Graham Bonnets Candid Account of Ritchie Blackmore & his time in Rainbow Plus the Notorious Haircut

[@williambaker5318]

Rainbow was just a Great group! Every version produced wonderful songs. Richie Blackmore always picked the best artist to play with.

[@rubytuesday1345]

What a class act Graham is.

[@vicb7341]

Graham was so cool, so much style. Impeccable hair and a sharp dresser....such a powerful voice.

[@Katsem]

Check out long haired, dark haired Bonnet in the 60’s. He sang in a “group” called the Marbles. Only One Woman is the song he speaks of here, written by the BeeGees.

[@highwaystar3780]

BONNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!

[@cherylfugate7517]

Yes, I agree! I've always thought that of Graham. I'm glad I was able to see him live!

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

Jeez, I feel so fucking old. I saw rainbow with Dio and I was a adult then, looking at Graham I just realized I am a old man now.

[@cherylfugate7517]

We are all old and I'm glad for it, we have lived through some of the best times, and music played quite a large part in that!

[@drvee1983]

At least you're still here. Some didn't make it this far. 😊

[@LiquidAudio]

Me too my friend, but at least you saw fucking Rainbow, with Dio! I can claim UFO, Deep Purple, Maiden etc, but not Rainbow.

[@SonOfWāt]

You’re not alone! One of us, one of us!

[@highwaystar3780]

Past 50yrs has simply vanished !

[@CraigLovett-h7y]

Down to Earth is one of my all time favourite albums. What a great voice Graham has

[@highwaystar3780]

If I had to live with ONE Album.....it's Down To Earth !!!

[@hedgehog1965uk]

You often hear rock radio stations playing Since You Been Gone and All Night Long, when I wish they would play Eyes of The World and Lost In Hollywood.

[@simonpalling3215]

Abdolutely agreed. The only Rainbow album I ever bought. Heard at school as a teenager.

[@billyshane3804]

Ritchie Blackmore was no fool, doing things his way to this very day. He kick started the careers of so many & is a living legend.

[@grobbler1]

Graham was great in Rainbow. Always enjoy his interviews too, he's very open and straightforward with a good dash of quirky humour.

[@michaelrhodes9294]

YES

[@irongron]

I am and was a huge Dio fan back then as a young kid, I remember one time at a record store I was buying Rising and raving about how great Ronnie James was and the guy on duty in the store was way older than me and he said something like "for me Graham Bonnet rainbow was my favourite", so I decided to later get the Down to Earth album too, otherwise I never would have bought it. No regrets!

[@rcdolphin714]

Everything Graham sings is awesome!

[@samaitcheson7057]

The most imposing but soulful voice in hard rock. And that look was the coolest. He still sounds like he could burst eardrums!

[@TJRatfink]

Rainbow's Down To Earth is a long time fav. Cheers GB!

[@danielmacdonald8349]

I saw Rainbow with Graham on September 18 1979 - my pregnant wife’s due date was a week away. . They were playing with Blue Oyster Cult. I remember telling the parking attendant to make sure my car wasn’t blocked in - in case we had to make a quick exit. Great show by both bands. Well all that music must have woken my daughter - my wife’s water broke when we got home. She was born September 19 1979.

[@geezberry8889]

that first alcatrazz album is the best thing graham ever put out. yngwie too

[@E_M_Scott]

Since You’ve Been Gone was the first single my brother and I went halfers on - think I was 12 and he was 13. Can remember the excitement when it first blasted out of our parents cheapish living room record player.

[@adams7405]

Iconic guitar riff...then those vocals kick in

[@Jakelyn7133]

I❤️ Graham Bonnet voice. He's a great influence to me. I'm a huge fan.

[@highwaystar3780]

BONNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERREEET!!!!

[@martinlawrence8427]

Love Down to Earth. Graham was great and cool. Superb interview, humble guy!

[@johnmah8352]

Love the dog that walked past nonchalantly down the corridor

[@markbro4427]

I like Graham, he still sounds great live as well. It's great hearing these old stories.

[@levvellene570]

It's kinda funny, Ritchie reacting like that, as Graham Bonnet's hair cut was actually what made the Rainbow of that time being popular, if only for his looks alone. He made them look up-to-date and edgy, and no one cared how much other hair got entangled in strings, mikes and drum kits, I guess! 😆

[@davewelch377]

Especially since Ritchie has been wearing wigs since the 1970's.😱

[@Scott-k8e]

Graham looked like a Baptist preacher but dang his voice convinced me he was not. LOL! WHAT A POWERFUL VOICE. I LOVED down to earth.

[@keithrube22-Chicago]

To me he was one of the coolest lead singers of all time. Love this guy!!

[@79SteelyMatt]

That lineup was unreal Cozy Don Airey Roger Glover and Ritchie plus the coolest lead singer in hard rock history insane stage presence Graham Bonnett was the Boz Scaggs of hard rock

[@sapieedahlan5252]

I'm 61 yrs old..Down to earth album is great with Bonnet powerful voice ..

[@markneal3445]

Graham Bonnet is a BEAST!!!

[@winslowredcross2835]

I thought Graham was great in Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz. Thanks for the great interview!!

[@UjjayaEthnoambient]

Saw Rainbow in Paris in 80 . My favorite line up was with Dio, but Graham Bonnet took us totally by surprize this night . Even the poppy's songs of "Down to earth" were played faster heavier . Blackmore did his full show .Graham Bonnet was on fire . Cozy was KOZY . saw Jon Lord and Don Airey but barely heard them . One of the best show I've seen.

[@toma.4808]

Longtime graham bonnet fan! Alcatrazz , the marbles, rainbow MSG; that loud, powerful, iconic voice he has hasnt lost a step. The james dean of rock

[@visionlandmusic]

God bless Graham, great singer, big part of ny formative years!

[@johnroberts3723]

Great rock singer!.

[@thomaskinne2357]

Man anybody, can talk all the shit they want. But, Since You Been Gone? That song very much, speaks for itself! I mean the verses, the chorus, the bridge! It's crazy! Most certainly, one of if not my favorite, Rainbow song!

[@alexguitarwatson3215]

It’s a cover. Original is by Russ Ballard.

[@thomaskinne2357]

Oh, I'm aware. Not only Russ Ballard did it though. He's more known for co-writing & producing, Jagged Little Pill. Nobody, did Since You Been Gone, like Graham Bonnet with Rainbow!

[@highwaystar3780]

@@thomaskinne2357 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻BONNEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StratsRUs]

Fantastic performance packed full of hooks.

[@thomaskinne2357]

@burtonaka___ Yeah man, I suppose that's one way of putting it.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Legend 🌈

[@mowgli4peace]

As a guy from Bangladesh 🇧🇩, with English as my second language (in training), I grew up listening to 70s and 80s New Wave, Pop, Rock, Blues and Hard/Heavy Rock. All, in bootleg tapes, since genuine Cassette, Albums (Vinyl) were rare and super expensive to own, those days. Anyways, even tho my top preference as Rainbow singer is R. J. Dio, but somehow "Down To Earth" with Graham Bonnet has remained my topmost Rainbow album. Peace.

[@billyshane3804]

Right On Brother

[@stevenculver6416]

Amazing Voice...

[@rikd5452]

Aside from his spectacular voice, as far as stylistic appearances go, there's no doubt that Graham Bonnet always looked like he belonged in a New Wave band.

[@jesse2d]

Maybe a Las Vegas show band!

[@roxammon5858]

Along with Dio, Mr Bonnet is my favorite singer. "Love's no Friend of Mine" - Awesome performance.

[@highwaystar3780]

That Whole Album is Fucking Perfect and the Best Rock Album in History..........BONNEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!

[@michaelcraig9449]

Since You Been Gone, was written by Head East. They were from right here in St. Louis MO!

[@VamboRoolz]

It most certainly was not. The song was written by Russ Ballard, formerly of Argent.

[@tazenda2P]

One of the most controversial and particular career rock bands. I really enjoy listening to all their eras to this day,

[@Fuxerz]

I thought Graham as the front man was unique and different.

[@derek9658]

lovely guy with a great voice

[@Strato777]

Gotta love Graham good dude and Down to Earth was brilliant

[@bluewater3783]

Nice to see you Very Happy And Healthy, Dear Graham! 😊 I saw you in Concert in Binghamton, NY!!! 😊 and you were Fantastic!--really at the top of your game! Actually, the entire band, especially Ritchie, was in Great Form! I was standing with friends maybe 10-deep from off-center Stage, Stage Right, and you guys were warming-up for Blue Oyster Cult (I'm remember All of these details as I'm writing! 😊). And I think we All left the Concert after only a few Blue Oyster Cult songs, Lol. I remember that we All thought how foolish and strange it was that Rainbow 🌈 was actually "opening" for Blue Oyster Cult--and NOT the other way around. 😳 😊 Anyway, through the years, I've Always taken the Time to read about you whenever your name and very recognizable visage (face) appears before me! And, like I say: I'm Happy for you that you seem to be doing well (if that can Honestly be said of anyone of our age! 😊). Well, take good care, Graham! May God Bless You--and All The Rest of Us, Too! 😊

[@keijotoivonen3988]

Graham is Great singer!!!!

[@beautyghost6111]

Down to Earth, in matter of style and sound, counts for 3 albums and even for Blackmore of that era would have been impossible to record something better on this style, a rock opera maybe!!!!!! great job mate!!!!!

[@samright4661]

Graham is a funny dude😂😂

[@johncronin631]

What a great voice and character!

[@mikegalvin361]

Graham has a fantastic memory and a great story teller, an amazing man for sure.

[@thomaskinne2357]

How sweet of Graham Bonnet to say some kind things about, Ritchie Blackmore! The man who talks shit, on, Ian Gillan?! Can you imagine trying to sing like that, forever? I mean, not everyone is Glenn Hughes! Ha!

[@CrueLoaf]

Awesome interview. Thank you.

[@domofswitch]

Love this! Thanks for it!

[@carlsandberg1146]

Wonderful human

[@roberttaylor139]

How can you not love Graham?Such a funny down to earth bloke!

[@NetleKiss]

One of the most underestimated singer in rock industry! And may be he didn’t get too much luck! He always made me sober with his singing,- despite the fact, I hate Since You’ve been gone!!!!

[@Challender]

Thank You, both

[@mht525]

Graham was well known for his solo work in Australia. ✌️🤘🇦🇺

[@EdBenji]

Really!

[@rumoursduo]

Sure was, I met him after a gig at the Tivoli in Adelaide one night. Got to chat for a while too. Nice bloke.

[@stevecrocker6904]

yes, his cousin is Australian and they formed the Marbles together - that's the link

[@FrostedSeagull]

Had a huge diisco here in Australia called Warm Ride in 1978.

[@brotherkellymatthewbarnes8882]

Before or after Alkatrazz?

[@grillybeen9047]

Night Games……great song, great vocals 👍

[@robertstan2349]

one of the great voices in rock

[@tomdecuca3627]

I thought Graham Bonnet was one of the best singers Ritchie Blackmore hired. I also thought the look was cool, with his short hair/ James Bond look. Especially in the middle of Punk and New Wave styles taking off.

[@hasseandersson4631]

Ahhh my hero! I think the best performance in my opinion is with MSG Assault attack, back in 82'. The whole album is something that has followed me all this years and I still listening to the album 😍😎 By that I don't mean Rainbow and Alcatraz is bad, no no no! I have all the albums on vinyl 😎

[@highwaystar3780]

Ran into the Wiz coming back from college and I see a new MSG lp hanging on the wall. Holy Shit,my favorite singer just joined Michael 😳 Rest is history. Assault is a Monumental Album for Graham and so are No Parole and Disturbing the Peace. But "Down to Earth" is the Quintessential Album...To Me😊

[@evanward4303]

Assault Attack 🤘😎👍 All killer no filler. Masterfully produced by Martin Birch. Just brilliant in every possible way!

[@highwaystar3780]

@evanward4303 The Guitar Solo Phrasings on "Rock You To the Ground" and "Broken Promises" are Out of this Galaxy and are Michael's Best work along with "Lost Horizons"!

[@highwaystar3780]

@evanward4303 Are you the Evan I knew from Bayside NY who moved to Boca Roton fl ?

[@studio-flash]

I saw them then. What a band.

[@andredegraaf1643]

I'd have to say that Graham's clean cut look was a bit weird but honestly, was Rainbow's best singer.

[@RossBoulter-g2w]

When you see the photos of Graham and the rest of Rainbow now, you see that he was the only one that didn't look outdated.

[@max7even284]

He looked stupid for that time. Looked like a poker player from Las Vegas.😂

[@albertarthurparsnips5141]

No. He was the only one who doesn’t immediately remind you of Derek Smalls.

[@petewoodroffemusic]

Graham is a great vocalist and lovely fella! They probably called the album Down To Earth after Graham Pete Woodroffe Music UK

[@groovedohg]

The cover photo of Bonnet looks just like Francis Rossi of Status Quo from around 15 years ago

[@brassteeth3355]

Best singer they ever had.

[@BanalayerPete1972]

The doggy at 3:35 is lovely!🙂 The song Freedom Fighter seems to have some Graham backing vocals under the lines in the middle: "Fighting for breath, as the world gathers speed..." It's uncanny. What's really odd about the haircut story is that Ritchie Blackmore seems to respect individuality and singlemindedness, both of which Graham Bonnet showed by having hair cut as he chose. In a band with guys with longish hair, just over the collar, his look fit well. Pretty sure I can remember the review of Clout's version of Since You Been Gone. It concluded, "For extra hipness value, the solo at the end could've been played by Mick Ralphs." Ralphs and Blackmore were my Top 2 guitarists in '78, as I didn't discover Gary Moore / Michael Schenker until '79. Thanks for a great interview.

[@andrew13yt]

that was Roger Glover not Graham.

[@BanalayerPete1972]

@@andrew13yt: Sounds more like Graham. As Turner sings "Fighting for breath, As the world gathers speed, Time's running out for the things that I need", those DVs are pure Bonnet.

[@megaduck7965]

While Dio rainbow is my favourite era my introduction was Graham Bonnet , incredible voice

[@highwaystar3780]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@robertocruz5232]

Ian Gillan and Graham Bonnet are the best singers that Deep Purple and Rainbow ever had.

[@LyonThroy-RSA]

As a young teen, I always thought Graham's slick short haired look in a band of long haired musos was cool AF. He inspired me to always go against the grain in the bands I've played in.

[@garywilliams64]

Ritchie was the only one with long er...hair. 😊

[@highwaystar3780]

BONNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!

[@lillyk2315]

Richie Blackmore.....and Deep Purple no doubt❤❤❤❤❤

[@SonOfWāt]

Bloody love Graham!

[@ThomasLovelacetommystix]

That's at Beth-Ami Heavenstone house.. saw her walk by.. his bassist

[@ainsleystones4600]

I saw him play last week and he was bloody excellent! I had the good fortune to support him once and he was so nice to our band. I think that if he was American, his name would be on everyone's go-to great rock vocalists list.

[@BrockTheHeathen]

Australia LOVED him, he was a big pop star down there before the hard rock guys recruited him to come back up here & work for them.

[@ainsleystones4600]

@@BrockTheHeathen Well, Australia is usually on the ball with great music. They appreciated ABBA before most other places!

[@anthonyjd6097]

You & the band made a great album, there was nothing to be made fun of & thank you

[@stevenlast2168]

I got to see this tour at the Palace Theatre in Albany NY. It was the first time I saw Graham Bonnet also with the Michael Schenker Group.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Graham...sartorial champ. Ritchie was always on a bummer trip.

[@Galaxy13user]

How was it working with Yngwie Vs Ritchie Blackmore? Musically, how were they different? Who had/has the bigger musical brain 🧠? -Cheers

[@picassoboy52]

exactly who did you think was going to answer this bro? Its a pre-recorded broadcast.....

[@Scottocaster6668]

Bigger brain or Ego?

[@elenka.svaliva2]

Ritchie, of course. Yingwe is just a speed shredder, Ritchie is a composer.

[@Glenrsi]

Clout were a band from South Africa and their biggest hit was Substitute.

[@eaglerocvox3277]

Real RocknRolla...Earth Soul Blues RocknRoll...

[@antoninstancl9198]

Ritchie was like the Hoverboard of Rock!

[@StratsRUs]

His style and his voice stuck out and I always thought it was cool to do that.

[@adams7405]

For what its worth Graham the 1981 Dutch magazine sort of equivalent to smash hits voted Graham Bonnet and Freddie Mercury equal first in their annual pole.All Night Long was number 1 in Holland....first single i ever bought, then i got I Surrender which had a different singer and i didn't get it at 11 years old.....

[@chriswalford9228]

Great voice one of the best in rock. I have Graham to thank for one of my relationships. Around 82 got his haircut and some red trousers. Went to a pub for a football function but got dumped by the then girlfriend. Ok I thought so I walked 3 miles to a friends house who was having a party. As I got there everyone was leaving, but his Sister liked my look and I stayed for a few more hours just her , me. and her budgie that masturbated on a pencil) Start of a wonderful time for the next 6 months. I was 25 at the time.

[@thomaskinne2357]

Yes, Dio sang like a bird & I saw him for the Heaven and Hell record, Holy Diver & Last In Line. But Graham Bonnet, is still my favorite Rainbow singer! I was just saying the other day that song wise, Alcatraz was the best thing Wingnut Valvestem, ever did! Just an opinion!

[@DavidRDavidRoss]

Wingnut Valvestem? 😃 😀 😄 😁 🤣 😂 😃 😀 😄 Good one.

[@thomaskinne2357]

Thank you, sir!

[@frontman62]

Interesting what he says about ‘Out of Time’ & ‘Since you’ve be gone’..

[@highwaystar3780]

So Ritchie Stole a Song from a Band that He truly Can't Stand😂

[@Qwazier3]

That was not the only show Ritchie went behind the speakers to play. He did it in Philadelphia too. Pat Travers opened for them. As a fan, that sucked. I paid to see the band. ALL of them play.

[@ThomasLovelacetommystix]

❤

[@plantagenant]

Ironic that Blackmore should take exception to Graham's hair when Blackmore's was really quite crap until he go that wig.

[@johnmiller1300]

Alcatazz was a top band

[@highwaystar3780]

Saw them 2x

[@johnmiller1300]

@@highwaystar3780 god bless video 👊👊👊👊

[@endacoughlan2670]

Did they do much Dio era songs during Graham’s tenure?

[@cfdemarco2]

I always thought his short hair look was cool. Looked like James Dean. I dug all the versions of Rainbow

[@laudanum669]

It's funny Blackmore was overly concerned about Graham's hair considering Ritchie wears a wig.

[@Daniel-415-Ponce]

I am surprised Ritchie never suggested/demand that Graham do likewise if the singer wanted to keep his natural hair short.

[@mattwuxx3888]

There's a strong argument to be made that Bonnet is right up there with the Dios and Halfords in terms of pure hard rock/metal singing. I rate him higher than Ozzy even with Sabbath. It was pretty much his work with Michael Schenker that sealed it. Imagine Ozzy trying to sing Samurai or Desert Song. He would get embarrassed. Even Dio/Halford would have trouble. Graham is top 3, imo.

[@highwaystar3780]

Wtf does Ozzy have to do with this or Bonnet? Why even compare ??

[@ragenwenger5362]

Assault Attach - classic - great album that did not get much recognition

[@bullwinkle60]

I just listened to the Guardians of the Galaxy version. Different arrangement, similar voice to Graham's but Different.

[@inspector_7152]

I saw the band with Graham on vocals. He was truly awesome. They couldn’t have picked a better successor to RJD… Great concert that ruined my ears for the rest of my life, by the way…

[@cliffbungalow9373]

"Since" is a Russ Ballard song

[@l3eatalphal3eatalpha]

And 'I surrender'.

[@cliffbungalow9373]

Yes but that‘s Jolene Turner@@l3eatalphal3eatalpha

[@rhetttro59]

Russ is a great songwriter!

[@uberanalysis2599]

3:23 min best bit

[@parallaxview6770]

Haircut story - it was in Newcastle

[@JoseMarinAlternativ]

Yeah ! Ena sou o primeiro ;)

[@markstewart1807]

Seems like a nice guy and didn’t cow tow to Blackmore,which is credible and Blackmore must have respected him for that.

[@andrewbroughton65]

I always thought He worked with MSG straight after Rainbow ? but here He says Alcatraz ?

[@drummingprince3]

There's nothing wrong with having rhythm and blues in your voice and your singing heavy rock..... It's a good mixture kinda like Dug Pinnick

[@miserablesod1]

Graham Bonnet or John Shuttleworth? 😉

[@nick1065]

Or Jim Bowen….

[@StratsRUs]

" I'm gonna punch the air on key phrases ! "