Alcatrazz is an American Heavy Metal band formed in the early 80s by British vocalist Graham Bonnett after departing from Rainbow and joining keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, Bassist Gary Shea, drummer Clive Burr (shortly after replaced by Jan Uvena) and guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Malmsteen would leave to pursue his solo career, to be replaced in Alcatrazz by SteveVai.
Their music is characterized by virtuosic guitar solos (with a more technical, less neo-classical sound after Malmsteen left), along with Bonnett's characteristically-powerful voice.
Discography:
- No Parole From Rock 'n' Roll (1983)
- Disturbing the Peace (1985)
- Dangerous Games (1986)
Alcatrazz contains examples of:
- Atomic Hate: "Hiroshima Mon Amor", written in recognition of the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that emerged in the bombings' wake.
- Chainsaw Good: Bonnett gets one for his hair during the second verse in the video for "God Blessed Video".
- Cool Shades: Part of Bonnett's distinctive look.
- Cover Version: "Only One Woman" on Dangerous Games, a cover of a song Bonnett did as part of the Bee Gees-produced duo The Marbles, before he joined Rainbow.
- Minimalistic Cover Art: Disturbing The Peace
- Revolving Door Band: Graham Bonnett is pretty much the only constant member of the band, both before the band disbanded in 1987, and after the name was revived in 2006.
- Shock and Awe: Two power chords in "God Blessed Video" result in Steve Vai's guitar giving off lightning.
