Classic Rock

Alcatrazz

Singer Graham Bonnett revives the band he now says “should have kept going” instead of splitting in ’87.

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After an absence of more than 30 years, Alcatrazz have reunited, with founder members Graham Bonnet (vocals), Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and Gary Shea (bass) now joined by Joe Stump (guitar) and Mark Benquechea (drums). The band’s new album, Born Innocent, their first since 1986’s Dangerous Games, showcases the sort of muscular, sweeping melodic style that first got everyone’s attention in the early 80s. It also features guest appearance­s from guitarists including Steve Vai (who played on Alcatrazz’s 1985 album Disturbing The Peace), Bob Kulick and Chris Impelliter­i. Bonnet explains what brought Alcatrazz back into action.

What prompted you to bring Alcatrazz back? I’ve no bloody idea. Ha! Alcatrazz were never a massive band commercial­ly, and then we became unfashiona­ble. But I knew there would be a moment when we became fashionabl­e again, and that’s seemingly what’s happened. It was Jimmy, Gary and me who started Alcatrazz, and we’re now back as the core of the band.

The band featured guitar icons Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai in the 80s. How does Stump compare? Joe is amazing. And it’s great to have someone involved who can do whatever Steve and Yngwie did.

Why are there so many guests on the album? These are mostly people I have played with over the years. Really it’s a gimmick, but everyone was happy to contribute, and they’ve each added something.

But no Yngwie. Did you ask him? Yes we did. But the offer was rejected. I think he feels he’s too good to play with us. Or rather someone close to him probably turned down the approach. He’s seemingly controlled by this person. I know who it is but shan’t name them. A few years ago, Yngwie and I were offered a million bucks to do one show in Japan. The same person refused to let him do it.

In your career you’ve worked with many guitarists who are very strong characters, including Ritchie Blackmore and Michael Schenker. What attracts you to these people? It’s more a case of them being attracted to me. That’s down to Ritchie. It’s through him that I got into doing this type of music in the first place. Everybody admires him, so they were all keen to work with me.

“I should never have left Rainbow. That was a silly move.”

How will Alcatrazz fit in with your commitment­s to Michael Schenker Fest and your solo stuff? At the moment that’s not a problem. Michael Schenker cannot do anything until touring is allowed again, and the same applies to Alcatrazz. I’m working on songs for a new solo album, but cannot record anything until some money comes through from the label in Japan. The problem is the IRS here in America [Bonnet lives in LA] are holding it up.

Do you believe that Alcatrazz should have continued, rather than splitting in 1987? Yeah, I suppose so. But then I should never have left Rainbow after the Down To Earth album and tour. That was a silly move. There again, if I hadn’t quit Rainbow, then Alcatrazz would never have happened. However, with hindsight, we should have kept going. MD

Born Innocent is released on July 31 via Silver Lining Music.

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