Alcatrazz are a heavy metal band that was formed in 1983 by keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, bassist Gary Shea, and former vocalist Graham Bonnet. The first incarnation of the group featured a young guitarist named, Yngwie Malmsteen, whose shredding is all over the band’s successful debut album, No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll (1983). The big hits from that album include “Island in the Sun” and “Hiroshima Mon Amour,” the latter becoming popular in Japan. The band’s sophomore album, Disturbing the Peace (1985), was released two years later, long after Malmsteen left the group. A third studio album, Dangerous Games (1986), was released before Alcatrazz called it quits in 1987. Since officially reforming in 2019, the band have released three more studio albums: Born Innocent (2020), V (2021), and Take No Prisoners (2023). The latter two being with former vocalist Doogie White. Currently, Waldo and Shea are the lone wolves running the latest incarnation of Alcatrazz.
Lana Teramae of Metal Express Radio had a chat with keyboardist Jimmy Waldo from Alcatrazz about the band’s upcoming compilation album, Prior Convictions (2025), that will be released later this year, and why current vocalist Giles Lavery is the perfect fit in replacing White for the group. Waldo also discussed the value in surrounding yourself with the right people and gave fans a taste of what’s in store for the latest incarnation of Alcatrazz.
Band Lineup
Jimmy Waldo – keyboards
Gary Shea – bass guitar
Giles Lavery – lead vocals
Joe Stump – guitars
Mark Benquechea – drums
Check out the re-recorded version of “Jet to Jet” from Alcatrazz’s Prior Convictions (2025)!
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