Alcatrazz

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For other uses, see Alcatraz (disambiguation).
Alcatrazz
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresHeavy metal
Years active
  • 1983–1987
  • 2006–2014
  • 2017
  • 2019–present
Labels
Associated acts
MembersDoogie White
Jimmy Waldo
Joe Stump
Mark Benquechea
Gary Shea
Past membersGraham Bonnet
Clive Burr
Yngwie Malmsteen
Jan Uvena
Steve Vai

Alcatrazz is a Scottish–American heavy metal band formed in 1983 by Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo, and Gary Shea.[1] They are best known for their songs "Island in the Sun" and "God Blessed Video", and have gone through a number of line-up changes, leaving Bonnet as only member to be in every incarnation of Alcatrazz until his split with the band in 2020. They are also notable for featuring a previously-unknown Yngwie Malmsteen, who was the guitarist of Alcatrazz during 1983–1984, and was subsequently replaced by Steve Vai, Danny Johnson, and currently by Joe Stump.

After breaking up in 1987, Bonnet toured from 2006 to 2014 as Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet with various lineups, before a one-off reunion show in 2017 led to Bonnet and Waldo reforming the band once more in 2020, with Shea rejoining shortly after. To date, the band has released four studio albums: No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll (1983), Disturbing the Peace (1985), Dangerous Games (1986) and Born Innocent (2020). Several months after the release of Born Innocent, Alcatrazz announced that they had parted ways with Bonnet, who was replaced by Doogie White;[2] however, Bonnet later announced that he is again intending to move forward with his own version of Alcatrazz, Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz with a new lineup to be announced in 2021 and a new album in the works.[3]

History[]

The band's initial line-up consisted of former Rainbow singer frontman Graham Bonnet, young Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, who had recently left the American metal band Steeler, Gary Shea and Jimmy Waldo from New England and Clive Burr of Iron Maiden fame. Burr was reportedly only in the band for a week, and left upon discovering the band was going to be based in the United States, as opposed to his native England. Burr was soon replaced by former Iron Butterfly drummer Jan Uvena, who had just left Alice Cooper's backing band. Shea dubbed the group "Alcatrazz". For the first album, the bulk of the material was written by Bonnet and Malmsteen, with Waldo contributing to several tracks.

The band's debut album, No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll was released in late 1983 on Rocshire Records.[1] Decent support was given by MTV to the lead single, "Island in the Sun", which showed a heavy Rainbow influence. Despite the commercial nature of the song, it received little radio play. The album nonetheless spent 18 weeks on the Billboard charts and peaked at No. 128. A second video released in 1984 for "Hiroshima Mon Amour" became popular in Japan.

Rochsire then released Live Sentence (1984), a concert recording with songs from both concerts of the recent tour of Japan at the Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo on January 28, 1984. Being discontent with the sonic qualities of the recording, Malmsteen tried to prevent the release of the album but failed. Some Rainbow covers were included, including "Since You Been Gone". The album peaked at No. 133 in the US. A live video concert was also produced. During this period, internal turmoil began surfacing within the band, between Malmsteen and Bonnet. According to Malmsteen, Bonnet had become fed up with the attention drawn to his guitar playing from fans over Bonnet's vocals.[4] According to Malmsteen, their professional relationship ended with the two having an altercation on stage after Bonnet allegedly tampered with Malmsteen's amplifiers during a guitar solo and "Since You've Been Gone" at a show in Oklahoma. This resulted in Malmsteen yelling at and arguing with Bonnet, Bonnet poking Malmsteen in the stomach with his microphone stand, and finally with Malmsteen punching Bonnet, all taking place on stage.[5] Following this, Malmsteen left Alcatrazz and created his own band called Rising Force, who signed with Polydor Records and released a successful self-titled debut album.

Waldo replaced Malmsteen with former Frank Zappa guitarist Steve Vai,[1] despite resistance from Bonnet, and the band signed with Capitol Records after Rocshire was shut down following the owners being arrested for the embezzlement of millions of dollars.[6] With Steve Vai, the group worked on new material and then headlined another tour of Japan, which introduced Vai to the fans and allowed them to play new material from the upcoming album. A concert video was filmed from these dates.

The band released Disturbing the Peace in the spring of 1985.[1] The album was produced by Eddie Kramer who had worked with Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Triumph, among others. "God Blessed Video" was the first single and video, yet MTV barely played it. The album peaked at No. 145 and charted for 16 weeks. Alcatrazz, however, could never break out of their small following, and had to cut a tour short due to financial problems.

Steve Vai left to join David Lee Roth's solo band in 1986.[1] The split was on good terms, as it was an offer Vai could not refuse. He was replaced by guitarist Danny Johnson, who recorded what became Alcatrazz's final studio album, Dangerous Games, released in the fall of 1986.[1] The album had covers of the Animals' song "It's My Life" (one of the only rock-oriented tunes) and Marbles' song "Only One Woman". Bonnet had been a member of Marbles in the late 1960s when they had this hit in the UK. The Dangerous Games album failed to chart and shortly afterward, Johnson also quit to join the band Private Life. Disheartened by an ever-revolving door of guitarists, and dwindling album sales, they split up in 1987.[1]

In 1998, the Renaissance Records label issued The Best of Alcatrazz, a look back at the band's brief career. God Blessed Video appeared in the 2002 videogame soundtrack Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, playing on fictional rock station V-Rock.

Bonnet reformed his version of the band as Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet with guitarist Howie Simon (Jeff Scott Soto Band, Talisman), drummer Glen Sobel (Impellitteri, Beautiful Creatures, Tony MacAlpine), and bassist Tim Luce and toured Japan in May and June 2007—sharing the headline with another ex-Rainbow vocalist, Joe Lynn Turner. Howie Simon revealed in a recent interview that it was his suggestion to bring back the Alcatrazz name.[7] They also headlined the BerkRock festival in Berkovitsa, Bulgaria in July 2008 and have played various West Coast US dates including support slots for Y&T. Alcatrazz continued to perform live occasionally until 2014.

In March 2017, three-fifths of the original lineup (Bonnet, Waldo and Shea) reunited for three shows in Japan, which also included Conrado Pesinato and Mark Benquechea on guitar and drums respectively. The performances were recorded for the live album/DVD Parole Denied - Tokyo 2017, which was released on December 7, 2018.[8] In February 2019, Bonnet confirmed that he had once again resurrected Alcatrazz, with a new lineup featuring himself, Waldo and Benquechea, as well as guitarist Joe Stump and bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone.[9][10] She briefly became the band's first female member, having been in Bonnet's namesake band. This lineup had planned to record a new album together, which was also said to be including contributions from Chris Impellitteri, Bob Kulick, Dario Mollo and former Alcatrazz guitarist Steve Vai.[11][12] Heavenstone was replaced on bass in January 2020 by a returning Gary Shea. Alcatrazz's first studio album in 34 years, Born Innocent, was released on July 31, 2020.[13]

On December 4, 2020, it was announced Alcatrazz had parted ways with vocalist Graham Bonnet and had recruited vocalist Doogie White following conflicts regarding the band's management.[2] Within a few hours after this announcement, Bonnet announced that he would "still be recording and performing with Alcatrazz", with a new lineup to be announced in the spring of 2021, and a new album in the works.[3] Bonnet later clarified that one of the reasons behind the split was the remaining members of the Born Innocent lineup wanted to "only tour" with his former manager Giles Lavery, and added that it "meant that they had quit." He also stated that he was "not bothered" by the existence of two bands named Alcatrazz, had "no plans to relinquish" the band name, and referred to his replacement Doogie White as a "good friend and a damn fine performer."[14] On June 4, 2021, the first single from the White-fronted Alcatrazz, "Turn of the Wheel" was released. A few days later, Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Sanctuary) was announced as the guitarist for the Bonnet-led line-up, now referred to as Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz.

On July 23, 2021, the White-fronted version of Alcatrazz released another single, "Sword of Deliverance", and announced that their fifth album, titled V, will be released on October 15, 2021.[15] Music video's were released for the singles ″Turn of the Wheel″ on June 4, 2021[16] and ″Sword of Deliverance″ on July 23, 2021.[17]

Personnel[]

Current members[]

  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals (1983–1987, 2017, 2019–present)
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals (1983–1987, 2017, 2020–present)
  • Mark Benquechea – drums (2017, 2019–present)
  • Joe Stump – guitars (2019–present)
  • Doogie White – lead vocals (2020–present)

Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz[]

  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals (2006–2014, 2021–present; 1983–1987, 2017, 2019–2020 in Alcatrazz)
  • Jeff Loomis - guitars (2021–present)

Former members[]

  • Yngwie Malmsteen – guitars (1983–1984)
  • Clive Burr – drums, percussion (1983) (died 2013)
  • Jan Uvena – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1983–1987)
  • Steve Vai – guitars, backing vocals (1984–1986)
  • Danny Johnson – guitars, backing vocals (1986–1987)
  • Jay Davis - bass (1987)
  • Conrado Pesinato – guitar (2017)
  • Beth-Ami Heavenstone – bass (2019–2020)

Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet[]

  • Howie Simon – guitars, backing vocals (2006–2014)
  • Tim Luce – bass, backing vocals (2006–2014)
  • Glen Sobel – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2006–2009)
  • Dave Dzialak – drums, percussion (2009–2010)
  • Jeff Bowders – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
  • Bobby Rock – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2011–2014)

Timeline[]

Line-ups[]

Period Members Releases
1983
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Yngwie Malmsteen – guitars
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Clive Burr – drums, percussion
 none
1983–1984
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Yngwie Malmsteen – guitars
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Jan Uvena – drums, percussion, backing vocals
1984–1985
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Steve Vai – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Jan Uvena – drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Power Live (VHS) (1985)
    • Disturbing the Peace Tour - Live in Japan 1984.10.10 (DVD Reissue) (2010)
  • Disturbing the Peace (1985)
1985–1987
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Danny Johnson – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Jan Uvena – drums, percussion, backing vocals
1987–2006 (Disbanded)
2006–2009
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Howie Simon – guitars, backing vocals
  • Tim Luce – bass, backing vocals
  • Glen Sobel – drums, percussion, backing vocals
 none
2009–2010
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Howie Simon – guitars, backing vocals
  • Tim Luce – bass, backing vocals
  • Dave Dzialak – drums, percussion
2010–2011
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Howie Simon – guitars, backing vocals
  • Tim Luce – bass, backing vocals
  • Jeff Bowders – drums, percussion
2011–2014
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Howie Simon – guitars, backing vocals
  • Tim Luce – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Rock – drums, percussion, backing vocals
2014–2016 (Disbanded)
2017 (one-off show)
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals

with

  • Conrado Pesinato – guitars
  • Mark Benquechea – drums
  • Parole Denied - Tokyo 2017 (2018)
2017–2019 (Disbanded)
2019–2020
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Joe Stump – guitars
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Beth-Ami Heavenstone – bass
  • Mark Benquechea – drums
 none
2020
  • Graham Bonnet – lead vocals
  • Joe Stump – guitars
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Mark Benquechea – drums
2020–present
  • Doogie White – lead vocals
  • Joe Stump – guitars
  • Jimmy Waldo – keyboards, synthesizers, keytar, piano, backing vocals
  • Gary Shea – bass, backing vocals
  • Mark Benquechea – drums
  • V (2021)

Discography[]

Studio albums[]

Date Title Label Chart positions
1983 No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll Rocshire Weeks on Chart: 18, Peak: No. 128[18]
1985 Disturbing the Peace Capitol Weeks on Chart: 16, Peak: No. 145[19]
1986 Dangerous Games Capitol
2020 Born Innocent Silver Lining Music
2021 V Silver Lining Music

Live albums[]

Date Title Label Chart positions
1984 Live Sentence Rocshire Weeks on Chart: 10, Peak: No. 133[20]
2010 Live '83 Deadline
2010 No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll Tour Live in Japan 1984.1.28 Audio Tracks Ward Records
2010 Disturbing the Peace Tour Live in Japan 1984.10.10 Audio Tracks
2018 Live in Japan 1984 - Complete Edition Ear Music
2018 Parole Denied - Tokyo 2017 Frontiers Records

Compilations[]

Date Title Label Chart positions
1998 The Best of Alcatrazz Renaissance Records －
2016 The Ultimate Fortress Rock Set (box) Store For Music －
2017 Breaking the Heart of the City: The Best of Alcatrazz (3CD-Boxset) Cherry Red －
2018 The Official Bootleg Boxset 1983-1986: Live, Demo, Rehearsals (6CD-Boxset)

Singles[]

Date Title Label Album
1984 "Island in the Sun" Rocshire No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll
1985 "Will You Be Home Tonight" Capitol Disturbing the Peace
"God Blessed Video"
1986 "Dangerous Games" Dangerous Games
"It's My Life"
2021 "Turn of the Wheel" Silver Living Music V
"Sword of Deliverance"

Videos[]

  • Metallic Live (VHS) (1984)
    • No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll Tour - Live in Japan 1984.1.28 (DVD Reissue) (2010)
  • Power Live (VHS) (1985)
    • Disturbing the Peace Tour - Live in Japan 1984.10.10 (DVD Reissue) (2010)

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who’s Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 15. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "ALCATRAZZ Parts Ways With Founding Singer GRAHAM BONNET, Welcomes DOOGIE WHITE". Blabbermouth.net. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "GRAHAM BONNET Vows To Move Forward With His Version Of ALCATRAZZ, Says New Lineup Will Be Announced In The Spring". Blabbermouth.net. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  4. ^ Malmsteen, Yngwie J. Relentless. Wiley. p. 98.
  5. ^ Malmsteen, Yngwie J. Relentless. Wiley. p. 99.
  6. ^ Miller, Chuck (October 27, 2009). "The Rise and Fall of Rocshire Records and the loss of Stacy Davis". Times Union. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  7. ^ "Interview on". Rockpages.gr. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  8. ^ "ALCATRAZZ To Release 'Parole Denied - Tokyo 2017' In December". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  9. ^ "GRAHAM BONNET Relaunches ALCATRAZZ With Guitarist JOE STUMP; New Studio Album In The Works". Bravewords.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  10. ^ "Graham Bonnet Relaunches Alcatrazz With Guitarist Joe Stump; New Studio Album In The Works". allthatshreds.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  11. ^ "GRAHAM BONNET Says STEVE VAI Contributed Material To In-Progress ALCATRAZZ Album". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  12. ^ "GRAHAM BONNET On Using ALCATRAZZ Moniker Again: 'People Know The Name Of The Band, But They Don't Know Who The Hell I Am'". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  13. ^ "ALCATRAZZ To Release First Studio Album In Over 30 Years, 'Born Innocent'". Blabbermouth.net. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  14. ^ "GRAHAM BONNET Is 'Not Bothered' By There Being Two Versions Of ALCATRAZZ". Blabbermouth.net. December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  15. ^ "DOOGIE WHITE-Fronted Version Of ALCATRAZZ Releases 'Sword Of Deliverance' Single, Announces New Album 'V'". Blabbermouth.net. July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  16. ^ "Sleaze Roxx: Alcatrazz featuring new singer Doogie White unveil video for single "Turn of The Wheel"". Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  17. ^ "The Rockpit: Alcatrazz new single/video "Sword Of Deliverance"". Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  18. ^ "Billboard Database - No Parole From Rock 'N' Roll Chart". Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  19. ^ "Billboard Database - Disturbing The Peace". Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  20. ^ "Billboard Database - Live Sentence Chart". Retrieved July 29, 2021.

External links[]

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