Painted Lover

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a killer track tonight, "Painted Lover" by Alcatrazz from their 1985 album Disturbing The Peace. This song’s got that raw, sleazy hard rock vibe, with Graham Bonnet’s vocals painting a vivid picture of a streetwise femme fatale. Did you know this track was co-written by guitar virtuoso Steve Vai? In a 2001 interview included with the reissue of the album in Vai’s The Secret Jewel Box, he called his time with Alcatrazz one of his favorite band experiences, saying the album was “idea-heavy” and a chance to blend conceptual depth with straight-up rock. The song’s demo, featured in the 2016 Cherry Red Records expanded edition, shows Vai experimenting with a grittier riff before settling on the final slick groove. Fans on the Alcatrazz Fanatics Facebook Group often rave about how the live version from the 1984 Japan tour, available on YouTube, cranks up the energy with Vai’s wild solos.

Let’s dive into how Alcatrazz came to be. Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, the band was the brainchild of vocalist Graham Bonnet, who’d already made waves fronting Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group. After his stint with Rainbow, where he belted out hits like “Since You Been Gone,” Bonnet wanted a project to channel his melodic hard rock vision. He teamed up with bassist Gary Shea and keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, both ex-New England, and initially recruited a young Swedish guitarist named Yngwie Malmsteen. Their debut, No Parole From Rock ‘n’ Roll, put them on the map, but when Malmsteen left for a solo career, Bonnet tapped Steve Vai, fresh from working with Frank Zappa. Vai’s technical wizardry defined Disturbing The Peace, including “Painted Lover,” though he too moved on after one album. Bonnet’s knack for spotting guitar talent—first Malmsteen, then Vai—cemented Alcatrazz’s rep as a launchpad for shredders.

Wanna keep up with Alcatrazz? Check out their official site at alcatrazzband.com for tour dates and merch. They’re active on socials too: follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on new music and throwback posts about their ‘80s heyday. Fans gather at the Alcatrazz Fanatics Facebook Group, where you’ll find diehards sharing rare live bootlegs and debating Vai vs. Malmsteen. Another great spot is Encyclopaedia Metallum, a fan-driven site with detailed discographies and band history. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up “Painted Lover” and let’s keep the hard rock spirit alive!