Guitar International's Rob Cavuoto has issued an interview with former RATT bassist Juan Croucier. The following is an excerpt:

Q: I think the big question was why you turned down the reunion with Ratt so many times. What was the decision behind that?

A: "Without adding any fuel to already existing fires, we just couldn’t reach an agreement. It’s no surprise that we had a lot of issues within the band, such as alcohol abuse and various personal issues. So I was of the opinion that it was one thing to have these issues when you’re a young man in your twenties, but it’s an entirely different thing to have these same issues when you’re in your mid-forties.

If we can do things intelligently, as respectable businessmen, treating each other with respect and taking advantage of this wonderful thing we’ve and created, then I’m interested. The longer we negotiated, the more I came to see that nothing has changed. From what you’ve been reading on the internet lately, it’s obvious.

Just to be very clear, I would love nothing more than to be in Ratt, let’s get that really, really clear. I love what we did and am really proud of what we accomplished. I helped build Ratt. Why would I want to walk away from something that successful to play local clubs in Hollywood for a dozen people? I’m being honest here.

I would love to be making records and moving forward. But with the personalities involved, we just can’t. The collective intelligence of the band is not that high. That’s unfortunate and I hate it, but that’s what really what prevented us from utilizing Ratt to its fullest extent.

It really comes down to mutual respect and having boundaries that you don’t cross because you’re adults. And when there are no boundaries and there is no respect, and someone can lash out at someone for whatever reason, that really damages things.

I tried really hard. You have no idea how hard. For 10 years I tried. After a while you just give up. At the end of the day it’s a sad thing for the fans. They just want to see the band rock out. It’s everything behind the scenes that is so embarrassing and to be a part of that is unbearable, if you’re of reasonable and sound mind."

Read the full interview at this location.