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Review, Lake Travis and Ratt!

Written by John E Brown

I know. It's not a band....it's a lake! But, no ordinary lake. Austin is cool for a long list of reasons. Lake Travis is near the top of that list. My high school friends from Houston, John Adams and Jeff Vandenberghe were in town for the NAMM convention. John arranged for us to go out on a boat on Lake Travis with Bobby Blotzer - drummer for Ratt.

John had the quote of the day when he intoduced me to Bobby....."Johnny Brown and I used to rule Lake Travis during the 80's like you and Ratt ruled Arenas"

Out Of The Cellar is a classic. Round and Round was an anthem. And in 1984 Ratt was one of the biggest bands in America. I always thought Stephen Pearcy kept Ratt from superstardom and Bobby agreed. In my opinion Pearcy has always been a horrible frontman.....zero stage presence.

Bobby still performs with Ratt minus Pearcy and has a new project called Angel City Outlaws with Jani Lane on vocals. He asked me to keep private his comments about Jani.... but use your imagination and you are probably right.

Blotzer looks great for 47. He's like a big kid. He provided the second best quote of the day..."This lake is the fountain of youth"

I took over control of the boat....I'm sober, I'm in charge
"You're In Trouble"
"In Your Direction"
"Lack Of Communication"

Fortunately the Sheriff's Dept didn't mess with us..."Wanted Man" was not on this boat. Damn.....I cant believe how crowded the lake has become. PF Changs was the perfect post lake meal. Then we took Bobby and his girlfriend to check out the Dimebag Darrell exhibit at Emo's. Plus, Dixie Witch was playing. Bobby was impressed with Trinidad on drums(how could he not be). Johnny Solinger - Skid Row - was there.....I wanted to go up to him and say "Sebastian can I have your autograph?"...but John has been friends with him for years and he thinks he's cool. We finished the night at Headhunters and Red Eyed Fly...unfortunately only out of tune, way too loud bands were performing...... Blotzer and quote #3 "call me wimpy but I would rather listen to Journey".

Upcoming reviews.....Tracii Guns Band (the original LA Guns) and Blue Cheer - the very first Heavy Metal band (1967)

john e brown.....all year round