Origin:	Los Angeles, CA, USA
Genres:	Hard Rock

Alcatrazz

Alcatrazz is probably best known as one of two stepping stones for Yngwie Malmsteen on his way to a successful solo career, having previously served briefly in Steeler. In fact Malmsteen was one of two guitar virtuosos to spend time here (the other being Steve Vai), and neither guitarist really was the leader of the band. The band was founded in 1983 by bassist Gary Shea, keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, and noted vocalist Graham Bonnet, then newly removed from Rainbow and one who's had a history of problems staying with bands. After recruiting drummer Jan Uvena, Malmsteen was eventually added as the final piece to the puzzle, and probably the band's best-known work, the debut No Parole From Rock'n'Roll, was recorded. Vai soon replaced Malmsteen, but his tenure was short-lived as well, and finally the unheralded Danny Jackson was recruited in time for their third album, Dangerous Games, after which the band broke up for personal reasons. Musically Alcatrazz played light mainstream metal, with of course plenty of flashy guitarwork from Malmsteen and Vai. They had a sound made for radio play, and they should have been more popular than they were, but for whatever reason the band never truly took off.

By 2007 two versions of the band emerged, one featuring the core of Shea, Waldo, and Uvena, with Graham Bonnet heading up a completely new lineup. At that time it looked like a possible court battle for the name, but that doesn't seem to have happened, and since then Bonnet's version continues while the other guys have not been heard from.