Sex, Drugs, Ratt & Roll: My Life in Rock

A wild, unfiltered rock-star memoir from Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy—an inside look at the sex, drugs, and excess of the 1980s hair-metal scene, and the rise and fall of one of hard rock’s biggest bands.

Step into the high-voltage world of 1980s hard rock, where the Sunset Strip was ground zero for sex, drugs, and glam metal glory. Stephen Pearcy, lead singer and founding member of Ratt, lived it all—from Hollywood clubs packed with aspiring rock gods to sold-out arenas thundering with their anthem “Round and Round.”

Sex, Drugs, Ratt & Roll is Pearcy’s raw, no-holds-barred rock star autobiography—an outrageous, hilarious, and often sobering ride through the rise of a band that defined the hair-metal era. With behind-the-scenes stories of fame, addiction, backstage chaos, and the relentless pursuit of stardom, Pearcy delivers an insider’s view of the rock and roll excess that fueled—and nearly destroyed—the era.

But beyond the decadence lies a story of survival, self-discovery, and redemption, as Pearcy reflects on life after the spotlight and the music that still drives him. This is the ultimate rock and roll confessional for fans of 1980s metal, band memoirs, and the untamed legends who ruled the Sunset Strip.

Stephen Pearcy, founder, lead singer and songwriter of the popular rock band Ratt, led his band to critical praise and multi-platinum success. Formed in Los Angeles in 1982 from the remains of his band Mickey Ratt, Ratt was known for their flamboyant appearance and rebellious attitude. Pearcy currently lives in Los Angeles.

Sam Benjamin is the author of American Gangbang: A Love Story.