Graham Bonnet Live at the Embassy Skegness
World-famous Skegness-born pop star to appear at the Embassy Theatre Skegness
UPDATE 6th May 2009
Please note that this gig has been CANCELLED. Graham Bonnet tells us that he hopes to reshedule the gig for later in the year. We’ll let you know when we hear any more news!
Gig Date: Tuesday, 2nd June, 2009
ALCATRAZZ was formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, California by legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet. Bonnet was a veteran of both Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, with whom he enjoyed a worldwide hit with a cover of Russ Ballard’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”, and Michael Schenker Group. Using Rainbow and MSG as templates, Bonnet enlisted Swedish guitar sensation Yngwie Malmsteen, whose only work of note up until then had been as a member of Ron Keel’s Steeler. Filling out the band’s ranks were keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and bassist Gary Shea – both of 70’s AOR underdog New England, and ex-Alice Cooper drummer Jan Uvena. The group’s debut record, ‘No Parole from Rock ‘n Roll’ , yielded a hit single, “Island in the Sun”. The video for the song became somewhat of a staple on MTV, and a follow-up video was made for “Hiroshima Mon Amour”.
By the time Alcatrazz returned to the studio for its sophomore album, guitarist Malmsteen felt he had outgrown the group. He left to embark on a solo career, and the band drafted in ex-Frank Zappa guitarist Steve Vai. 1985’s ‘Disturbing the Peace’ redefined the band’s vision. However, Vai would leave for greener pastures, opting to join up with David Lee Roth, who had just left Van Halen. Alcatrazz returned to the well a third time and came away with ex-Derringer/Alice Cooper guitarist Danny Johnson. Bonnet went on to record with guitarist Chris Impellitteri, before resuming his solo career.
The band rang in the 2008 New Year with Bay Area legends Y&T, and in January, 2008 Alcatrazz was a featured performer at the Fender Guitars Custom Shop’s annual ‘Fret Fest’ at NAMM. In July the band was invited to headline the 2008 BerkRock Festival in Berkovitsa, Bulgaria. ALCATRAZZ is back! The band is currently writing material for a new album, and will be hitting concert stages worldwide in 2009. The band’s high-energy live show incorporates all the Alcatrazz classics, as well as highlights from Graham Bonnet’s years with Rainbow, MSG and Impellitteri. The return of Alcatrazz to the scene of the crime proves there really is no parole from rock ‘n roll!
Tickets: £15.50; Over 60’s: £14.50; Children: £7.75
Click here to buy tickets online.
(Although this show is listed on the Embassy Theatre Website, Graham Bonnet tells us that the gig is subject to other UK bookings being finalised)
Many Skegness people remember Graham for his 1968 hit, Only One Woman, with The Marbles . (click the link for photos, video and article)
YES!
Graham is one of the all time great rock vocalists along with the likes of Coverdale, Dio and Halford. I last saw him back in 1980 when he headlined the Monsters of Rock festival while in Rainbow where he gave a stunning performance. His voice has also stood the test of time being just as powerful nowadays as it was all those years ago. Skegness should be proud that a legend of rock was born here and it is great that he is coming to play at his hometown!
Absolutely, Steve!