Jimmy Kay of The Metal Voice sits down with Graham Bonnet, guitarist Chris Impellitteri and guitarist Joe Stump of Alcatrazz at the Metal Hall of Fame Gala 2020 on January 15 2020 and discuss Bonnet's induction into the Metal Hall of Fame , the recent Rock and roll Hall of Fame snubs of Judas Priest and Pat Benatar, Rush's Neil Peart's Passing and the new upcoming Alcatrazz studio album which will feature songwriting from Steve Vai with guest players such as Bob Kulick and Chris Impelliteri.
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ALCATRAZZ Putting Finishing Touches On First Studio Album In 34 Years
Original ALCATRAZZ bassist Gary Shea has rejoined the band. The group's current lineup is rounded out by fellow founding members Graham Bonnet (vocals) and Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), along with guitarist Joe "Shredlord" Stump and drummer Mark Benquechea.
ALCATRAZZ's new studio album is nearly complete and will be released mid-2020. The disc was mixed by Andy Haller.
Bonnet says: "This album is for fans of the first two ALCATRAZZ records, in particular the one with Yngwie [Malmsteen]. We are not messing around here. This is going to be heavy and guitar-driven — plenty of that neo-classical guitar style, along with heavy riffs and over-the-top vocals … We are ready to take ALCATRAZZ up to the next level with this, our first studio album since 1986."
ALCATRAZZ's upcoming LP will also feature contributions from Chris Impellitteri, Steve Vai, Bob Kulick, Dario Mollo and Japan shredder Nozomu Wakai in what is being described in a press release as "a 'Bonnet-Shred-Fest' of some of the guitarists from his past."
ALCATRAZZ will tour extensively in 2020/2021 and beyond.
Bonnet, Waldo and Shea previously reunited after 33 years for a unique series of shows in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, Japan in March 2017. For the special occasion, the band was rounded out by Mark Benquechea (drums) and Conrado Pesinato (guitars), both from the GRAHAM BONNET BAND.
ALCATRAZZ was formed in 1983 by former RAINBOW and MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Graham Bonnet along with Waldo and Shea and they would go on to make three studio albums in the 1980s. The band's debut album included a young Swedish guitarist, Yngwie Malmsteen, and their second album featured guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. ALCATRAZZ split up in 1987 after the release of their third album, "Dangerous Games".
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