Graham Bonnet (GRAHAM BONNET BAND) on Rock Overdose:” I think “The Book” can be considered a 4th Alcatrazz album”.

On the occasion of Graham Bonnet Band new album "The Book" and the two upcoming shows in Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki) , Rock Overdose and Pavlos Giannakopoulos had the privilege to have a conversation with  the mighty Graham Bonnet.

 

 

 

Rock Overdose: Hello Graham. How are you doing? 

 

Graham Bonnet: Fine , thank you.

 

 

Rock Overdose: When did you start and what made you to play music?

 

Graham Bonnet: I began singing at age of 5 , singing semi-operetic songs along with the radio back in the early 50's , Mario Lanza being one of my favorite singers to this day, my Mom sang, my brother sang and my relatives, cousins aunts and uncles are very musical, so i was kind of born into a musical family.

 

 

Rock Overdose: How are things going for Graham Bonnet band in 2017?

 

Graham Bonnet: Everything is going great, the album "The Book" has received unbelievable reviews, it's done very well and the shows are coming in for the band at a fantastic rate.

 

 

Rock Overdose: Can you Introduce us the members of Graham Bonnet band?

 

Graham Bonnet: Me , Conrado Pesinato Guitar , Beth-Ami Heavenstone Bass, Mark Banque-chea Drums, and Jimmy Waldo on keys.

 

 

Rock Overdose: If I’m right Mark Zonder isn’t a member of your band anymore. What’s the story behind it?

 

Graham Bonnet: He wasn't able to tour and be away from home as much as we want to tour.

 

 

Rock Overdose: You have released the first studio album with Graham Bonnet band “The Book”. Can you tell us some words about it?

 

Graham Bonnet: Every track is a different story , some from real experiences , and i think it can be considered a 4th Alcatrazz album.

 

 

Rock Overdose: You have collaborated with many exceptional musicians – Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Cozy Powell, Don Airey.  Can you tell us some words about them?

 

Graham Bonnet: All good people and friends, i will always be grateful.

 

 

Rock Overdose: As a Rainbow fan I think that “Down to Earth” album is a masterpiece. What can you remember from those days of live shows and recordings as Rainbow singer back in the late 70’ and witch is your favorite song from this album?

 

Graham Bonnet: It was a magical time, the band was indestructible when it came to playing live we ruled the world.. i never felt we would have a bad night as the band members were so talented, great great days ... favorite track , 'Eyes Of The World'.

 

 

Rock Overdose: Do you have any regrets that you left Rainbow after only one album?

 

Graham Bonnet: Yes!

 

 

Rock Overdose: What is your opinion about Ritchie Blackmore’s new Rainbow?

 

Graham Bonnet: I don’t have an opinion, sorry.

 

 

Rock Overdose: In a way you now have a ‘new spring’ in your career. “The Book”, “Lost Tapes” solo album, Blackthrone’s new release, an album you recorded with Dario Mollo. How this all came together?

 

Graham Bonnet: Through the help of our manager Giles Lavery, he knows the whole of my back catalog and gave me a chance to get "back where i once belonged" . Thanks to him and our label Frontiers.

 

 

Rock Overdose: You have played with the greats. Is this a blessing?

 

Graham Bonnet: I  think i have been very lucky , it’s a blessing ... no joke!

 

 

Rock Overdose: Can you tell us with one word something about The Marbles, Rain-bow, Alcatrazz, MSG, Impelliteri?

 

Graham Bonnet:

Marbles : Beginning

Rainbow : A New Beginning

Alcatrazz : my favorite baby

MSG: great learning experience in songwriting

Impellitteri : Good albums

 

 

Rock Overdose: Your voice is amazing and in my opinion there’s no many singers in the world who can cover your songs. Do you agree?

 

Graham Bonnet: There’s nothing you can sing that can't be sung (by anyone)

 

 

Rock Overdose: What bands do you like to listen to these days?

 

Graham Bonnet: The Beatles , nothing new though, just the Beatles haha.

 

 

Rock Overdose: Which are the best moments in your music career?

 

Graham Bonnet: This very moment, this band is my family and there are a lot of new songs about to be born for the GBB second album.

 

 

Rock Overdose: In April 23 and April 26 you will give two concerts in Greece in Athens and Thessaloniki. I can’t wait for these live shows. What about you? What can we expect from these performances?

 

Graham Bonnet: Sorry never been there! , so it's time to learn. What people can expect is a high energy show, we are in excellent shape, we have great songs, old and new and it’s going to be fantastic

 

 

Rock Overdose: If you want just send a message to your Greek fans.

 

Graham Bonnet: I can't wait to see you all and your beautiful country , thank you for listening to my music , see you soon.

 

 

Rock Overdose: Graham thank you very much for doing this interview.

 

Graham Bonnet: You’re welcome!!!

 

 

 

For Rock Overdose

 

Pavlos Giannakopoulos

 

 

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