How Ratt's 'Round and Round' Revolutionized Hair Metal in the 80s

The unlikely catalyst that ignited the hair metal revolution

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:38am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the opulent aesthetics of 1980s hair metal music.The glitz and glamour of 1980s hair metal is captured in the extreme, abstract textures of this high-fashion editorial image.Los Angeles Today

Ratt's 1984 hit song 'Round and Round' was initially dismissed by the band but went on to become a blueprint for the entire hair metal genre. The song's creation process, lyrics, and groundbreaking music video all played a role in shaping the excess and rebellion of 1980s hard rock.

Why it matters

Ratt's 'Round and Round' wasn't just another LA band latching onto a trend - they were architects, not imitators, who helped define the hair metal sound and aesthetic. The song's balance of recklessness and optimism captured the duality of the era and paved the way for other hugely successful glam metal acts.

The details

Ratt's roots dated back to the mid-70s band Crystal Ratt, giving them a grittier foundation than their eventual glam persona. The track was almost left off their 1983 EP until producer Beau Hill recognized its potential. The collaborative songwriting process, with guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby trading ideas via cassette tapes, gave the song an edge. Pearcy's lyrics perfectly encapsulated 80s excess and rebellion, while the bizarre yet captivating music video was one of the first glam metal videos to break through on MTV.

  • Ratt released 'Round and Round' in 1984.
  • The song was initially left off Ratt's 1983 EP.

The players

Ratt

An American glam metal band that helped define the hair metal genre in the 1980s.

Stephen Pearcy

The lead singer of Ratt, whose lyrics captured the duality of 1980s excess and rebellion.

Warren DeMartini

The guitarist of Ratt, who collaborated with Robbin Crosby to write the music for 'Round and Round'.

Robbin Crosby

The guitarist of Ratt, who collaborated with Warren DeMartini to write the music for 'Round and Round'.

Beau Hill

The producer who recognized the potential of 'Round and Round' and helped the band include it on their 1983 EP.

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What they’re saying

“Tighten up belts, abuse ourselves”

— Stephen Pearcy, Lead singer of Ratt

“The neon lights are on me tonight”

— Stephen Pearcy, Lead singer of Ratt

“Round and round, we'll all find a way”

— Stephen Pearcy, Lead singer of Ratt

What’s next

Ratt is set to perform 'Round and Round' as part of their 40th anniversary tour, which will kick off in the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

Ratt's 'Round and Round' wasn't just a song - it was a cultural turning point that helped define the hair metal genre and paved the way for other hugely successful glam metal acts. The song's enduring impact and ability to capture the excess and rebellion of the 1980s music scene is a testament to its lasting influence.