JIMMY WALDO (ALCATRAZZ): “We Weren’t SURVIVOR And We Weren’t IRON MAIDEN”

Cult Legends Return to Disturb the Peace Once Again

Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo, and Gary Shea founded Alcatrazz in 1983. That same year they released their first album No Parole From Rock ‘n’ Roll with a then unknown guitarist Yngwie Malsteen. In 1985 Alcatrazz released their second album Disturbing the Peace with then unknown guitarist Steve Vai replacing Malmsteen. Alcatrazz released one more album, Dangerous Game, in 1986 before calling it quits. Members moved onto various other projects in the decades that followed.

After 34 years apart, Bonnet, Waldo, and Shea have reunited for Alcatrazz’s forth full length album Born Innocent [review], released July 31, 2020. This time they recruited well-know guitar legend Joe Stump and Mark Benquecha on drums. A number of artists from Graham Bonnet’s past also come along for the ride including Steve Vai, Chris Impelliteri, Nozomu Wakai, Dario Mollo, and the late Bob Kulick. Metal Express Radio interviewed keyboardist and co-founder Jimmy Waldo.

Highlights include:

Discussion of Alcatrazz’s latest album Born Innocent
What got Joe Stump the guitarist position in the band
Was this the first attempt at getting the band back together
What prevented the band from getting to the next level
Discussion Alcatrazz’s legacy
Waldo’s work on Quiet Riot’s album with Paul Shortino …and more!

Alcatrazz is:

Graham Bonnet – Vocals
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Gary Shea – Bass
Joe Stump – Guitar
Mark BenQuechea – Drums

Band Links:

Official Website
Facebook
Instagram
Buy The Album

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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JIMMY WALDO (ALCATRAZZ): “We Weren’t SURVIVOR And We Weren’t IRON MAIDEN”