Great interview with Graham! Graham seems so genuine with out the rock star boredom rap..He was definitely an original character in Rock music and I loved his material over the years..Best of luck and good health to you Graham..Thank you as always Phil for a fantastic interview
Thanks for a great chat. What a nice chap! I always suspected that Blackmore's problem with his hair was a wind-up, as RB is keen on the "Be yourself" principle. GB certainly did that. His onstage persona was completely new to rock audiences. Ronnie Dio could have a joke during gigs, but Graham never stopped.😄 When RJD left Rainbow, there were rumours that the job would go either to Graham Bonnet or Ian Lloyd from Stories, another amazing singer. By the way, the last GB album I bought was the third Alcatrazz one, Dangerous Games. Absolutely brilliant.
Summer 1979: My local vinyl vendor, Mike at Chapter Two/Hinckley Sound Centre, beckoned me to the counter.. "listen to this" he said, knowing I am a Blackmore fanatic. It took until the bridge to work out it was Ritchie. Wow. Down to Earth is a classic Roll on to March 1980, Rainbow at Granby Halls. Could they match Rainbow with Dio in a live environment? Surprisingly they could, it was a storming gig. Donington was also pretty epic. Great memories
This interview is great Phil. Graham seems a very (oh dear, am I really going to say it? You betcha!) down to earth guy. I never had any problems with Graham's appearance. Looking at the pictures inside the DtE sleeve I thought he looked stylish and very much his own man and not about to take crap from anyone. But I only really started to like his voice by the time of Disturbing the Peace, the Alcatrazz album with Steve Vai. I love the light and shade on that album between Graham's "clean" singing and his edgier, rougher singing.
Great interview, Phil. Bonnet always comes across as extremely honest and, excuse the pun, down to earth in all his interviews. You certainly get your moneys worth when he’s interviewed.
It's a real shame that Graham had the image he had, which is why he only recorded one album besides other things. If it had been different, I believe there would have been more strong albums under Rainbow because it was an excellent combination. But who asks me, Graham is his own boss, but I'm sorry it didn't last longer.
without thinking too much... Graham is my favourite singer. Gary Puckett is a challenger for top spot. 'Disturbing The Peace' by Alcatrazz possibly sealed Graham's position at the top... W🤝W !
Down to Earth tour around 79/80, Wembley Arena - as it was. £6.00 a ticket and whilst the band were great, someone seemed to be sulking and we got 55 minutes - maybe six songs and they buggered off. The place was a wreck after the gig,,,
I have a recording of that. 29th Feb 1980. 01. Intro - Eyes Of The World 02. Love's No Friend 03. Since You Been Gone 04. Man On The Silver Mountain 05. Catch The Rainbow 06. Lost In Hollywood