Ratt’s Robbin “King” Crosby on the Origin of His Nickname, “We got into a fight one night” – VIDEO – Rock History 101
full in bloom: During a 1986 interview, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby talked about the origin of his nickname, “King.”
Interviewer:
A few years ago, various members of Ratt and Motley Crue seemed to be in the same Hollywood street gang together. I think you were involved.
Robbin Crosby:
The Gladiators, everybody was, all of us. It was really more of a drinking team than anything else (laughs). I mean, that was the basic gist of it, to get pissed and have a good time.
Interviewer:
Why were they called The Gladiators?
Robbin Crosby:
Hey, I don’t know. (laughs) Because that’s what we called it, gladiating, going out, have a drink, get in a fight. You know, all that good stuff.
We got in a fight one night and that’s the night everyone got their names. I was “King” and Nikki (Sixx) was “Leader” and Vince (Neil) was “Field Marshall.” It was all silly business, just for fun.
Interviewer:
You managed to keep that name “King.” You’re still referred to as that.
Robbin Crosby:
That’s the truth.
Stephen Pearcy:
We used to hang out, and we started a street gang called The Gladiators. Robbin was “King.” Nikki was “Leader Six,” and Tommy (Lee) was “Field Marshall.”
