GRAHAM BONNET BAND – Lost in Hollywood Again

In the annals of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history, few voices are as instantly recognizable—or as deceptively powerful—as that of Graham Bonnet. Visually, he famously defied the genre’s leather-and-studs archetype with his James Dean-meets-Miami Vice aesthetic, but vocally, he has always been a titan. To understand the weight behind the release of Lost In Hollywood Again, one must look back at the winding road that led Bonnet to the stage of the Whisky a Go Go on August 29, 2024.

Bonnet’s journey began far from the arenas of Heavy Metal, finding early chart success in 1968 as part of The Marbles with the Bee Gees-penned hit “Only One Woman.” However, his induction into the rock pantheon truly began in 1979 when he was tapped to replace the irreplaceable Ronnie James Dio in Rainbow. His contributions to the Down To Earth album, specifically the radio-conquering anthems “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “All Night Long,” cemented his place in history. Following his departure from Ritchie Blackmore’s camp, Bonnet continued to lend his lungs to the elite, fronting the Michael Schenker Group for the seminal Assault Attack and forming Alcatrazz, which famously launched the careers of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai.

In recent years, rather than resting on these considerable laurels, Bonnet has remained prolifically active with the Graham Bonnet Band. This current vehicle allows him to not only celebrate his storied past but to continue creating new music that sits comfortably alongside the classics. Lost In Hollywood Again captures this current lineup in their element, documenting a single, sweaty night at the legendary Sunset Strip venue. It serves as a career retrospective, a testament to endurance, and a showcase for a vocalist who, decades into his career, refuses to go quietly into the night.

Production and Performance

When approaching a live album, the element of Production is always a gamble. You want the raw energy of the room, but you need the clarity of a studio mix. Lost In Hollywood Again strikes a commendable balance. The recording is crisp and punchy, capturing the intimacy of the Whisky a Go Go without sacrificing the sheer volume of the performance. The mix allows the audience reaction to bleed in just enough to provide atmosphere, making the listener feel like they are leaning against the barricade.

Regarding Performance, the band is nothing short of lethal. Graham Bonnet is supported here by a lineup that understands the nuances of his back catalog. Guitarist Conrado Pesinato is a revelation throughout the set. Stepping into the shoes of Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, and Yngwie Malmsteen is an unenviable task for any player, yet Pesinato handles the shredding duties with virtuosity and flair, particularly on demanding tracks like “Lost In Hollywood” and the neoclassical fury of the Alcatrazz material.

The rhythm section is equally formidable. Beth-Ami Heavenstone provides a rock-solid foundation on bass, locking in perfectly with drummer Francis Cassol. Cassol’s drumming is precise and energetic, driving the faster tracks like “S.O.S.” with the necessary urgency. Keyboardist Alessandro Bertoni adds the requisite texture, ensuring the Rainbow tracks retain their symphonic weight.

The Songwriting represented here is, naturally, bulletproof. The setlist is a “greatest hits” of melodic Hard Rock. “Eyes Of The World” opens the proceedings with grandeur, while “Night Games” and “Desert Song” remind us of the strength of Bonnet’s solo and MSG eras.

However, from an Atmosphere and pacing perspective, the album does hit a few speed bumps. In a nod to the classic rock concerts of the 70s and 80s, the set includes solos for guitar, keyboards, and drums. While these are executed with high skill—Pesinato and Bertoni are clearly masters of their crafts—they do interrupt the momentum of the listening experience. In a live setting, these moments allow the singer a break and the crowd to grab a drink; on record, they can feel like detours that slow the adrenaline rush.

Furthermore, regarding Originality and Uniqueness, while the band covers the bulk of Graham’s timeline, there is a noticeable gap: the Steve Vai era of Alcatrazz. For a career retrospective, the absence of a track like “God Blessed Video” feels like a missed opportunity to complete the chronology. Nevertheless, what remains is a testament to Bonnet’s unique vocal identity—a shout that is melodically rich and utterly inimitable.

Final Notes

Lost In Hollywood Again is an excellent document of a living legend refusing to slow down. Graham Bonnet sounds remarkably strong for a man with such a tenure in the business. He navigates the difficult melodies of his youth with grit and power, proving that he is still one of the genre’s most distinct voices. The chemistry between him and his band is palpable; this doesn’t feel like a hired gun situation, but rather a cohesive unit firing on all cylinders.

While the inclusion of multiple instrumental solos might test the patience of modern listeners, and the setlist misses a nod to the Disturbing the Peace era, these are minor gripes in an otherwise stellar package. If you are a fan of Rainbow, MSG, or Alcatrazz, this album is a celebration of that DNA. It is a raw, honest, and high-octane performance that honors the past while keeping the flame burning bright.

Bottom Line: A high-energy, professionally executed live album that showcases a legendary voice still in fighting shape. Essential for fans of melodic hard rock history.

Lineup

• Graham Bonnet – Vocals
• Conrado Pesinato – Guitars
• Beth-Ami Heavenstone – Bass
• Alessandro Bertoni – Keyboards
• Francis Cassol – Drums

Tracklist – Lost in Hollywood Again

1. Eyes Of The World
2. All Night Long
3. Love’s No Friend
4. Making Love
5. Since You’Ve Been Gone
6. Keys solo
7. Lazy
8. Imposter
9. S.O.S.
10. Desert Song
11. Drums solo
12. Night Games
13. Into The Night
14. Assault Attack
15. Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live
16. Lost In Hollywood

Check out the official live video for “Night Games” by the Graham Bonnet Band off their new live album: Lost in Hollywood Again