God Blessed Video

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the killer track "God Blessed Video" by Alcatrazz from their 1985 album Disturbing The Peace, and we’ve got some wild trivia to share. This song, penned by vocalist Graham Bonnet and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, is a cheeky jab at the MTV era, where flashy music videos could make even a mediocre song a hit. Bonnet got the idea while watching a Duran Duran video, realizing that stunning visuals with "nice-looking women in exotic places" could outshine a weak track. He told Songfacts it’s his take on The Buggles’ "Video Killed The Radio Star," poking fun at how videos ruled the charts. The song’s video kicks off with a skit featuring Vai playing both an angel and a devil debating music videos, a nod to his theatrical flair. Fans on Reddit love its campy charm, with user Gman pointing out Vai’s multi-role cameo, saying he should add it to his setlist!

Despite its brilliance, "God Blessed Video" faced a rough ride. Rocking In the Norselands notes that MTV in America barely played it, effectively burying the video without an official ban. This snub hurt Alcatrazz’s momentum, as bands with heavy MTV rotation had a massive edge. Bonnet and Vai stood their ground, refusing to tweak the video to appease the network, a move that was principled but costly. Still, the song found a second life, popping up on the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack in 2002, blasting through the fictional V-Rock station. Bonnet later shared in a 2013 Songfacts interview that Vai called Disturbing The Peace his favorite album, saying, “Every song on there, I love!” That’s high praise from a guitar legend.

Now, let’s dive into how Alcatrazz got rolling. Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, the band was the brainchild of Graham Bonnet, a seasoned vocalist with stints in Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group. After leaving Rainbow, Bonnet wanted to create a band with a similar hard rock vibe, like “Rainbow Part II.” He recruited bassist Gary Shea and keyboardist Jimmy Waldo from New England, drummer Jan Uvena from Alice Cooper’s band, and a young Swedish guitarist named Yngwie Malmsteen, fresh from Steeler. Bonnet told Songfacts that Malmsteen, a fan of Ritchie Blackmore and Uli Roth, was the perfect fit for his vision. Named “Alcatrazz” by Shea, the band dropped their debut album, No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll, in 1983 via Rocshire Records, with singles like “Island in the Sun” earning MTV airplay.

Lineup changes hit early. Malmsteen left in 1984 to form Rising Force, and despite Bonnet’s hesitation, Waldo brought in Steve Vai, formerly with Frank Zappa. Vai’s unique style shaped Disturbing The Peace, but he too departed post-album to join David Lee Roth’s band. Alcatrazz continued with guitarist Danny Johnson for 1986’s Dangerous Games before splitting in 1987. Bonnet revived the band in 2006 with new members like guitarist Howie Simon, touring Japan and Bulgaria. A 2020 reunion with Bonnet, Waldo, and Shea led to Born Innocent, though internal splits created two Alcatrazz lineups: one with Bonnet and another with Waldo, Shea, and vocalist Doogie White, who released Take No Prisoners in 2023.

Want to keep up with Alcatrazz? Check out their official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Alcatrazz Fan Club on Facebook or explore Alcatrazz Wiki for deep dives into their history. Keep rocking, and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more head-banging classics!