Graham Bonnet

Born in Skegness, Lincolnshire, England, Graham like most other English-born musicians was influenced by The Beatles. Along with the British invasion, Graham was also influenced by many United States artists such as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and many other legendary blues singers.

Graham's first single with The Marbles 'Only One Woman' penned by Bee Gees found great success with a top 5 hit in the U.K. and throughout Europe. Bonnet scored his first hit in Australia in 1968, when the same song hit the Top 20. A decade later, Graham had a solo smash, with 'Warm Ride' (written by the Bee Gees) hitting number one in Australia after becoming a Countdown favourite. The Marbles went on to release follow up singles from the same album. Graham went on to experiment with other creative avenues including acting and commercials. Realizing his first love was singing, he cut his first solo album in 1977. Even though it only reached medium success in the U.K., it achieved Gold status in Australia and experienced similar success in Europe as well as in Japan.

In 1979 Ritchie Blackmore sought out Graham to audition for Rainbow's new frontman position. Rainbow had already auditioned 60 people. Graham was asked to sing 'Mistreated' and was hired on the spot. With his James Dean image, the choice of Bonnet to replace Ronnie James Dio was subject to some questions. However, once Bonnet was heard there were no more questions or concerns. The Down to Earth album was one of Rainbow's most successful albums.

1981 saw Graham resume his solo career, and with the release of 'Night Games', which was a #6 hit in England, Graham craved to become a band member again and joined MSG and was reunited with long time friend Cozy Powell. After recording 'Assault Attack', Graham returned to Los Angles to form the band Alcatrazz which produced guitar greats Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Alcatrazz cut several albums before disbanding. After a short stint with Impellitteri, Forcefield and Blackthorne, Graham has returned to recording solo albums. 'Underground' was recorded in 1996, and he released his latest solo album The Day I Went Mad in 1999.

Graham loved Australia so much, he moved here in the late-80s, living in Adelaide for four years.

Links:
www.bonnetrocks.com