Painted Lover (Live 1985 / Wildcard Remaster)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the killer track "Painted Lover (Live 1985 / Wildcard Remaster)" by Alcatrazz from their album Disturbing The Peace, and we’ve got some wild trivia to share. This song, a standout from their 1985 sophomore album, is a high-octane heavy metal anthem driven by the shredding guitar work of Steve Vai and the soaring vocals of Graham Bonnet. According to a 2020 review on SaitenKult, "Painted Lover" kicks off with a monstrous riff and a commanding vocal line, showcasing the band’s ability to blend technical prowess with melodic hooks. The live version from the 1985 Japan performance, featured in the Wildcard Remaster, captures the band’s raw energy, with Vai’s “through-the-roof guitar orgies” stealing the show. Fun fact: the song’s provocative lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of a streetwise seductress, stirred some controversy for their bold imagery, fitting the album’s edgy vibe.

Digging deeper, "Painted Lover" was part of an album that marked a pivotal moment for Alcatrazz. In a 2016 interview on All About The Rock, it’s noted that Disturbing The Peace was the only Alcatrazz album featuring Steve Vai, who joined after Yngwie Malmsteen’s departure. The live recording from the 1984 Japan concert, included in the album’s expanded reissue, shows the band at their peak, with Vai’s virtuosic solos elevating tracks like "Painted Lover" to new heights. Fans on the Alcatrazz Fan Club Facebook group often rave about how Vai’s Zappa-influenced style added a progressive edge to the song’s heavy riffs, making it a fan favorite during the 1985 tour. The Wildcard Remaster, released years later, polishes this live cut with crisp production, letting every blistering note shine.

Now, let’s rewind to how Alcatrazz got their start. Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, the band was the brainchild of vocalist Graham Bonnet, fresh off stints with Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group. Bonnet, known for his powerful voice and James Dean-inspired look, teamed up with bassist Gary Shea and keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, both ex-members of New England, to create a hard-hitting heavy metal outfit. According to their bio on Last.fm, the original lineup included a young Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar and briefly featured drummer Clive Burr of Iron Maiden fame, though Burr left after a week when he learned the band would be based in the U.S. Drummer Jan Uvena stepped in, and with Malmsteen’s neoclassical flair, Alcatrazz dropped their debut, No Parole From Rock ’n’ Roll, in 1983, which put them on the map.

Alcatrazz’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. Malmsteen’s exit led to Vai’s recruitment, and his one-album tenure on Disturbing The Peace cemented the band’s reputation for attracting guitar prodigies. Bonnet’s vision, as shared in a YouTube interview, was to fuse melodic hard rock with virtuosic instrumentation, a formula that shines in tracks like "Painted Lover." After Vai, the band continued with other guitarists, releasing Dangerous Games in 1986 and later reforming with new lineups, as detailed on their official website. Their resilience is celebrated by fans on sites like Heavy Harmonies, which tracks their discography.

Want to dive deeper into Alcatrazz’s world? Check out their official website for the latest news and tour info. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Join the Alcatrazz Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories with fellow Zoo Freaks, or visit fan-driven pages like Rate Your Music for community reviews. Keep rocking, and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more headbanging classics!