, luckily Ozzys wife got him to stop, love is thicker than water, proof it works!
Thanks for giving Robbin the spotlight today 🤘🔥
MIGTOW
@@markaveryjr7463 ...aka..
Guys who hate women because they cant get laid.lol
Next he should do the tragic story of Stephen Pearcy's face. 😆😂🤣
Maybe Stephen shouldn't buy his stage equipment from ☢Chernobyl.☢ 🧟♂
@@MAGGOT_VOMIT WOW! you sure are shocking and edgy
@@dimebagdave77 Forgot my emojis 😆😂🤣
My first concert was Ratt opening for Billy Squier (84), and I left halfway thru Squier. And saw the Bon Jovi/Ratt concert in 85. Loved Ratt! R.I.P Robbin Crosby
MIGTOW
@School Daze No, Ratt was the opening act. Bon Jovi headlined
@@thefuzzman If Bon Jovi headlined, it most likely would've been 86 (or later). Until Slippery When Wet came out for BJ in 86, they really only had 1 hit song. Ratt had a hit album with Out of the Cellar released in early 84, which was heavily played on both the radio and MTV ... their success continuing with the summer '85 release of Invasion of your Privacy. I'm not doubting, of course, that you saw this concert with both of these acts. I'm just saying that the 85 year is wrong if you're dead sure Ratt opened up for them. Either way, cheers!
@@MrPook79 To be honest, you may be right. It was for the Slippery album. So if I'm wrong, I do apologize. The 80s were a helluva party 😂
@@MrPook79 OK, I'm completely wrong. I just looked things up. Bon Jovi did open for Ratt in 85 for 7800° Fahrenheit and Slippery was with Cinderella in 87. Which at the time was the largest attendance for a concert at Barton Collisium.
RIP Robin & Tawny. They are reunited once again in Heaven . 😢🙏
You beat me to it by six minutes!
So I second that comment. ❤
Hey beautiful 😉
Maybe 🙏😥💡
@Spike130 you need to watch news more 🥱😷
My cousin and I watched my "Perils of Gwendoline" dvd recently in honor of her memory. Gloriously cheesy eighties so bad it's good 🎥 😆🤘❤🤘
Criminally under rated band. Invasion of privacy is an awesome album
I second that!! I literally wore the RATT: The video VHS tape out. My parent got a new VHS player and I got their old one and literally played it till it broke while I was rewinding and stopping it and over to watch their fingers on lack of communication (if I remember right). They definitely rocked !!!!🤘🏽😎🤘🏽
Underrated? Band was as huge as it gets in the 80's. Everyone's heard Round and Round
I wouldn't say they are underrated because they were huge in the 80s. More like he and Warren were an underrated guitar duo.
Oh Yes! I still have that cassette tape I bought when it came out. Can't let it go, lol. Great Album.
@@jlobiafra FYI Invasion of Your Privacy was the album after Round and Round.
Poor Robin, too sweet for this world. RIP to a GOAT shredder/riffer
He was definitely a beast on the guitar!!!!!!🤘🏽😎🤘🏽
@Hilltop JD614 it is apparent that nobody will speak kindly of you when you die.
@Hilltop JD614, Lol ! Same here. You said that well.
He was no shredder but he was a great songwriter and good rhythm player. R.I.P. to him. RATT has given me many hours of listening pleasure.
GOAT? You're going over the top here...
What a shame. Musicians are very passionate people, many are deeply sensitive too, and the heart wounds keep piling up. He was a beautiful guy and artist.
Such a fantastic talent, Robbin Crosby also played baseball and signed a pro contract as a pitcher. Gone too soon. So very sad.
RIP robbin Crosby he was a good guitarist for ratt.
Today Steve Clark died 30 years ago. Robin Crosby and Steve Clark are the reason why I play guitar. Legends never die ..they live on in their music.
@@antoniogoncalves8288 I agree with you.
@@antoniogoncalves8288 -
Amazing.
@@antoniogoncalves8288 Personally, I think I can see what happened with Steve "Steamin'" Clark. However, I don't know if it was the switch from Hard Rock to a more Syrupy Sugar-pop form of Rock that greatly discouraged him from wanting to play guitar and/or even live, or not. In his case, though, something went drastically wrong. It was said that one of his band mates actually caught him in a bathroom, slamming his fingers in the sink, trying to break them. To me, that's alarming! He had a huge drinking problem, too, so that figures into this equation as to what went wrong. In Robbins case, losing your Girlfriend to somebody like O. J. Simpson, then being overshadowed by Warren Demartini, was totally devastating! That, and the partying way that he chose to pursue, ended up taking his life, at least eventually. Then, there's the AIDS scenario that played a major part in his demise. Man... after all that happened to him... and then, this! Rest In Peace, Robbin Crosby and Steve Clark!!!
@Beth Leinicke Very sad to read about what happened to you. You are exactly right about the other members of the band Ratt. We have not progressed as a species and it's incomprehensible to me how little love and compassion that other people have or show these days. Not only to total strangers, but to their own circle of friends and family. I believe that musicians/artists are especially emotionally sensitive people and that everyone needs to see, hear, and feel loved by the one's that they love and care about. Even though I don't know you Beth I send you my love and prayers that you are not in pain or suffering and that you will be supported and respected for the special person you are. Big hug and a pinch on the butt. Mr. B 😘
I saw Ratt right after I got out of the Navy, I have the ticket in the shadow box with my medals. Great memories
Nice! 👍
Saw RATT twice in Amarillo,Tx. 1986 then again in 1988.
I found my old Judas Priest/Cinderella stubs a couple of years ago from the 80s!
Thank you for your service!
Brother I too served in the Navy (GMG3) and saw Ratt in Oakland CA at a large outdoor concert called Day on the Green. Awesome times and great memories. Also on the bill for the show, Scorpions, Y&T, Metallica, Ratt, Vinnie Vincent's Invasion.
It was sad that he was in a care home fighting for his life and he rarely got visitors. That was sad
I know right,you spent days with him since he was dieing.no one was there
@@tammybrown4901 thank you.
well, I was there at least 5 times with my dad so .... yeah...
@@sobaydrummer666 I am so very sorry 😐
@@annetteslife dont be, although I appreciate and understand where you are coming from. See, people deal with stress, loss in various ways....some cant help but be hysterical, some get freaked out and run into their own little corner, some swallow up the grief and act like nothing happened, and then there are those who make it about them and act as if "I was his only friend" and "nobody else cared or helped" usually followed with "but me"....I can tell you as not only a son of a Ratt, but as also one of, if not the longest crew members in the band's history, Robbin was a gigantic loss to the band in more than just the music. He kept the peace, was always stressing "the band is the 5 of us, nothing happens without all of us" mentality, and the freakshow drama in recent years most likely wouldn not have happened, or at the very least, would not have spilled out into the public like it did. That being said, I can tell you that Bobby tried to get Robbin back playing, and had booked something (not sure if it was when he was playing in Montrose or if it was something else...i was like 9 lol) up in the bay area and how excited both of them were, cause it would be a step forward for him (King); only for King to wind up in the kid's bathroom using and breaking the one promise and term of the gig....and for some of you boomers, you were raised by hard men, and have that same mentality....my dad is one of them. right or wrong, it was not him being mean, just one of those actions have consequences things....King had a demon and that is what isolated him, it was not those who loved him and wanted him well abandoning him. Everytime we went to that hospice, seeing him like he had blown up 4x in size, and the 1985 Long Beach Arena picture of him a fan had framed and sent (amongst flowers, other fan art) seeing his rock god appearance, and the contrast before me...that is a reality and a consequence for a very poor lifestyle choice. That being said, EVERYTIME he would be "Ba Ba" and larger than life, and everytime we went, my bro and I would be asked to step out into the hallway while they talked. My dad falls into the "gets freaked out" category I mentioned earlier, perhaps its a way too real reminder of his own mortality-IDK, but they would both talk as brothers and I know pops had said something like "i wish i could be here more but i cant" and that was the truth. not because he didnt care, but because he did...and it was too much. I hated it too, seeing King, which is what he was. See, as a young kid, he was the biggest and nicest and would play with you..so, yes-he was the King....and seeing him unable to move, talk; it was hard. All im saying is, this whole narrative that somebody put out there (whom falls into the last group) of nobody caring or visiting is not only nonsense, but vindictive and if even were true, should have been put out for fans to hear. Its a chump move, a lie and makes people look at people in a wrong light, which is not cool...nobody wants to find out about John Lennon beating women, or Elvis being a FBI snitch or Townsheds computer contents etc....but when it isnt the case, thats something I felt should be refuted. Fuck Croucier. I have a reason, well, many-but That is a different story, but also applicable here. But I wont go into that, just saying the "nobody cared but me" tale is one that needs to be forgotten. ') God bless and Ratt N Roll. RIP King
I remember when he was working at a music shop in San Diego after RATT, and I was his first sale. I bought an SKB rack case. I just remember thinking he looks familiar, and when I looked at the sales slip his name and thought RATT . I went home and pulled out the album and it was him.. he was a nice guy.
What music shop was it??
Now that is unbelievable but also very believable. Everyone must stay active and busy because I remember many times being unemployed, it's horrible. However in this situation it's like Rocky 5; the guy was the Champion of the world and now he's dumping out other fighters spit buckets. I don't think Robbin would have lasted long at that job.
@Tommy Basham How do you know it's bullshit?
@@alvirthevampyr You didn't know? Tommy's all-seeing. He can't help it if he's also a prick...I guess there's always a balance. rme and smh.
@Tommy Basham sorry to burst your bubble, but it was true. He was kicked out of ratt for his drug use, and was down on his luck. Just ask anyone who worked there and they will tell you he worked there for a short time. What do I have to gain by making up a story like that. It’s not even that interesting.
Glad you covered Robbin. He really did have a talent it's just that fast lifestyle gets in the way
With out Jesus you are Lost Friend .
Tom and jerry cartons
Tom and jerry cartons
He was built like a Greek god. A beautiful man. And a really good songwriter and guitarist. It's sad.
Yes Tru
Universe's " balancing act":
" with your great gifts will come great curses"
He was the best-looking guy in Ratt. I don't think the other bandmates' egos took it well.
@@twistoffate4791 Jealousy perhaps?
@@lexbeltran1354 I would say you're probably right!
Lay It Down to me is still one of the top 5 greatest opening guitar riffs in a song!!!! RIP RC! "Soldier we lost in the rock n' roll war". Great line there. \m/
How bizzar Tawny just passed away today, was reading the story right before I watched this
Pisses me off they didn’t visit him. What a difference they could have made
Help him or a couple of friendly visits to stay with him in his last days,nobody said that they want it him back,just a couple of a single visits, Because they were brothers.
And Tawny supplied him with the bottle of booze that killed him. Now you would think there's a better way, a better doctor or right, a good bandmate to come and visit and get in the middle of that shit. Now everyone can survive HIV / Aids. If Robbin could have made it even one more year he might have made it back. I hate Tawny for this but I get it she was one of his last friends and she gave him something he asked for.
don't be too harsh, they likely didnt hate him or they didnt forget him. he was dying. for some people the image you have of someone in your head and then seeing them as they lay dying is very traumatic. i dont know if thats the case, just that it can be really tough to watch somebody in that way. that may be selfish, but thats just how things are.
@@metalmike570 Aids killed him that booze probably eased his suffering it sounds bad but its true he was in pain and he used the drugs or alcohol at that point to ease his pain I cannot fault him for that or her for giving in when he may have begged for something anything to ease the pain
@@metalmike570 when he had it there was nothing anyone can do so he self medicated back then people who got the diagnosis if they were already drinking or doing substances they kept on its like just end it now they did not wanna suffer yeah I wish he had lived long enough for treatment to advance but he is no longer suffering he is at peace
Robbin also played leads on many songs also:
Sweet Cheater,
You think your tough,
Tell the world,
She wants money,
Lack of communication
Scene of the crime
What you give,...
Never use love,
Closer to my heart,
Drive me crazy,
Looking for love
You should know by now (intro&out solos)
He's surely missed. Seemed like a really cool guy too.
Scene of the Crime is one of my Favorite Leads by Robbin
+ I Want a Woman
Never use love, he nails it
That EP rocks.
@J yes hell yes he does. I jam that song all the time.✌️
Wow. This video came up recommended and Tawny just passed. 💔
Even though I was only born in 84 she was absolutely GORGEOUS. just one of the hottest 80s girls. Her and Susie Bick(married to Nick Cave).
She had many struggles and it is a shame she is gone. And Robbin too. Reading his friend/fans diary about Robbins last two years is heartbreaking.
@@werewolfmask3684 👌🏼
I'm glad i got to see him play in 89. I was on his side just a few rows from the stage. it was like having a personal guitar clinic ill never forget it
He was the key to their success. Without the songs he wrote they wouldn't have made it.
They would have made it sooner or later.
@Mark G A lead guitarists is crucial, look at what happened to A Flock of Seagulls after Paul Reynolds left.
@@kevinochoa9463 exactly. Dropping a main guitarist is a death sentence for a rockband. It is VERY rare a band can ever recover from that type of loss. Comparable to a frontman, or drummer. Totally morphs the sound of the band forever after.
@@kevinochoa9463 Except Warren was the lead guitarist
Ratt sucked. There was no bigger 🤡 than Blotzer.
Live Fast..Die Young ..sounds good when your young..Who would think Time passes sooo fast...Time, You aint no friend of mine..
That saying is only attractive to immature little boys. When you grow up and become a real man, you realize how stupid things like that are.
For real.
IF PEOPLE COULD LIVE HEALTHY THEY COULD GO ON TO PLAY MUSIC FOR DECADES.
Very tragic about Robin, I was a huge fan of Ratt over the years.
@@bldlightpainting Yea ..it is..but you gotta take in account that when these dudes broke..Around 99 percrnt of rockstars got famous..When they were just that..Young..Wasnt no wise 50 yr olds signing 1st time multi million dollar contracts..and Hinesight is slways 20 /20..
I liked Robbin. You can't say he didn't try to turn things around. That whole band was and is still in my top favorites. That music can't be replicated nor forgotten.
King will forever be missed ! Such a tragedy when Robbin was lost. He was extremely talented. I only wish he would have had a successful rehab stint. We still will always love him 💙🎸🎵
Sometimes it’s underrated just how big Ratt was in the 80s... Bon Jovi was there back up when I saw them in the mid 80s in Tucson Az...
In Hollywood, bands like Ratt ruled the Sunset Strip. There would usually be a farewell gig at the Roxy or Troubadour to celebrate when a band got signed to a major label.
I saw them on that tour too, I didn't even know who Bon Jovi was until they played "runaway"
Yes, I saw Bon Jovi open up for RATT in Oklahoma City back in the mid 80's.
Yep. Bon Jovi opened for Ratt 1985. 7800 Degrees Fairenheit album had just come out. Ratt supporting Invasion of your Privacy. Saw that in Louisville Ky.
@@HOOSIERDADDY24 me too! Except it was in Va Beach
Met Robin and Steve outside Hammersmith odeon in February 1986 before Ratts concert supporting Ozzy. What I can say is he was very humble towards me as they personally approached me for a talk and some pics together. I srill treasure them pics after 35 years. RIP Robin Crosby.
Freaking awesome!
I listened to his final interview...an intelligent, gracious beautiful guy & a kickass guitarist. Lived life to the max and made the most of every moment.
Ratt was never the same again after he died. He was the main talent, wrote their best songs
He was the gifted Song Writer,
I knew Robb and Tawny before they became famous. Nice people!!!
Were you a fan of Ratt?
@@metalmike570 yes, I knew Robb before Ratt when he played in local San Diego bands, Secret Service & Phenomenon. I met Tawny because she was dating Robb & my boyfriend was one of Robb’s best friends from La Jolla HS.
@@staceyroberts2560 Horrible thing that HIV got him and he ended up in a nursing home. Sad that Tawny was the last person he knew and that he saw before he died. I feel like she shouldn't have brought him the booze. I bet he knew he would die and didn't care, but maybe he could have gotten better, the treatment drugs were in development. They weren't that far away.
@@metalmike570 you can't blame her it was an accidental heroin overdose he was in pain alcohol may have numbed it
So many people have died through drugs, I don't understand why people still do drugs when they know what the outcome will be 😥
Yesterday was the anniversary of Steve Clark’s death. You should do a video on that
another KILLER guitar player
Definitely. 30 years. Deserves some recognition.
@Andrew Salter Steve brought something unique to Def Leppard that just can’t be replaced
Defo seems like yesterday 🤟🏿🤟🏿
Agreed.
As a guy who grew up watching rockers like Crosby,what eventually happened to him,and caused his death could of easily been any of us if we hit Stardom. RIP
Trying to hit fame, they get it, and it kills them. Seen this pattern sooo many times. Its especially prevalent with rock performers. Going from obscurity to world stardom in a matter of months or just weeks. Rock stardom is so fleeting they seem to want to live in the moment, which usually includes drugs and excess alcohol. The abrupt change in lifestyle with no privacy and sudden heavy demands of record labels to produce more hits, really adds to the load.
Another pattern I've noticed is the downward spiral of heroin which alienates friends & band mates, they get booted which tightens and speeds the spiral. Then they die alone or maybe with a junkie buddy.
I'd rather not be famous.
@@LuvBorderCollies i think you pretty much covered the tragedies in Rock. Sad to see our childhood heros fall.
@@dwade6322 The past month Ytube started suggesting celeb tragedy stories. So I watched a bunch....all sad endings and so young and so much talent wasted.
I didn't realize Crosby was 6'5". Most rockers tend to be on the small side. I worked police security at a Ratt concert and got stuck on the right front corner of the stage. Right in front of huge speaker that messed with my heart rhythm at times. Crosby was on the other side mostly plus we were preoccupied with roadies trying to lure young virgins past our security point.
One of the concert managers told us not let anyone in or out. Apparently they'd had trouble with underage girls sneaking in, getting banged by a roadie with the promise of "meeting the band".
You get enough notoriety as it is without some 14 yr old girl claiming gang rape or pregnancy, etc etc. I walked out of the concert with 1/2 my hearing gone for most of the week. 98% came back. :) Great concert to get paid to be there since I liked Ratt a lot.
@@LuvBorderColliesWithout some 14 year girl CLAIMING they were gang raped or pregnant." Well, 14 year olds can't legally consent for one & 14 year old girls don't usually "CLAIM" they were gang raped when they weren't, since NO GIRL nor women want to ever have to experience that. Smh, I really hope you don't have any daughters.
Your gross.
R.I.P. Robbin Crosby. 🙏 ♥
When I was a teenager, my dad used to listen to Ratt in his truck over and over again. I’ve always admired his guitar playing and felt like they were different compared to all the other “hair bands”. They had a ton of great songs and their guitar parts were always interesting and well written, very catchy stuff. In a big way he inspired me to pick up the guitar and get better over the years, and that is one aspect of my life that has always been constant. My love for music, and my love for guitar keep me going through a lot of hard times. RIP and thank you for the music
One of the really iconic and transformational 80s rock bands that don't get the respect and recognition they deserve because of the overall backlash that the genre as a whole went through during the 1990s.
They really belong in the rock and roll hall of fame along with Motley Crue and Whitesnake - but I'm not sure if any of those bands will ever get in.
Also steelheart. Way underrated band of the late 80s
I used to take my youngest son, before he could drive, to some of his first concerts and I felt lucky to have seen Whitesnake in action.
I never liked the glam crap, but the music itself was full of energy.
@@kelblueskies3937 all the metal bands in the 80's kept trying to outdo one another with each album and that created an incredible amount of great music to listen to . now, each 'artist' has a team of writers that make hit songs for them, which is a shame, because the lack of originality and personality is pretty much gone in the music industry now.
I live in San Diego California. There used to be a guitar center type store in Clairemont called guitar trader and when I was a teenager, I took an acoustic guitar of mine into the store to have a repair done. Ended up being Robyn Crosby that fixed my guitar. I thought it was so cool that a band member of Ratt touched my guitar lol. I was a big fan of the first two albums when I was a kid. It was crazy to see him just working at a guitar store when just a few years before that he was playing arenas. I had a few minute long conversation with him and he was totally cool to me. Rip
He lives on on my play list. Out of the Cellar is one of the best albums ever produced in my humble opinion.
I remember seeing his interview where he said “Don’t cry for me”. I was a huge Ratt fan at 12 yrs. old in 1987. I didn’t know of Tawny & his relationship. I hope he’s R. I.P.
Thank you for sharing Robbin's story. A truly talented musician who just wasn't around long enough. RIP
I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of musicians /guitarists that had huge impacts on me and I find it truly amazing that most, not all, but most have nothing to show for their previous success.
R.I.P. ROBBIN! You are gone but not forgotten.
I never clicked so fast. I always thought Robbin was awesome! He was my top influence on guitar. Rest easy Rob we still see the mark you left in rock n roll.
I heard "You think you're tough" 1rst...then i bought "Out of the cellar" good stuff ! I was sad when he passed !
They played "Tell the world" on a late nite radio show here in my town. We went to 6different stores til we found the EP. It was well worth the trouble and I saw every tour that came thru all the way up to Dancing Undercover.
Great times!
Oh yeah that EP was the bomb...it got played on KLOS primetime ! Which wasn't an easy thing for LA radio !
I remember reading in 'The Dirt' that Nikki Sixx went with Robbin Crosby on some Caribbean vacation-and neither of them remembered it.
I've had chronic pancreatitis for over 33 years now- I was diagnosed as a 13 year old child. I can relate to the weight gain- it affects your metabolism and is so frustrating. I realize he never said he was diagnosed with it but alcohol can really mess it up. (See Duff McKagan's memoir)
I have Crohns Disease and a lot of the time, when the drs aren't sure what to do, they will put you on a big dose of steroids, to try to settle inflammation. I went from a 50kg woman to twice that- copped a lot of fat shaming and it was humiliating. People didn't understand at all.
@@kellymacdonald9618 my cousin had the same issue. she had a father who couldn't deal with alcohol and took it out on her to the extent she had to (and still does 40+ years later) take steroids for injuries to her back and they pretty much trashed her life with the weight gain and side effects. and no, in this "christian" world, people are not accepted if they look different. good luck in finding happiness in your life.
I got to see them on the out of the cellar tour. Seems like 100 years ago. R.l.P.
Really? Wow, I bet it does man. Wish times were like that still.
The good ole days
September 1985, only time I saw RATT. It was a good concert. Bon Jovi was opening band that night in Spokane. 🤘🎸
I was at that concert too!
I still have my brother's concert T-shirt from that show.
There’s a blog by a gentleman named Curt Dudley. He spent time with Robbin the last 2 years of his life. He was just a fan of Ratt but became a friend to Robbin. The blog that he wrote detailing his time with Robbin is so well written and pays great tribute to the King.
I read that. It was so sad
I read that when, it came out also, very tragic.
Where can you find this?
@@michellecrippen2966 I was trying to find it again. I hadn’t read it in about 10 years or so. And it seems to have been removed from the internet 😕
@@MrSpeed-lt8gr Thanks for letting me know.
everyone from my high school years is dying…. friends, actors, rock stars. I never thought the 80’s would become senior citizens. It was too wide open and crazy to get old and die.
Take care of your body or it will take care of you
Met them at Tower, NYC in 1983. Such sweet, amazing guys .RIP Robbin.💖
This is one of the saddest stories ever. He was an amazing talent and is definitely missed.
Rest in Peace Robin Crosby
You really have to give it to RATT. Unlike a lot of albums, i could listen to borh sides of a RATT record and love every tune. Not very many bands could pull that off. Off the top of my head, Aerosmith, Boston, Zeppelin but there's not too many that have all good songs on an album.
Agree with what you say, the only other rock album where I like every track would be Back in Black by ACDC. Cannot think of many others though.
Ratt and Dokken for me, during that time period.
💯 I just put a Ratt album on and let it go.
Tawny dated OJ, well she dodged a Bullitt there or should I say a knife.
Well, she ended up going pretty nuts herself later on, Injuring her husband, long time MLB pitcher Chuck Finley, by driving her high heel through his foot in a wacked out rage. This was while he was driving home.
steve williams *bullet
@@thescott7539 I agree.
@@thescott7539 hot chix are usually so crazy it is not worth it....
Tawny sure got around lol. She even dated Jerry Seinfeld!!
Ratt's first EP has some nice gritty early Motley Crue-esqe songs, and 'Out of the Cellar' is still a great album - unlike all the other sound-alike glam bands these guys were solid and unique
They were one of the good ones, along with Dokken and Twisted Sister (pre-Stay Hungry)
Out of the Cellar and Invasion of your Privacy was my favorite cassette’s during my teen years; stayed in my Alpine tape deck on constant rotation in the 80’s!#🐀🎸🤘🏻🔥@JagdFlanker
So Sad! I used to 'run away' to Hollywood from time to time in the 80;s and me and a girlfriend of mine were at Rock n' Roll Dennys, which is what they called the Dennys on Sunset and Robbin Crosby and a bunch of other Hair Metal guys coulda bin the rest of Ratt) waved us over to sit with them. I was dressed in what I called a raggamuffin style with holes in my fishnets etc and we actually were basically broke and hungry and Robbin bought us motzerellai sticks and whatever we wanted! And that was that, we had fuel to go check out shows for another night in Hollywood until we went back home to SF.. He was one of the nicest rock stars I met! I feel so bad that his life ended that way. It really does seem that only the good die young sometimes!
It's so tragic looking back through the times I grew up in. Such great times, and such misery at the same time for many.
Robin is a legend as well as Ratt, much respect to them. They were one of the originators of the Hollywood Heavy Metal scene along with QR, Motley and Dokken.
Someone should open a Heavy Metal hall of fame in LA and start with that big 4...
Nadir DuPriest could be the main p.r. and tour guide. 😆
@@yeldarbarrow3172 I'm on board with that..🤘😝🤘
Ratt was my favorite band growing up in the 80's so sad to see how life ended for Robin 🙏🏼 rest in peace 😢
Sucks the guy died like that. What a fall from grace. He was surely on top of the world back in 80’s and must have experienced life in a way that most people can only imagine. Rocking out on stage in front of cheering fans and partying all the time. Must have had some great stories to tell too. RIP
Another sad example of the 80's, and what that decade did to everyone who lived through it... Such an incredible and different era, where an entire generation was given literally everything, and then promptly self-destructed....
Robbin you were one of the best guitarist and the best guitarist in RATT, RIP
I actually lived with him for a short time towards the end
In el paso tx
Very sad ending. RIP
Wow hope you had a chance to enjoy his greatness. Would love to hear more.
Never met anyone of those guys... but their music was a HUGE part of my "growing up". They will always be KINGS in my eyes... especially Robin.
@@patrickbearden9323 you lived with him? he was a homeless heroin/crackhead in the end and nikki6 turned his back on him
@@george96 Wrong guy, Daniel Fisher said it not Patrick!
Don't blame Nikki Sixx and Sixx was in another band called Motley Crue. The comment means None of Robbin's band members (RATT) visited him. And that's more than likely true it would be too painful (I guess) but they should have ALL gone to see their ex-bandmate.
I saw a few more comments here and I take it back it seems that Nikki Sixx did know Robbin during his downfall, and it seems that he could have done more. Well SIxx was fighting his own demons too. Sixx was almost dead from that famous overdose.
@@george96 tell me more.
When I was much younger my impression was that Robbin was the "rhythm" guy and all lead guitar duties fell to Warren. At least this seemed to be how they were represented in the media. However, looking at early live footage available online now I see Robbin sharing lead guitar duties with Warren and more than holding his own. Warren is fantastic but I understand why Robbin felt he never got the credit he truly deserved.
Same here
I thought the exact same way, I always felt he was over shadowed by Warren.
Ratt is part of everyone's life back in the 80's ..this Robin tragic story always touches my heart ..he definitely was one of a kind
Good people like Robbin Crosby shouldn't ever die.
Good people don't inject themselves with heroin
I met Robin at Coconut Teaser LA.He was one of nicest guys i ever met.He tried to buy me a drink i said no way your Robib Crosby from Ratt.As he left the bar he didnt know i was standing at the door he said hang on i have to thank Terry for buying me a drink Total Class act .RIP
I'll never get why the media paints Ratt as a one hit wonder, sure round and round was their biggest hit all their 80s albums were platinum albums. Robin was great and not having him changed the sound.
They had tons of awesome songs
Ratt never made a bad song.
@@ew332 never said they did. But p
Pearcys voice has not aged like fine wine. Then again, neither has Vince's 😂. Bet they still get tons of chics.
The media are and have always been biased towards rock music, the upper classes hate it.
There's been a fair few bands pushed as one hit wonders, that actually did a umber of hit tunes
@@markwright5223 the upper class embraced rock and roll decades ago, you’re in the wrong century lmfao
Gifted song writer for great feel and sense for melody.
His songs would live on forever.
RIP Robbin
Really sad. His legacy will last forever in the Jackson King V
It would've had Mustaine not hijacked it.
They should give it back. Or do a line of those custom Thunderbirds he started playing
@@paganjay1085 they were firebirds, the Thunderbird is a bass. I dont believe Mustaine hijacked the v. It's still called the King V isn't it?
He never actually played King V's, they were too small. He played a Double Rhoads.
I got Ratt's Out of the Cellar for Christmas in 1984. I still have that LP. I love them a ton. Just too many sad stories in the world of Rock. He left to us great music to listen to. That is his legacy to us.
Great segment... and I'm so proud of the respects you paid in this video..... much love and appreciation.
I find it sad that he WAS overlooked due to Warren DeMartini. Yet no one here is mentioning it. He was the heart and soul of the band, yet he was constantly being passed over by everyone.
He was fine being option 2. Warren was so talented, it would have hurt the band to hold him back.
It's a really hard choice, but that was one of your most amazing videos. RATT was so great in concert I saw them a few times.
I’m so jealous
One of your best, most complete stories on a rarely known subject. As a fan I thought he passed from hiv. I learned a lot on that one. Congrats, really well done on such a sad yet interesting topic.
Thanks hope to do more in depth topics like this video
Ratt hasn't been the same without Robbin. The riffs he wrote absolutely anchored and defined the sound of that band!
Damn right!! Robbin was the heart and soul of Ratt. I just think it's pretty shitty
that in Robbins declining years, the rest of the band lived so close to were he was, and couldn't even visit him, all he wanted was to reunite with his old band, but no, guess what, 🖕!
Nikki Sixx writes about him in the Heroin Diaries. He stumbled upon him panhandling on the streets of L.A.. he was pretty much homeless at that point.
😭😭
I wonder why Nikki didn’t help him.
@@joelewishenry7886 I think it was along the lines of «if I give him some money, he'll just use it to buy more heroin; if he doesn't want to be helped, I can't help him».
Yeah I remember reading that and he talked about Robin being barefoot and his feet were purple and black
He was a mess and those guys were giving him money but because he was just getting high with it ...
@@joelewishenry7886 Because Nikki knows about rock bottom. You crawl out by yourself because you're sick of being sick not because somebody wants you to.
I remember seeing Ratt and Motley Crue and many other bands that made it or never made it at the clubs in Hollywood in the early 80’s. I must say Robyn was one of the best guitarists from that era. It’s sad that he never got the recognition.
Please do an episode on Michael Schenker. Another underrated guitarist. Thanks
My friends and I did, too. We may have crossed paths. 😁
I was 15 living in LA around 81-82, I was starting to gravitate towards the Heavy Metal that was starting to come out at the time, I don't think I had even heard of Ratt or Motley just yet. I was on the verge of getting a driver's license so I could drive to Hollywood to see what all the noise was about, then out of nowhere I'm OMW back to the east coast. If I stayed I have a feeling all the partying would have killed me, it most likely was a blessing in disguise.
irocit z not really!!! It didn’t kill me or tens of thousands if others. Many of us through the music rose to success. I went from being the metal head outcast from school to the successful surgeon that I am now! Yes I came a long ways from the days of long hair and loud music. I still play nothing but 70’s and 80’s rock in my waiting room! I still go to the concerts, even though they are more far and in between since not many tour anymore but I will continue to rock till the day I die!
@@irocitZ have a relationship with Jesus 🙏
@@WWTormentor true, lots of people survived but many did not. We never heard about those people because they weren't famous, so no major headlines. The difference between you and I is you went to medical school and I didn't, it would be impossible to do what I was doing and attempt 4 years of college and medical school. I can't get into every detail but I'm pretty certain our lifestyles were quite different, luckily somehow I'm doing just fine today. And when this freaking pandemic is over I'll finally get to use the two pairs of front row concert tickets sitting in limbo I bought for Sebastian Bach & Dokken before all this shit happen. Take care..
That’s how I started my teen metal madness 🤘🏼 yea all these guys made our life ! I too have seen the rise n fall of many ! I can’t explain how some survive & some don’t. But I’ve been blessed to ride the ride & still live ! My teenage Daughter loved my era of music ! Rip we can only say it all comes around. Don’t let this define you , you define you. Robin u did that ! 🤘🏼
I remember him in the band phenomenon. We talked briefly a few times at local gigs. He always played that flying V if I remember correctly. He was a giant to begin with...and with his shoes and hair he seemed even bigger! Nice guy was always glad he attained success. Sad to hear how it ended, but smiled at his "let's have a party". RIP
RATT
Was certainly one of my early 80s growing up bands that caught my attention, during that time in my own life I'd always check my local store in Dallas TX
Hit Records & Tapes which sat in a park & shop style area still called Casa View/later Casa Linda and still an active area of East Dallas.
They were the store that had the freshest and varied assortments of newly released music.
One of my very 1st cassette tapes being
"out of the cellar" was a golden buy of any copy and only coughed up $4 bucks from me, yet by 2 years
I left it in my car and learned the hard way,
in Texas cassettes and CDs
melt in the Sun we get so I wound up with a waffle for my lost artifact, and bought the original vinyl LP which never go in my car, unless moving period 😂 but I got alotta play out of that tape
2 solid Summers of adventure, exploration lessons, 4 bucks was well worth the experiences.
RATT rock on dudes!
that means you too Robbin
we miss you bro!
Thanks for the exposure to him!
Robbin on OJ Simpson: "He's used to running over guys bigger than me." Yeah, was used to doing a little more than that. BTw, a $500 a day drug habit is $182,000 a year. Wow. RIP Robbin
That's sooooo sad!!! Loved this guy playing and his songs... his guitar playing or his legacy will not be forgotten!!! I still love ratt to this day!!! Rock it out up there Robin 🎸🎶😇
Saw the original lineup on the out of the cellar tour, Robbin Crosby was an awesome guitar player. The two guitar attack is what made Ratt such a great band. When I saw the GEICO commercial I about fell over it brought back sooooo many memories.
I would LOVE to see a retrospective on SAVATAGE!!!
Sad to see Robins story end this way. Seen RATT many times over the years starting with the 1985 show at Hampton Coliseum (Va.)
Was there as well 🤘
@@nofrenz2065 ..nice 👍
I was 22 or 23 when out of the cellar came out. It was the beginning of a decade of metal that was going to be awesome. What a time to be alive, Young & Free
My first concert at the age of 17 was at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, ON.
Ozzy Bark at the Moon Tour, with opening act RATT.
AMAZING.
The last year or two of his life was so incredibly brutal and sad, Im so glad he felt that he lived the life of ten men bc he did. Rest in peace.
No mention of the people who ripped him off, stole his guitars, money, Ferarris (apparently he had more than 1!) etc. Probably just as well, it's a sad enough tale. RIP Robbin
That’s life in the FAST LANE
What ? I met a guy in Van Nuys who used to jam with Robbin before he died and he said Robbin ripped off him and his friends equipment...
@@philipholmes5884 what did he say
@@philipholmes5884 Sadly, I can believe that someone with a serious Smack addiction will steal anything and can't readily be believed, so it's quite possible. However, in those taped interviews before his death, Robbin spoke of how, as he was about to become homeless, leaving his guitar collection with trusted friends (IIRC an ex-girlfriend or wife?) and they all "disappeared", apparently stolen.
Now, he could have sold them all for pennies, as a desperate junkie is wont to do, but in any case, undoubtedly there would have been a point where his addiction was taking control of him, and people, the "friends" who would have been all too happy to help him party, took advantage of his decline, and fleeced him of the money he made and the things he had bought - and I don't mean his Smack dealer, that's a straightforward business transaction, after all.
Those parasitic "friends" would have been gone once the money and the goodies ran out. It comes with the territory, alas, and they will have no conscience about it, just move onto the next sucker. There's a special place in hell...
Well if you have valuable stuff you protect it. I don't know how this stuff was stolen but apparently he was not minding his business. As for rock stars being ripped off by their label that is such a sorry old line. Artist signs his life away on a CONTRACT and then regrets it later. Claims he was "ripped off" No a contract is a contract. Don't be a dumbass when dealing with future income.
I attended a Ratt concert in Springfield Missouri...mid 80's. Bonjovi opened for them, but were not a big hit. Ratt was excellent and it took us hours to find our car. Good memory.
(R.I.P.) to ROBBIN 👑 CROSBY who passed away 20 Years Ago Today, He's deeply missed.
One of the best looking men to walk on this earth! So sad what he & so many other talented musicians had to go through. RIP 💞🤘🤘🤘
I saw Ratt many times, and I find it funny when Stephen Pearcy talks about Cosby's drinking because years later Pearcy was so drunk at a show on Long Island that Juan (the bassist) had to sing 85% of the show.
Well done. Makes me wish I might have brought some of this up during my interviews with Pearcy.