New Graham Bonnet Band Album "The Book" Out on November 4th



The new studio album by the Graham Bonnet Band will be released on November 4th, 2016 by Frontiers Records. The album offers 11 new songs. It also includes a bonus disc featuring re-recorded versions of all the best songs Graham Bonnet has sung in his career.

Disc 1:

1. Into The Night
2. Welcome To My Home
3. Earth’s Child (I Am Your Son)
4. Rider
5. Dead Man Walking
6. Strangest Day
7. The Dance
8. Where Were You?
9. The Book
10. Everybody Wants To Go There
11. California Air

Disc 2:

1. Eyes Of The World
2. All Night Long
3. Lost In Hollywood
4. Since You Been Gone
5. Night Games
6. S.O.S.
7. Assault Attack
8. Dancer
9. Desert Song
10. Island In The Sun
11. Hiroshima Mon Amour
12. God Blessed Video
13. Will You Be Home Tonight
14. Witchwood
15. Stand In Line
16. Here Comes The Night (Down Without A Fight)

[Source: Graham Bonnet Band Facebook Page]





Second Blackthorne feat. Graham Bonnet Finally Get A Release



Despite releasing only one album with 1993’s “Afterlife”, Blackthorne deserved to be much bigger, despite Kerrang! magazine’s assertion that, “Afterlife invites you to bang your head, raise yer fist and holler”, and by Metal CD magazine as, “A collection of big, chest-beating anthems”. A “super-group”, in the truest sense, the original band featured Graham Bonnet, whose lengthy career includes a successful solo career, albums with Alcatrazz, which had featured early outings for both Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Steve Vai, spots with The Michael Schenker Group, Anthem and Impelliterri, but is probably best known for fronting the mainstream, commercial breakthrough for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, with 1979’s “Down To Earth”. Lead guitarist Bob Kulick established himself working with Meat Loaf and KISS. Jimmy Waldo is probably best known for his keyboards with Alcatrazz, and was previously in the AOR band New England. Blackthorne’s line-up was completed by Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali on drums.

Work began on a follow-up album, resulting in the first ten tracks featured on this “lost” second album. “Don’t Kill The Thrill” demonstrates what a powerful unit Blackthorne had become in a short period of time. The previously unreleased 10 track “Don’t Kill The Thrill” album has been augmented by no less than 20 bonus tracks, including rare live recordings captured in the States and Japan. This expanded collection features liner notes by Malcolm Dome, based on recent interviews with Graham Bonnet and Bob Kulick.

“Don’t Kill The Thrill” will be released on September 2nd, 2016. The same day will also see the debut album, "Afterlife", get a re-issue with 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks, and liner notes by Malcolm Dome, based on recent interviews with Graham Bonnet and Bob Kulick.

[Source: Cherry Red Records]





Graham Bonnet Band To Release Frontiers Rock Festival Live CD & DVD



Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce that Graham Bonnet Band will be shooting a live CD/DVD during their appearance at the forthcoming Frontiers Rock Festival to be held at the Live Music Club in Trezzo (Milano), Italy on April 24!

Graham Bonnet says: "It's been a very long time since I last released a live video, 32 years to be exact, with Alcatrazz. Myself and the band are very excited to be filming and recording our performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival for a live album and DVD, the setlist will draw from my time with Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri and my solo career, I think the fans will be very happy with the selection of songs."

Graham Bonnet Band features, besides Graham Bonnet on vocals, also Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass and Mark Zonder on drums. A studio album, which will be made available later in the year via Frontiers Music Srl, will also include a bonus disc of brand new recordings of classic songs from the Graham Bonnet repertoire. Also set for release is Graham Bonnet's authorized biography, titled "Graham Bonnet: The Story Behind The Shades".

[Source: Frontiers Music / Blabbermouth]







Graham Bonnet Band To Film Documentary On U.K. Tour 2016



Canada's The Metal Voice will film a documentary diary on the Graham Bonnet Band's U.K. tour. Titled "All Day And Night Long", the documentary will be shot starting on January 22 at the band's warm-up gig at this year's NAMM convention in Southern California and ending on February 2.

The Metal Voice producer Jimmy Kay stated: "We are very excited to work with legendary singer Graham Bonnet and his team. The video will be a first-person account, including the fanatic fans, the encounters, the interactions, the hotels, the behind the scenes and the joy of playing live."

Graham Bonnet Band's "The Mirror Lies" video can be seen below. The song is taken from the group's two-song single titled "My Kingdom Come", which came out last summer. The single's title track was written by none other than Russ Ballard, who previously collaborated with Graham on such hit singles as Rainbow's "Since You've Been Gone" and on Graham's solo album "Line-up" from 1981. This collaboration marked the first time the two have worked together since 1990 (Forcefield's "Let The Wild Run Free").

Currently making preparations for a February tour in the U.K., the Graham Bonnet Band is a four-piece hard rock outfit led by Graham Bonnet, the former singer of Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group and Impellitteri. The lineup is rounded out by guitarist extraordinaire Conrado Pesinato, bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone and former Fates Warning and Warlord drummer Mark Zonder.

During the upcoming tour, the band will showcase many acclaimed songs spanning Bonnet's illustrious career, plus new compositions from the band’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled studio album. Bonnet said: "It has been a while since I last released a full-length album, but this band is the perfect group of musicians to do just that. We are very excited about working with the great folks at Frontiers for our first 'Graham Bonnet Band record. We look forward to a productive and exciting 2016!"

Graham Bonnet Band's new album, which will be made available later in the year via Frontiers Music Srl, will also include a bonus disc of brand new recordings of classic songs from the Graham Bonnet repertoire. Graham Bonnet's authorized biography, titled "Graham Bonnet: The Story Behind The Shades", is tentatively due in early 2016.

The band (with UK metal act Evyltyde as support) are about to undertake an extensive UK tour in February 2016, including a special homecoming show at Graham's place of birth, Skegness on February 3rd at the Suncastle, where the band will be pulling out several surprises in the setlist. Graham says, "I am excited to come back to the U.K. with my new group, and a full career spanning set-list that fans will be very happy with, I hope to see you all there!"



[Source: Blabbermouth]







Graham Bonnet Biography "The Story Behind The Shades" will be out on March 28, 2016



Graham Bonnet: The Story Behind The Shades is written by Steve Wright and is expected in early 2016. It charts the former Rainbow, Alcatrazz and MSG frontman's career from his early days with The Marbles through to his current project, the Graham Bonnet Band. As well as a standard print of the book, a limited-edition version signed by Bonnet and bundled with a CD of rare material and a unique cover design is being worked on.

According to the author, the book offers "an honest and detailed read which will fascinate anyone interested in Bonnet's career, as well as wanting to know more about the development of pop and rock in the UK during the immediate post-war years."

Graham Bonnet has recently also confirmed he's working on an album of original tracks with his latest band. They're to be accompanied by a second disc featuring new recordings of some of the Rainbow, Alcatrazz and MSG vocalist's classic songs. The follow-up to 1999's The Day I Went Mad is set to be released early next year via Frontiers Music, after he signed a deal with the label. The lineup features guitarist Conrado Pesinato, bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone and drummer Mark Zonder.

Bonnet previously discussed plans to record with them, saying: "It's been a while since I last released a full-length album – but this band is the perfect group of musicians to do just that." Last month the singer discussed former Rainbow leader Ritchie Blackmore’s plan to return to rock music next year, saying: "If I were Ritchie I'd find the best young talent out there and go for a fresh, new approach."

The Graham Bonnet band will head out on a UK tour early 2016. Shows in Australia and New Zealand have also been confirmed.

[Source: Classic Rock Magazine UK






Graham Bonnet Band Downloadable Live EP "Escape From Alcatrazz: Alive In Japan"



The Graham Bonnet Band, the new project formed by ex-Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz and Impellitteri vocalist Graham Bonnet, is releasing an exclusive downloadable six track EP entitled "Escape From Alcatrazz: Alive In Japan" from the official Facebook page.

The tracks will be available individually throughout this week starting today, July 20th. The full track listing is:

1. All Night Long
2. Love's No Friend
3. Since You've Been Gone
4. Suffer Me
5. Night Games
6. Lost In Hollywood

The Graham Bonnet Band line-up is:

Graham Bonnet - Vocals
Conrado Pesinato - Guitars
Beth-Ami Heavenstone - Bass
Chase Manhattan - Drums

[Source: Graham Bonnet Band Facebook page]






Graham Bonnet Band Release New Two-Track Single



Legendary hard rock vocalist Graham Bonnet returns to the studio with his new band, the Graham Bonnet Band. The first music from the new group is a two-track single titled 'My Kingdom Come', the title track of which was written by none other than Russ Ballard (who previously collaborated with Graham on hit singles such as Rainbow's 'Since You've Been Gone' and on Graham's solo album Line-up from 1981). This collaboration marks the first time the two have worked together since 1990 (Forcefield's Let The Wild Run Free).

The second new track titled 'The Mirror Lies' is a band composition that shows that Graham with his powerful new band have no plans to slow down any time soon. Drums for the two new songs were performed by legendary progressive metal drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord, Fates Warning). Mark (who took time out from recording new Warlord material to guest on the sessions) commented: "I would have never thought this would happen when I first heard Graham sing with Rainbow. It is an honor and a privilege to be recording with him and his band".

Also featured are Keyboardists Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper) on the title track, and Eric Ragno (The Baby's) on 'The Mirror Lies'. The new songs were produced by band guitarist Conrado Pesinato and mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio.

The new songs can also be streamed at the bands Reverbnation page. To purchase visit iTunes.

[Source: Bravewords]




Graham Bonnet Band To Release Russ Ballard Track on Two-Song EP



The first release from The Graham Bonnet Band will be a two-song EP titled "My Kingdom Come", the title track being written by none other than Russ Ballard, who has had a long association with Graham dating back to Rainbow's "Down To Earth" album (on the track "Since You Been Gone") and Graham's own "Line-Up" solo outing from 1981 ("S.O.S." and "Liar").

Graham says: "It's really great to have Russ contribute a song on our first release as a new band, I have a great history with him, having recorded several of his songs for bands and projects I have been involved in over the years."

The "My Kingdom Come" song features renowned progressive rock/metal drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord, ex-Fates Warning) performing all drum duties. The other track on offer, a full original band composition titled "The Mirror Lies", is a powerful song that will certainly please fans of Graham's celebrated career in hard rock. The EP, which was mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio, will be released in time for Graham Bonnet Band's Japanese tour this coming June with Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock. The Graham Bonnet Band has finalized its touring and recording lineup with the addition of Chase Manhattan (Dee Dee Ramone, Behold! The Monolithon) drums. As a special treat for fans of Graham and Michael's 1982 MSG release "Assault Attack", Graham will be joining Michael's band for a song or two from that album on each date of the tour.

Graham adds: "We know that this record holds a very special place for many fans, especially in Japan , so this will make the debut shows of the new band even more special."

Bookings are coming in for Graham's new band, which will see the group touring extensively over the next year in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Meanwhile, in May, Graham will be partaking in the "Living Legends Of Rock" tour of the Czech Republic, Russia and the Ukraine, alongside John Lawton (Uriah Heep) and Dan McCafferty (Nazareth).

[Source: Blabbermouth]







Graham Bonnet support act for Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock in Japan



Graham Bonnet Band will be the support act for the Japan tour of Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock. Singer for Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock is ofcourse Doogie White. Both the former Rainbow singers will share the stage on five dates. Bonnet is supposed to perform on these dates as well for the first time ever live songs of the 'Assault Attack' album together with Michael Schenker.

The tourdates are:

June 14: Zepp Namba - Osaka, Japan
June 15: Diamond Hall - Nagoya, Japan
June 17: Nakano Sun Plaza - Tokyo, Japan
June 18: Nakano Sun Plaza - Tokyo, Japan
June 19: Nakano Sun Plaza - Tokyo, Japan


[Thanks to Conrado Pesinato (on Facebook)]







Graham Bonnet to guest on Axel Rudi Pell's Anniversary Show CD/DVD/BlueRay



Axel Rudi Pell celebrated his 25th anniversary as a solo artist by performing a very special show last year on July 11 at the Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany. The show with many guests including ex-Rainbow members Bobby Rondinelli, Tony Carey, Doogie White and Graham Bonnet gets a release now on CD, DVD and Blue Ray titled 'Magic Moments'.

The complete show will be released as Digipak 3 CD, Digipak 3 DVD (NTSC, code free), Blu-ray and digital download - out in Scandinavia on April 22nd, in Germany on April 24th, in Europe on April 27th and in the USA on April 28th through SPV/Steamhammer.

Tracklist:

CD 1:

Call Her Princess - Steeler
Night After Night - Steeler
Rockin´ The City - Steeler
Undercover Animal - Steeler
Nasty Reputation - Rob Rock, Joerg Michael
Warrior - Jeff Scott Soto, Joerg Michael
Fool Fool - Jeff Scott Soto, Joerg Michael

CD 2:

(Current ARP Band)

Burning Chains
Strong As A Rock
Long Way To Go
Hey Hey My My
Mystica
Into The Storm
Too Late / Eternal Prisoner / Too Late
The Masquerade Ball / Casbah
Rock The Nation

CD 3:

Drum Battle - Vinnie Appice, Bobby Rondinelli
Black Night - Ronnie Atkins
Sympathy - John Lawton
Tush - John Lawton
Mistreated - Doogie White, Tony Carey, Johnny Gioeli
Since You Been Gone - Graham Bonnet, Michael Voss, Doogie White
Long Live Rock´N´Roll – Doogie White, Graham Bonnet, Tony Carey
Smoke On The Water – all guests

Line-Up:

Axel Rudi Pell - Guitars
Johnny Gioeli - Vocals
Ferdy Doernberg - Keyboards
Volker Krawczak - Bass
Bobby Rondinelli – Drums

Friends:

Steeler: Peter Burtz (v), Tom Eder (g), Roland Hag (b), Jan Yiridal (dr)

Rob Rock (v), Jeff Scott Soto (v), Joerg Michael (dr), Vinny Appice (dr), Ronnie Atkins (v), John Lawton (v), Tony Carey (k, v), Doogie White (v), Graham Bonnet (v), Michael Voss (v)







Graham Bonnet to release previously unheard album from 1975



Graham Bonnet is to release previously unheard album from 1975 as first part of newly launched 'Graham Bonnet Archive' series, titled Graham Bonnet - 'Private i - The Archives Vol. One'.

Before there was Rainbow, before there were the solo hits "Warm Ride", "It's All Over Now" and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" Graham had written and recorded his first post-Marbles solo album. Sadly, this album never saw the light of day way back in 1975 for a number of reasons... However 40 years later that is about to change. Newly remastered from the only still existing tape source, 'Private i' contains 12 diverse tracks and shows a side of Graham's voice that many may have never heard.

Graham recalls, "Those sessions were great fun, and it was exciting to be recording for the first time my own compositions, we had some great people playing on the record , i recall Rick Wakeman was on one track, along with Phillip Goodhand-Tait, oh and my wife at the time (British actress) Adrienne Posta... I played alot of the instruments, as did my producer Kaplin Kaye".

'Private i' is available digitally from January 22nd via itunes and all other major digital media outlets.

The Tracklisting for 'Private i : The Archives Vol. One' is :

1. Here Comes The Rain
2. What's This 'Ere Then
3. Private Eye
4. Let Me Off This Time / Saturday's Gone
5. Back-Row In The Stalls
6. She May Not Be Much To Look At
7. Ade's Song
8. Mamma Mine
9. Relaxae (Jazz Me)
10. Don't Drink The Water
11. Dreams (Out In The Forest)
12. We're Free

Cover Photograph Credit Peter Foldey







Graham Bonnet launches the Graham Bonnet Band



Legendary vocalist Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri) is proud to unveil his new group, the Graham Bonnet Band.

Currently making preparations for a 2015 tour, the Graham Bonnet Band is a four-piece hard rock outfit that also features guitarist extraordinaire Conrado Pesinato and bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone. The band will showcase many acclaimed songs spanning Bonnet's illustrious career, plus new compositions from the band’s forthcoming, as yet untitled, studio album.

Bonnet says, "It has been a while since I last released a full length album, but this band is the perfect group of musicians to do just that. We also are planning on getting out there and performing live all over the world in 2015 and beyond. I am looking forward to seeing all my fans, and with the Graham Bonnet Band we will be playing the songs you all want to hear the way you know them, plus some of the new material we are currently working on, which fits in very well with the classic tracks!"

Beyond the band, Bonnet will be releasing a collection of previously unreleased music from his personal archive of material from the 1970’s, entitled 'Private i, the archives: vol. one' More information to be announced soon.







Graham Bonnet Authorised Biography most likely not yet released in 2015



Steve Wright who works on the Graham Bonnet Authorised Biography gave the following update: "Quite a few of you have been asking me about the book and sending me links to where it is available to pre-order around the world. I am flattered by this but, please let me point out, though, the book is far from finished and very slow going indeed. Far slower than I ever imagined. If it is out by this time next year I will be happy but, don’t hold your breath! Thanks for your interest.

[Thanks to Steve Wright]







Lyraka Volume 2 Ken Kelly Cover Art & Release Date Revealed



The final cover art for the long awaited Wagnerian opera metal album "Lyraka Volume 2" (that has Graham Bonnet amongst others on vocals) has been revealed. The art is an original painting by fantasy art god Ken Kelly (Manowar, Kiss, Rainbow).

Composer-guitarist Andy DiGelsomina has made the following statement: "A major decision has been made regarding Lyraka Volume 2, and that is I'll be finishing the mixing (and at least co-mastering) the final product. This announcement brings with it both bad and good news: the good news is that the end result will be entirely a product of Jasmine and mine, we'll have beyond Wagnerian control of the sound of our music. This is a very powerful thing, making our music as expressive of our vision as humanly possible.

The bad news is a once again delayed release date, as it may take until May of 2015 for this CD to be released. This is an outside release date, as we are doing everything we can to make things significantly faster. Everyone whom has so graciously aided in the funding of this CD will be amply rewarded when it is completed, as neither Empress Jasmine nor I will put the end result out until it is the best it can be, and from a compositional perspective we have no reservations in stating that this album is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

We want to add how grateful we are to our worldwide fans, not just for the amazingly generous financial contributions, but for the tremendous amount of patience and encouragement exhibited. Our fans are the best in the world."

[Thanks to Empress of Mermaids]







Graham Bonnet – The Story Behind The Shades: The Illustrated Biography



Some time ago there have been some chapters published on the GrahamBonnet.com website of an biography of Graham Bonnet. Since the website is no longer active it became quiet about this release.

But now there's a new website with news on the The Authorised Illustrated Biography titled "Graham Bonnet – The Story Behind The Shades" (ISBN – 978-0-9561439-3-8 regular edition) by Steve Wright.

Check this link for more information. You also can join a special mailing list that keep you updated on the book's progress, and any pre-publication offers or special editions.

[Thanks to Steve Wright]







Michael Schenker up for reunion with Graham Bonnet



Michael Schenker has revealed he'd be delighted to work with signer Graham Bonnet again - despite the splitt following recording sessions for 1982 album Assault Attack. The guitarist icon believes the former Rainbow singer's departure meant the Michael Schenker Group record was never properly toured, leading to a relative lack of success.

Schenker – who released solo album Bridge The Gap last year – tells Songfacts.com: "It would be interesting to see if we can put something together live, because Assault Attack never got toured. If Graham was well enough and the opportunity and the moment in time would allow something like that to happen, it would maybe be a creative thing to do. But at this point we never quite got to it.”

Bonnet, who left MSG after just one show, has previously said he'd be keen to work with the axeman on new material – leaving the door open for a reunion.

[Source: Classic Rock Magazine / Songfacts - March 2014]







Graham Bonnet has announced a new project simply called Bonnet



Graham Bonnet has announced a new project called BONNET. The former Rainbow singer who is touring the UK this month under the monicker of the Catch the Rainbow Tour will return later this year to the UK for another tour. In December he will be back in the UK with The Rainbow Classics Tour. More news on Bonnet's new Facebook page.

In an interview with My Global Mind Graham said about Alcatrazz: I quit the band about five months ago, and I told them about this new band that I was putting together with my friends here. We had just got back from a successful tour in Brazil, and great reviews and all that kind of thing. They asked ”Do you want to leave this band, and do something else-really?” I said ”Yes, it’s been thirty years of singing the same old songs. I think it is time for something new” before I shrivel up and die...

[Source: Bonnet Facebook / My Global Mind]







Lyraka Launches Indiegogo Campaign!



Lyraka is the 2006 brainchild of Jasmine Lyraka Aliara, whom formed a vision of a multi-media event involving her story. Jasmine enlisted the help of her significant other, composer and lead guitarist Andy DiGelsomina, to write the music for the project. From there the two went on to create Lyraka Volume 1, featuring the vocal talents of Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz), Veronica Freeman (Benedictum), and Tommy Heart (Uli Jon Roth, Fair Warning). The album, released in 2010, was extremely well received in the UK and America, with Martin Popoff seeing the project as potentially "the next Led Zeppelin", and DiGelsomina as a "great songwriter". The album also featured art from fantasy god Ken Kelly, creator of the Kiss Destroyer, Love Gun, Rainbow Rising, and Manowar album covers as well as literally hundreds of marketed Conan illustrations etc.

Lyraka Volume 2 got off the ground from a recording perspective in 2011, this time featuring Bonnet again (this time for three songs, including a trio with Uli Roth vocalist Liz Vandall and the mega-range talents of Yngwie Malmsteen legend Mark Boals!). Judas Priest founder Al Atkins, Rob Diaz of Vastator, Veronica Freeman, and Robert Lowe of Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus joined the vocal fold. Ken Kelly was also back on board for another three paintings, all which will be part of the packaging for Lyraka Volume 2.

The Wagnerian Opera Metal project Lyraka has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for production of their upcoming album, Lyraka Volume 2: Sonata Sirena.

Composer-Guitarist Andy DiGelsomina had this to say about the endeavor: "It was inevitable! Today is day one of thirty in our Indiegogo campaign to get Lyraka Volume 2: Sonata Sirena released. Everybody please drop by and pledge when you have time, I have so much great music for you; I honestly feel I have created a masterpiece."

Information on how to help here.

[Source: Empress of Mermaids]







Graham Bonnet Comments On Formation Of Bonnet, Parga & Heavenstone



British guitarist Mario Parga has announced that he has formed a new Los Angeles based all-acoustic trio called Bonnet, Parga & Heavenstone with his longtime friend Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz) on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Beth-Ami Heavenstone (Hardly Dangerous, Tomi Rae Brown) on acoustic bass and backing vocals. Mario will provide lead acoustic guitar and backing vocals to the trio, who are currently recording new material and rehearsing for live shows around the world.


Said Bonnet: "For years now, I have always been asked why don't I play an acoustic segment in Alcatrazz shows, as some people know my earlier music, from solo albums, with me playing guitar and writing different kinds of music, not just the obvious hard rock tunes. I was always nervous to do this after all these years being in a rock band, because you are out there semi-naked, guitar slinging with no Marshalls, loud drums to cover any bad notes or just getting through shows with screaming and yelling. Time to show that's not the only voice I have again. love real singing with real emotions. Sometimes hard rock becomes a little fake and tainted, so every song has to be sort of heavy.

"I won't give up the rock influence I have in the new venture. I'll be there, but just dynamics that give the band space and air and me catching my breath. To have a good friend and amazing guitarist to play alongside of, Mario Parga, is somewhat daunting but he was one person that has asked for years why don't I do what we are now doing as an acoustic band. His versatility is perfect for me to attempt jazz, rock, pop, anything with confidence and a smile as this new band is making me very happy. Mario and I will play acoustic guitars and will be joined by Beth-Ami Heavenstone, playing acoustic /electric bass. Yes, a woman... and there's a novelty!!!!???

"I sang with Beth-Ami and her band and was somewhat inspired by her enthusiasm. When I spoke with her after the gig and told her of my idea of some day trying to change my musical direction, she was interested in that concept as for her also the same old song was getting very old. She said, 'Why don't you do it now?'. So here I am, Beth-Ami, Mario and I writing new tunes and feeling that spirit again that seems to have neglected us for too long.

"Beth-Ami has great musical ideas, though sometimes I think I am right about everything. Well, I am not.... Mario and Beth-Ami remind me this is a group effort and I am so happy with that!! I hope this will bring those who are curious to see what this is and where it will lead. I hope to do a new album and live shows. I also have to thank Mandy Wheatcroft for her input into all I have done over the past few years. Again she told me: 'Go for this, Graham. Show the world there is still a lot more music in you.' Yes, there is... So then there are three."

[Source: Blabbermouth]







Graham Bonnet Joins Forces With Mario Parga In New All-Acoustic Project



British guitarist Mario Parga has announced that he has formed a new Los Angeles based all-acoustic trio called Bonnet, Parga & Heavenstone with his longtime friend Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz) on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Beth-Ami Heavenstone (Hardly Dangerous, Tomi Rae Brown) on acoustic bass and backing vocals. Mario will provide lead acoustic guitar and backing vocals to the trio, who are currently recording new material and rehearsing for live shows around the world.

Mario said: "I've always loved acoustic music and have played the acoustic guitar along with the electric since I began playing years ago. The acoustic trio will give us the opportunity to play a variety of songs, from old to new and a couple of instrumentals in an 'unplugged' environment with a clear, clean sound. The acoustic guitar has great dynamics, and it can be used to great effect for rhythms and solos. Graham sounds particularly amazing in an acoustic setting; he's able to use his entire vocal range and dynamics, from the softest melodies to, well, Graham!

Beth-Ami's acoustic bass powers and grooves the trio with the bottom end, and her backing vocals complement Graham's voice. Beth's been around on the L.A. circuit for decades and can play just about anything. We have a few new songs that are being recorded at my place and will be featured on our website soon. Live shows are currently being set up and will be announced on the trio's website. We hope to see our old fans and new at the acoustic shows, and for them to hear us in a new setting."

[Source: Blabbermouth]







Lyraka "Volume 2: Sonata Sirena" Tracklist Revealed



Fantasy art god Ken Kelly has contributed a third piece for the Lyraka saga, this time a likeness of the character Lilliput, whom is the despotic queen of the desert land of Errandia. The character is voiced by Liz Vandall of Uli Jon Roth and Sahara fame, and can be heard on the opera project's second album, Lyraka Volume 2: Sonata Sirena.

The double CD album is set for release August 29th, 2014, and also contains vocal performances by Al Atkins (Judas Priest), Rob Diaz (Vastator), Veronica Freeman (Benedictum), Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeternus, Candlemass), and a vocal trio featuring Vandall, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alacatrazz), and Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire).

The tracklisting (includes singers in parentheses):

'Volcano (featuring Veronica Freeman, Rob Diaz, and Graham Bonnet on lead vocals, with backing vocals by Liz Vandall)
'Father' (an operetta in three movements)
a) Angst (Mark Boals, Liz Vandall)
b) Semmonet (Al Atkins)
c) Neires' Ocean Journey (Mark Boals, Liz Vandall, and Al Atkins)
'Entombed by Choice' (featuring Robert Lowe on vocals)
'Lilliput (Liz Vandall)
'Luminous Wisdom' (Andy DiGelsomina guitar instrumental)
'Abyss' (Rob Diaz)
'Fideis Defensor' (Graham Bonnet, Mark Boals, Liz Vandall)
'Lyraka (On Dragon's Wings)' (Graham Bonnet lead vocals and Liz Vandall backing)
'The Will to Believe' (Andy DiGelsomina guitar instrumental)
'Heavy Metal' (Graham Bonnet)

In other Lyraka news, work is about to begin on Jasmine Lyraka Aliara's graphic novel collaboration with artist Vince Locke. The graphic novel is scheduled to be published in the fall of 2014.

source: Bravewords.com





New interview with Graham Bonnet by Greg Prato (Songfacts)



Greg Prato (Songfacts) told us he just did an interview with Graham Bonnet. Many questions on Rainbow, MSG and Alcatrazz, as well as Graham plans to tour the UK next year. Don Airey might be joining him for playing keyboards on some of the shows.

Read the complete interview here.

source: Greg Prato (Songfacts)





Trevor Gordon, half of duo The Marbles, Dies at the Age of 64



Trevor Gordon, half of duo The Marbles with his cousin Graham Bonnet, has died at the age of 64. English born Trevor Gordon Grunnill migrated to Australia as a kid and then moved back to the UK in the 60s to form The Marbles with Graham, who would later go onto solo success with the Bee Gee"s written "Warm Ride" and a cover of Bob Dylan"s "It's All Over Now Baby Blue".

Trevor Gordon was a close friend of the Bee Gees. Barry Gibb wrote their one and only hit song "Only One Woman", as well as "The Walls Fell Down". "Only One Woman" was a Top 3 hit in the UK in 1968. A lesser-know song "The Walls Fell Down" reached no. 28 in the UK).

Gordon met the Gibbs growing up in Brisbane in 1964. He recorded other Barry Gibb songs before forming The Marbles. Barry got them a meeting with Robert Stigwood who signed them to his label. The Marbles only ever released one album "The Marbles" (1970) and four singles.

source: noise11.com





Lyraka - Sonata Sirena Mini-CD Artwork Revealed; Graham Bonnet On Title Track





A message to Lyraka fans from Andy DiGelsomina: "First off, to all whom have helped support, our most humble thanks. You fans all live in our hearts, and the sky is burned by your magic and might.

Now the news: a mini-cd entitled "Sonata Sirena" is planned for June 2013, there will be pre-order links up very soon at the main Lyraka site. The mini-cd will include the Graham Bonnet on the track 'Lyraka (On Dragon's Wings', two other new songs, and some chromatic fantasies for guitar I originally recorded back in 2006."

[thanks to: Andy DiGelsomina]





Authorized Book about the Life of Graham Bonnet in the Works



Author Steve Wright is currently writing the first official book about the life of legendary Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet. He promises it will "show you a part of the man you do not know."

Wright, who met Bonnet over 20 years ago, has decided to share some of the contents of the chapters as they are being written.
Click here for a sneek peek at chapters one and two.

A release date for the book has not yet been announced.

[thanks to: Andy DiGelsomina]





Lyraka Radio Interview Mp3 Available



Lyraka's Andy DiGelsomina and Jasmine Lyraka are featured on the program "Bogart's Cellar with Jesse Contreras". The entire Lyraka album gets played, and Jesse talks to Andy and Jasmine about the songs, working with Graham Bonnet, and Andy's guitar influences.

You can download the interview that has a running time of 70 minutes from this link

On another note: Andy and Jasmine are donating 15% of each Lyraka CD sale from Lyraka.com to Japan Quake and Tsunami relief.

[thanks to: Jasmine Lyraka]





Pushking CD featuring Joe Lynn Turner & Graham Bonnet out now



The Pushking CD "The World as We Love It" is finally out and on sale. We already posted news about this album in early 2009. It was supposed to get released last year but it finally has come out now in 2011. Fans can buy the CD through NEH and Amazon.

Graham Bonnet (ex-Rainbow, ex-MSG, Alcatrazz) recorded his part for the songs "God made us free" and "Kukarracha" in September 2008 in a Los Angeles, California studio.

Joe Lynn Turner recorded his part for the song "Head shooter" and the song "Kukarracha" (CD 1996 "V.I.P. music by Koha, lyrics by Koha/Valery Komissarov) in a San Diego, California studio in September 2008.

Joe said, "The PUSHKING DUETS CD has remarkable potential!!! Great music indeed. I can't wait to hear the final cut! It's an honor to be on board with so many amazing performers!"

The album contains 19 tracks:

1. Intro
2. Nightrider (vocals, guitar Billy F.Gibbons)
3. It will be O.K. (vocals Billy F.Gibbons, guitar Nuno Bettencourt)
4. Kukarracha (vocals: Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Eric Martin, Paul Stanley, Glenn Hughes)
5. Stranger's song (vocals John Lawton, guitar Steve Stevens)
6. Cut the wire (vocals: Paul Stanley, guitar Stevie Salas)
7. My reflection after seeing the Shindler's list movie (vocals: Koha, guitar Steve Vai)
8. Trouble love (vocals: Alice Cooper, guitar Keri Kelli)
9. Why don't you (vocals: Glenn Hughes, guitar Dobro Al Perkens)
10. God made us free (vocals: Graham Bonnet, guitar Dobro Al Perkens)
11. Tonight (vocal Glenn Hughes, guitar Joe Bonamassa)
12. I believe (vocals: Jeff Scott Soto)
13. Open letter to God (vocals: Eric Martin)
14. Head shooter (vocals: Joe Lynn Turner)
15. I love you (vocals: Dan McCafferty)
16. Heroin (vocals: Jorn Lande, guitar Alex de Rosso)
17. My simple song (vocals: Dan McCafferty)
18. Nature's child (vocals: Udo Dirkschneider)
19. Private own (vocals: Glenn Hughes, guitar Matt Filippini)

More about Pushking on their website.

[thanks to: Gustavo Solinas]





New official website for Graham Bonnet



Graham Bonnet has a new official website since Masaya Uchimura recently handed over the duties to Ainhoa Prieto and Mandy Wheatcroft. The new URL is www.grahambonnet.com. The welcome and goodbye message on the website say:

January 28, 2011... Welcome to the new website!

Dear all.. We are very proud to present you Graham's new website! He is very excited about it and it marks the start of a new and exciting era. We also hope you will enjoy a more interactive visit. Please check out our new video section, complete biography and discography section and loads of new photos from past shows in our "Past Tour Dates" section. The previous www.bonnetrocks.com website will keep running for few days while we change the servers. During that time www.grahambonnet.com will go offline for 24 hours only while the domain name changes servers as well. Thank you and..... Welcome to www.grahambonnet.com!!!

January 29, 2011... Message from Masaya

"I have run the Bonnet Rocks website for ten years since I succeeded from Kevin Valentine in 2001. It has been my great pleasure to run the site and connect Bonnet fans all over the world. It has been a fantastic experience for me to communicate with the wonderful people who love Graham and the great musicians who work with Graham.

I sincerely thank Kevin for giving me this chance, Howie Simon and Tim Luce for the friendship, and everyone who gave me warm support and help. Thank you so much! I will continue to help Mandy and Ainhoa to run this site as much as I can, but I truly hope that everyone will enjoy this new fantastic site. Finally, my warmest regards and love continue to go to Graham. You are my star forever. BONNET ROCKS!"

[Thanks to: Masaya, Ainhoa & Mandy]






Graham Bonnet sings two songs on Tomorrow's Outlook album



Norwegian metallers TOMORROW'S OUTLOOK have issued the following update in regards to their forthcoming debut album, 34613:

"We have now been listening through the Master a couple of times and there is nothing we would like to change. It all sounds killer!

We would like to thank our engineer for beeing patient with us and for doing such a great job. We didn't expect the recordings to turn out as great as they did. Colin Davis is a true magician, and I have been wondering lately why he ain't up there with the best metal/hardrock producers of today!

If you represent a serious record-label or know of someone who do let me know (theband@tomorrowsoutlook.com) and I will definitely ship out another promo pack.

The more interest the better! And if we still can't secure a good deal we will release the album ourselves. This way we'll get more money and there's a bigger chance for a follow-up sometime soon. Wish us luck, friends... and have a great remaining Christmas and forthcoming new year. All the best from Sörvik "Rock" City and Northern Norway."

A previous update from the group states:

"34613 has been in the works for the past three years, so it feels real good to complete the tracklist with a new song called 'Ice Mountain'. 'Ice Mountain' is about one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. It's about how the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time (1912), struck an iceberg and sank... resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people.

I guess you've all figured by now the song is about The RMS Titanic. Graham Bonnet (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, Rainbow) was upon our request writing the lyrics and he did a killer job on vocals. 'Ice Mountain' doesn't sound that far off something he did back in the days with ALCATRAZZ and IMPELLITTERI, and it will definitely be one of the highlights on the album."

Early 2008 already brought the news that Graham Bonnet was going to be recording the vocal track on the song "Red Rum" for this Norwegian metal project. The track was supposed to be included on the Lizzy Borden Tribute album "Baptized in Blood" on Metallic Arch Angel Records. The album was announced for summer/late 2008, but -as far as we know- it never came out.

Tracklist:

01. As Darkness Falls
02. Gate To Freedom
03. Glass Mountain (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
04. A Song For You
05. Doubt
06. The Ethereal Dream
07. 34613 (Instrumental)
08. White Lightning
09. Liquid Scream
10. Kill Again
11. March Of The Demons
12. Red Rum (Lizzy Borden Cover - Graham Bonnet on vocals)
13. The Ethereal Dream (Michael Kiske on vocals)

Musicians:

Andreas Stenseth (Bass)
Mike Haid (Drums)
Charlie Zeleny (Drums)
Sami Saarinen (Guitar)
Michael Harris (Guitar)
Oystein K. Hanssen (Guitar)
Mike Gorham (Vocals)
Norman Kiersnowski (SKI) (Vocals)
Scott Oliva (Vocals)
Graham Bonnet (Vocals)
Michael Kiske (Vocals)

[Source: Tomorrow's Outlook]






Graham Bonnet Signs On For 2nd Lyraka Album



Lyraka has announced the signing of legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz) for the recording of their second CD, "Lyraka Volume 2". The composer and lead guitarist, Andy DiGelsomina, has stated, "For the second album, Graham will not only adding his voice to the songs, but will be involved in the songwriting. I would be foolish to pass on an opportunity to collaborate with the man who co-wrote songs like Assault Attack, Desert Song, and Island in the Sun."

Bonnet has stated he is "looking forward" to the collaboration, and sessions will begin in February 2011. Bonnet will also be enlisted for narrative work in the upcoming Lyraka movie, slated for production in 2013.

"Lyraka Volume 1" is now available on CD and MP3 at Lyraka.com

update: (posted by Andy on the Fanclan Forum)

This might seem like a weird topic, but I'm getting people asking me about advance orders on Lyraka Volume 2. If you would like to order the CD in advance (the release date is set at a hopeful December 2011), just send $15.00 via PayPal to theempressofmermaids@yahoo.com and I'll know what it's for.

Naturally, I'm very happy to be getting all these inquiries in advance. It will be a huge help to defray the expense of production, which I'll be starting next month. Rainbow Fan Clan members that order in advance will receive the mp3s a two weeks in advance of the release (if they like), and the CD shipped the day of its pressing.

The cd will again feature Ken Kelly (Rainbow, Kiss, Manowar, Conan) artwork on the cover, and of course the vocal talents of Mr. Graham Bonnet on at least 4 songs. One of the Graham songs will feature a duet (!) with Veronica Freeman (Benedictum). There will also be two other tracks featuring Veronica, Tommy Heart (Uli Jon Roth, Fair Warning), and Rob Diaz (Vastator).

Thanks so much to all here for their support, it has been really motivating!

[Thanks to: Jasmine Lyraka]






Gig for Graham Bonnet with Walter Giardino & Greg Smith in Argentina



Walter Giardino, leader and founder of Argentinean band Rata Blanca, will be playing on Saturday the 18th of December at Teatro Flores (Av. Rivadavia 7806, Flores), Buenos Aires, Argentina with legendary and charismatic rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow/Alcatrazz).

On bass they will be joined by Greg Smith, another reknowned figure and former bass player with Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow to mention few. Nowadays he is a member of Ted Nugent and Over The Rainbow. This powerful trio will be accompanied by two Rata Blanca members. Fernando Scarcella on drums and Danilo Moschen on keyboards.

They will perform songs from Rainbow and Alcatrazz and some other surprises, not to be missed if you are a fan of Walter and Rata Blanca and for hard rock lovers in general.

Tickets now on sale at Ticketeck.

For more info check: waltergiardino.com

[Thanks to: Rob Fodder]






Lyraka Debut CD Featuring Graham Bonnet out on November 27th



The Wagnerian metal opera project, Lyraka, has announced a pre-order offer for their debut CD, entitled "Lyraka.Volume 1". The CD, which is set for release November 27th, 2010, is available for pre-order at 15% off its release date price at Lyraka.com now.

The project, which bills itself as "Wagnerian Opera Metal, Defined" features 4 songs performed by Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, ALCATRAZZ), one by Tommy Heart (ULI JON ROTH, FAIR WARNING), and one by Veronica Freeman (BENEDICTUM). Jeff Pilson (Dio, Dokken, Foreigner) and Tim Luce (Alcatrazz) have been involved in the project, as well as Andre Maquera (8084).

The composer, Andy DiGelsomina, announced "We are proud to announce that famed fantasy artist Ken Kelly (Kiss, Rainbow, Manowar) is putting the finishing touches on the cover artwork now, and it's looking KILLER."

update:

Lyraka, the heavy metal opera project featuring Graham Bonnet, has put up four mp3 clips up on Lyraka.com.
The tracks are "Coronation", "Palace Guard", "Neires", and "Beyond the Palace".

The Lyraka CD cover artwork has been completed by renown fantasy artist Ken Kelly (of Rainbow Rising fame). It is now being featured on Lyraka.com. It is the 1st in a series of Ken Kelly paintings for the project.

[Thanks to: Jasmine Lyraka]






"The Voices of Rainbow" Tour with Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner & Doogie White



Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner with Japanese band and Doogie White will tour Japan late September. The tour has been named the "Voices of Rainbow" Special Live in Japan.


The tourdates are:

Sep 27, 2010 - Big Cat, Osaka, Japan
Sep 29, 2010 - Bottom Line, Nagoya, Japan
Sep 30, 2010 - Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall, Tokyo, Japan

The line-up for these shows are:

Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet:

Graham Bonnet (vocals), Howie Simon (guitar), Tim Luce (bass) and Jeff Bowders (drums)

Joe Lynn Turner:

Joe Lynn Turner (vocals), Akira Kajiyama (guitar), Toshio Egawa (keyboards), Atsushi Hasegawa (bass) and Kenichi Fujimoto (drums)

Guest Vocals:

Doogie White

More info & tickets (in Japanese language on the site of ZAK Corporation.


[Thanks to: Howie Simon & Bonnet Rocks!]






Lyraka Featuring Graham Bonnet New Update



Graham Bonnet has completed 4 songs for the heavy metal opera project, Lyraka. Bonnet is singing the parts of the musical narrator and Palace Guard.

A press release dated 19/03/10 reported that Tommy Heart (Uli Jon Roth, Fair Warning, Soul Doctor) has also been signed on to provide vocals for Lyraka.

The first in a set of highlights cds, entitled "Lyraka, Volume 1", is due to be released in February 2011. More information can be found here.


[Thanks To Jasmine Lyraka for the news]





Alcatrazz albums re-issued on SHM-CD format in Japan early next year



All albums by Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz are re-issued in Japan as mini LP featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players).

The four-album ALCATRAZZ cardboard sleeve re-issue series is featuring "No Parole From Rock'n'Roll" (HMCX-1080), "Live Sentence" (HMCX-1081), "Disturbing The Peace" (HMCX-1082) and "Dangerous Games" (HMCX-1083).

The release date for all the re-issues is January 27th in 2010.

[Source: CD Japan]






First two Graham Bonnet solo albums issued on CD by the Voiceprint Label



The UK label Voiceprint will issue Graham's 1st solo album "Graham Bonnet" and 2nd solo album "No Bad Habits" on CD in October and November respectively.

"Graham Bonnet" was once released on CD in 1987, coupled with "Line Up", in Japan, but it has been out-of-print, rare collector's item for many years. "No Bad Habits" has never even been officially released on CD in the past. So these items will be a must for all Graham Bonnet collectors and other fans who are interested in Graham's pre-Rainbow career. Their website is now taking pre-orders as below.

"Graham Bonnet"
http://www.voiceprint.co.uk/web/Release/VP507CD/

"No Bad Habits"
http://www.voiceprint.co.uk/web/Release/VP508CD/

Amazon UK, Germany, US and Japan have also started to take pre-orders for "Graham Bonnet".

Voiceprint has also issued the J21 album "Yellow Mind -Blue Mind" featuring Graham on two tracks "The Truth Behind The Veil" and "The Edge of Now". http://www.voiceprint.co.uk/web/Release/VP510CD/

[Source: Bonnet Rocks]






New drummer for Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet



Bonnet Rocks reports: We are pleased to announce that Alcatrazz has welcomed new drummer Dave Dzialak (Jeff Scott Soto Band) due to Glen Sobel's departure. While we wish the great success of Glen's future career, the band has been rehearsing in Los Angeles to rock the coming Mexico tour this weekend. Be prepared! Alcatrazz rocks!

Alcatrazz will play this weeks two festivals in Mexico.
Other bands on the bill include Testament, VoiVod, Grave Digger & Sacred Reich. The dates are:

September 12: Arena Santa Lucia, Monterrey, Mexico
September 13: Salon Vive Cuervo, Mexico City, Mexico

[Source: Bonnet Rocks]






Graham Bonnet sings two songs on J21's solo album "Yellow Mind : Blue Mind"



Graham Bonnet Official Website Bonnet Rocks reports: We are pleased to announce that Spain's most experimental guitar player, J21, releases his first solo album "Yellow Mind : Blue Mind", featuring Graham on two songs "The Edge of Now" and "The Truth Behind The Veil".

The other musicians featured on the album are Trey Gunn (King Crimson, KTU, Trey Gunn Band), Geoff Tyson (T-Ride) and Ed Mann (Zappa). For a sample clip of "The Edge of Now" and more information, visit www.lawof21.com or www.myspace.com/j21music.

[Source: Bonnetrocks.com]

update:

I'm J21, a big Rainbow fan and I love the website. I just wanted to let you know that I have released a record called "Yellow Mind : Blue Mind" featuring Graham Bonnet, Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Ed Mann (Zappa), etc...

You can hear 2 tracks on my Myspace: "The Edge of Now" (featuring Graham Bonnet) and "Yellow Mind Blue Mind" (instrumental). I hope you like it!

[Source: J21]






Lyraka Featuring Graham Bonnet Update



Andy DiGelsomina reported his latest update to us:

Two tracks for the Metal Opera "Lyraka" have been sung so far by Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group) for the upcoming cd. The first, "Beyond the Palace" is a very Dio-esque epic, while "Coronation" is a bit of a Starstruck/Strange Kind of Woman banger.

Graham is sounding fantastic. On Beyond the Palace he goes from a Love's No Friend delivery to a balls out Samurai style. The vocal engineer, Tim Luce (Alcatrazz bassist and a great engineer) got with Graham and helped arrange the chorale parts really well. I was delightedly amazed at his performance, and there might be a couple here who will like it.

I'm having my paid band (Andre Maquera on rhythm and bass, Gary Spaulding on drums... Maguera is also the producer) recording the next track, "Palace Guard" which is a heavily orchestrated (woodwinds, brass, strings, heavy choirs) piece with a lengthy symphonic section. Not entirely unlike the latter Manowar releases, but with more Extreme Metal influences throughout (Black, Death, and Thrash).

I composed everything. And yeah, there's ALOT of my lead guitar all over Lyraka.

I must also use this space to apologise, as I can't put songs up yet, there are legal problems involved with my doing that at this point. My girl and I are saving like crazy for the final production of this cd, which will at the latest be out by Summer '10.

Best Wishes To All Of You, YOU are the Ones Whom Most Mightily ROCK

update:

The song "Beyond the Palace" is available now as a rough mix mp3 at Lyraka.com

Lyrics are on the same page is scroll-style.

update 2:

We have a new update! The song, "Coronation" is complete and there is a teaser available at: lyraka.com/empress/pages/empress.htm


[Thanks to: Andy Digelsomina]






Guest Spots for Graham Bonnet & Joe Lynn Turner on New Pushking Album



Pushking is one of Russia's most popular metal/rock bands and have released over 15 albums. The band's new album is a tribute to their music heroes. They have a huge list of guest spots on the new album that will be released late 2009. The title of the album will be "Pushking - Duets". It will contain 19 songs covering Pushking's entire discography since 1996 and featuring contributions from some of "the greatest vocalists and musicians" from the world rock scene.

The album features guests spots from Alice Cooper, Bonnie Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Paul Stanley (Kiss), Dan Mc Cafferty (Nazareth), John Lawton (Uriah Heep), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz), Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple), Udo Dirkschneider (Accept, UDO) and Ian Gillan (Deep Purple).

The song "Kukarracha" will feature Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet & Joe Lynn Turner. Graham is also on another track called "God Made Us Free", while Joe Lynn Turner is also to be heard on a second track, "Head Shooter".

[Source: Deuce News / Blabbermouth]






Graham Bonnet Replaces Tony Martin In Savage Paradise



Former Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin has left Savage Paradise, the new band featuring Mario Parga (Forcefield, Cozy Powell) on guitar, Kevin Valentine (Kiss, Cinderella) on drums, Tim Luce (Alcatrazz) on bass and Eric Ragno (Takara, Vox Tempus, China Blue) on keyboards. His replacement is none other than the legendary Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz).

Commented Mario Parga: "Tony was unable to record the new Savage Paradise album due to various other commitments that all came up at the same time. We're still good friends and will undoubtedly work together in the future, and I wish him great success with his own projects.

"I've know Graham for over twenty years during which time we've been very good friends; he's like an older brother to me. We've worked on several recordings together but never played in the same band so we're both looking forward to working within Savage Paradise. Graham doesn't need any introductions, everyone knows what a unique and totally amazing voice he possesses, and I'm very excited and pleased to have him onboard."

[Source: Blabbermouth]






Lyraka - Music From a Mermaid Empire featuring Graham Bonnet



Andy DiGelsomina & Jasmine reported to us:

Greetings Rainbow Fans,

A new fantasy project is emerging from the depths of the sea on a faraway planet called Lyraka. An unforgettable epic of romance, splendor and fortitude unfolds as Neires, our land-boy hero, finds an enchanted electric guitar and sets off on a magical journey to find the mermaid in his dreams. With the help of a friendly dragon, can Neires discover his love? This 3D computer-animated movie attracts attention with magical and bizarre characters and places. The antagonists are Queen Lilliput who rules in her pyramid in the desert and also the demonic creatures that vie for control of Volcano Island. While evil lurks at the bottom of Bioluminescence Abyss, The Empress of Mermaids tries to maintain peace in her world.

Lyraka - Music From a Mermaid Empire will soon release a highlights CD featuring songs from the movie. And you heard right, Graham Bonnet is going to be singing on it. Check out Lyraka.com for more details.

[Thanks to: Andy DiGelsomina & Jasmine]






Graham Bonnet sings two songs on J21's solo album "Yellow Mind : Blue Mind"



Graham Bonnet Official Website Bonnet Rocks reports: We are pleased to announce that Spain's most experimental guitar player, J21, releases his first solo album "Yellow Mind : Blue Mind", featuring Graham on two songs "The Edge of Now" and "The Truth Behind The Veil".

The other musicians featured on the album are Trey Gunn (King Crimson, KTU, Trey Gunn Band), Geoff Tyson (T-Ride) and Ed Mann (Zappa). For a sample clip of "The Edge of Now" and more information, visit www.lawof21.com or www.myspace.com/j21music.

BTW, thank you so much to all the Bulgarian fans who came to see the show! The bassist Tim Luce has put up some great pics of the show up on his myspace. Please check them out!

[Source: Bonnetrocks.com]




Graham Bonnet to record new material with Alcatrazz and Mario Parga



Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet (ex-Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Impellitteri) is preparing to hit the studio and record some new material.

Commented Bonnet, "It's been hard getting started because of everybody's other commitments. I think it will be great when we can just concentrate on the band and put out some new stuff. I think though we have something a bit different this time around. We need to be new, that is, sounding. Bring the band into this century...but elements of the original sound of Alcatrazz in the mix with the new stuff. Hopefully we can start on that soon.'"

Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet will headline this year's Berkrock Fest, set to take place July 24-26, 2008 in Berkovitza, Bulgaria. Alcatrazz will play on July 26 on the last day of the festival.

Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet is: Graham Bonnet (Lead Vocals), Howie Simon (Guitar, Vocals), Glen Sobel (Drums), Tim Luce - (Bass, Vocals).

In addition, Graham is teaming up with his old friend Mario Parga to record a special CD/download single. The song is called 'American Angel' and is based on Mario's previously unreleased instrumental song of the same name. The single will be released by MidnightCafe Music late in the year. A video for the song is in the pipeline and will be shot in Los Angeles, more news of this to follow!

[Source: Bonnetrocks.com]






GRAHAM BONNET played Moscow Club Grafit on June 29





After the cancellation of the concerts with The Taz Taylor Band early May Graham Bonnet finally made it to Moscow, Russia for a solo concert. Graham played the Club Grafit on June 29.

Photos of this concert can be found on the site of the Russian Deep Purple Pages.

[Thanks to fanclan forum member 'Ritchie Blackmore']





Live DVD of GRAHAM BONNET with TAZ TAYLOR BAND out now


Taz Taylor Band "Live in Prague Ultimate Bootleg" is available now at www.Taztaylor.com and also at www.myspace.com/taztaylorband. This complete un-edited performance shows the band in top form performing 19 songs, including tracks from their CD release "Welcome To America" featuring Graham Bonnet on lead vocals. Also featured are several hits from Graham Bonnet's career with Rainbow and MSG as well as tracks from Taz Taylor's solo instrumental CD "Caffeine Racer."

We arranged the filming of this show last minute and almost as an afterthought. It was originally intended only for our own video vault, but when we viewed the footage we thought it was too good to keep to ourselves and that the fans would certainly enjoy it.

"Live in Prague Ultimate Bootleg" was filmed using a 4 camera setup with an audio mix of ambient mics blended with the audio straight off the mix console. The sound on this DVD is excellent and it really puts you right there. Bonus features included on the DVD include selected performances from a TTB show earlier in the year in Hollywood, CA. and also a photo slideshow from their recent European Tour with nearly 100 live performance and candid behind the scenes photos.

The DVD will be sold for a limited time for only 10.00 USD + shipping.

Also available in a specially priced fan-pack bundled with their CD "Welcome To America" for 15.00 USD + shipping.

Here are some clips of the Taz Taylor Band "Live in Prague Ultimate Bootleg" DVD





[Source: Taz Taylor]







GRAHAM BONNET plays Moscow and is working on new ALCATRAZZ album


Graham Bonnet's official website "Bonnet Rocks" reports: "We are pleased to announce that Graham will play a solo gig in Moscow, Russia on June 29, after some unfortunate cancellations in the past few years. Graham is truly looking forward to finally seeing Russian fans again after three years!!! Also, there are some other solo or Alcatrazz tour plans for this summer and autumn in progress. We will announce them here as soon as 100% confirmed.

As for recording-wise, Graham is working on new Alcatrazz materials and other session projects during his busy tour dates. They are all great materials that make the voice shines, so please look forward to them coming out!

[Source: Bonnetrocks.com]






Revamped Reissue for MOONSTONE PROJECT Album featuring GRAHAM BONNET


Moonstone Project - Hidden In Time is going to be released in May 2008 on Mausoleum Records; it's not a brand new studio album but a revamped reissue of the debut album, originally released as Time To Take A Stand back in 2006.

That new enhanced edition, with a new title, will also feature a brand new artwork by Rainer Kalwitz, already known for his works for Century Media, Metal Blade, Frontiers & more. And a part of 9 tracks featuring guests like Graham Bonnet, Carmine Appice, Steve Walsh, Eric Bloom, Tony Franklin and more, the new release features three bonus tracks featuring Deep Purple men Ian Paice and Glenn Hughes!

Guitarist Matt Filippini says: "It's useless to hide what happened with my old management and old record company. They both contributed to f**k all the things about my 1st album... so it didn't get the right exposure I think it would deserve! Not to speak about the huge loss of money I had for their faults! And it's a pity cuz everyday lots of guys write me to ask where to find the album... Luckily enough my new management did believe in the project and the chance to re-release it again with a brand new package and bonus material. And here it is... while waiting for the new studio album release!"

About the new studio album, yet untitled, Matt is working with his buddy and co-producer Alex Del Vecchio on the final sessions before to start the mix process in June. All the guests taking part and more details to be announced soon. The release is scheduled for winter 2008.

[Source: Classic Rock News]






TAZ TAYLOR BAND Disputes GRAHAM BONNET's Account Of Why Russian Concerts Were Cancelled


May 3:

The TAZ TAYLOR BAND, whose touring lineup includes legendary hard rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI), cancelled its Russian tour dates scheduled for May 2 and May 3 based on what the group previously stated was "entirely the decision of Graham Bonnet." Graham followed this up by issuing a statement of his own in which he claimed that the reason for the cancellation was that "we'd recently performed in Europe and the fees I'd negotiated and expected were not honored. I actually lost money on the tour as my modest outgoings were far greater than my final paycheck."

Earlier today (Saturday, May 3), the TAZ TAYLOR BAND responded to Graham by issuing the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"We would like to correct the record regarding the cancellation of the Russian shows.

"Graham had stated, 'the fees I'd negotiated and expected were not honoured.'

"There were no fees ever negotiated by Graham for the recent European tour which he refers to. Graham knew and agreed to participate in the tour for whatever the revenues were, based on ticket sales. Graham was fully aware this tour was a gamble on whether Germany was a viable market for Graham Bonnet and TAZ TAYLOR BAND and accepted this risk.

"The tour was arranged and booked by a German promoter into some of the most popular rock clubs in Germany, Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

"While hardcore fans of Graham and our 'Welcome To America' album did turn out and made the shows excellent concert events, their numbers were not enough to cover tour costs, flights, nightliner, hotels, taxes, etc.

"Even so, at the end of the tour, Graham and a hired keyboardist received every cent of the revenue, including all the money from our own merchandise sales, which was additionally supplemented with funds out of TAZ TAYLOR BAND's own pockets with the members of TAZ TAYLOR BAND being the only ones to actually lose money.

"Classic hard rock concert-goers in this region are apparently fewer than ever with SCORPIONS, [MICHAEL] SCHENKER, GLENN HUGHES and others also posting low attendance. Even so we and all fans in attendance considered the shows an enormous critical success albeit not a financial one.

"The Russian shows were a different promoter, with a guarantee of payment before departing from the U.S. Hundreds of tickets were pre-sold for these shows and a strong turnout for both shows was expected.

"Only hours after flights were paid, Graham changed his mind about performing the shows, stating his intention to begin work on other projects.

"In several private conversations between Graham and TAZ TAYLOR BAND, he had never mentioned he felt we had not honored any agreements with him. We were therefore very suprised to read his public statement which suggested otherwise.

"We were disappointed in Graham's decision to cancel the Russia shows as the promoter lost thousands of dollars and profitable work for everyone was lost. While we have great respect and love for Graham, we strongly disagreed with his decision. And cancelling these shows was completely his decision.

"Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight."

[Source: Blabbermouth]






GRAHAM BONNET Explains Russian TAZ TAYLOR BAND Concert Cancellations


May 1:

The TAZ TAYLOR BAND, whose touring lineup includes legendary hard rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI), cancelled its Russian tour dates scheduled for May 2 and May 3 based on what the group previously stated was "entirely the decision of Graham Bonnet." Graham has since issued the following statement of his own regarding the matter:

"There's some speculation that the shows in Russia with the TAZ TAYLOR BAND were cancelled purely because of my unwillingness to perform. This isn't quite true. The reason for the cancellation was that we'd recently performed in Europe and the fees I'd negotiated and expected were not honoured. I actually lost money on the tour as my modest outgoings were far greater than my final paycheck. Regardless of our professions, we all work to make a living and get by in the world. I don't know of anyone who would in effect work for free, or even more bizarrely, pay to work. I'd like to apologize to all my Russian fans for the cancellation, I hope they understand, and I'll see them on the Graham Bonnet tour in Russia this June."

[Source: Blabbermouth]






TAZ TAYLOR BAND Featuring GRAHAM BONNET: Russian Dates Cancelled


April 27:

The TAZ TAYLOR BAND, whose touring lineup includes legendary hard rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI), has issued the following statement:

"The TAZ TAYLOR BAND is extremely disappointed to announce that the dates in Moscow, Russia scheduled for May 2nd and May 3rd have been cancelled. Our apologies to all our Russian fans. The cancellation of these shows is completely out of the control of the TAZ TAYLOR BAND and entirely the decision of Graham Bonnet.

Watch fan-filmed video footage of TAZ TAYLOR BAND performing 'Stargazer' with Graham Bonnet on April 17, 2008 at the Avalon club in Budapest, Hungary:



[Source: Blabbermouth]