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Graham Bonnet

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Graham Bonnet was born in Skegness, Lincolnshire, England on 23 December 1947, and went on to sing for many different rock bands including Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Impellitteri and Alcatrazz.

Contents

Career

Early days

This vocalist has had an intermittent career. He had his first hit with the pop band, The Marbles in 1968, with the single 'Only One Woman' (Polydor 56 272), which reached Number 5 in the UK singles chart. Bonnet then quit to do advert jingles. He appeared in the 1974 British comedy film 'Three for All' as lead singer of 'Billy Beethoven', a fictional band, along with several notable UK comedy personalities and his then partner Adrienne Posta, although his character's lines were limited to only two words.

Middle years

In 1977 he released an eponymous album, which was certified gold in Australia. The single, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue", a cover version of the Bob Dylan song, reached the top five in Australia in 1977, and the following year the single "Warm Ride", written by the Bee Gees, reached number one. 
Chosen by Ritchie Blackmore to replace Ronnie James Dio in the ranks of Rainbow, he sang on the 'Down To Earth' album, which spawned two huge hit singles in 1980; 'Since You Been Gone' and 'All Night Long'. Bonnet also appeared with the group headlining the inaugural 'Monsters Of Rock' festival at Castle Donington.


Bonnet's time with Rainbow was short and he left to resume his solo career, releasing the 'Line Up' album in 1981, handled by producer John Eden. For the recording of 'Line Up' he managed to enlist several well-known rock musicians including Deep Purple and Whitesnake keyboard player Jon Lord, Whitesnake and Rainbow drummer Cozy Powell, Status Quo guitarist Francis Rossi, Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody on guitar and bassist Gary Twigg. Around this time Bonnet sang on an advertisement for Levi's Jeans (the song was entitled These Eyes), although his version has never been released.


Tempted by an offer from ex-UFO German guitarist Michael Schenker, Bonnet joined the Michael Schenker Group for the 'Assault Attack' album. Unfortunately his subsequent behaviour at a low key gig led to a sudden sacking. 


Bonnet co-founded Alcatrazz, with Gary Shea (bass) and Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), former Alice Cooper drummer Jan Uvena and former Steeler Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. The band had major success in Japan with 'No Parole From Rock n' Roll' in 1983, 'Live Sentence', 'Disturbing The Peace' with new guitarist Steve Vai and 'Dangerous Games' with Danny Johnson on guitar, the latter album featuring a remake of The Marbles' hit 'Only One Woman'. UK television viewers were given vocal tips by Bonnet on the second BBC TV 'Rock School' series shown around this time, which also included clips of Alcatrazz in rehearsal. Alcatrazz disbanded in 1987.



Later career

Bonnet's post Alcatrazz projects have all been short-lived and included Blackthorne (working with ex-Balance guitarist Bob Kulick), backing vocals for Danish Heavy Metal band Pretty Maid's 'Future World' and numerous session works for Forcefield, appearing on 'To Oz And Back' and 'Let The wild Run Free'. In 1988 the singer joined Impellitteri, for the album 'Stand In Line'.


An appearance on Eddie Hardin and Pete York's musical adaptation of 'Wind in The Willows' performed live in Germany in 1991 saw Bonnet sing on around 6 of the songs alongside fellow musicians Jon Lord, Don Airey and Ray Fenwick among others. Fenwick and Airey also featured heavily on Bonnet's 1991 solo album 'Here Comes the Night' which is more pop oriented than his other post Rainbow offerings, and includes several covers as well as songs written by his wife Jo Eime and another remake of The Marbles' 'Only One Woman'.


In 1997 he released 'Underground', a new solo album, which helped re-establish him with his fanbase in Japan. 1999's 'The Day I Went Mad' featured guitarist Slash, Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, Kiss and Union man Bruce Kulick and noted guitar virtuoso Mario Parga.


Bonnet contributed lead vocals to Japanese Metal band Anthem's 2000 release 'Heavy Metal Anthem' which had reworks of classic Anthem tracks plus three Bonnet era Rainbow songs and a rework of 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?' from Bonnet's debut album. Bonnet rejoined Impellitteri in 2000 for the 'System X' album. Meanwhile, his 1999 Japanese album got a UK release in September 2001.


At the back end of 2001, he went on a solo low-profile British tour. His band included keyboard player Don Airey, bassist Chris Childs and drummer Harry James of Thunder and guitarist Dario Mollo.


In early 2004 Bonnet joined Italian guitarist Dario Mollo's new project Elektric Zoo, touring Europe during April. Maintaining the Italian connection, the singer also participated in guitar virtuoso Matteo Filippini's project, Moonstone, featuring on the track 'Not Dead Yet'.


An outstanding vocalist, after a brief burst of fame in the period 1980-1982, his extensive works have only had limited and localised success, mainly in Japan, where he has retained a strong fanbase. Currently resident in Los Angeles, USA, he continues to record and tour extensively.


In 2006 Graham Bonnet contributed vocals to the new album from guitar virtuoso Taz Taylor.  The CD titled "Welcome to America" features Graham on 8 brand new tracks and is scheduled for release by Escape Music in August of 2006.



Discography


The Marbles



Graham Bonnet



Rainbow



MSG



Line up



Alcatrazz



Impellitteri



Taz Taylor Band featuring Graham Bonnet



Bands

In Chronological Order


External links















 





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