Sven Gali

w/Sittin’ Pritty et.al

Aug 11^th, Thorold, Ont.

 All Photo's by Celtic Bob 2007

The Moose and Goose in Thorold was the setting for the Uncle Sam’s benefit which was a bar that many bands played over the years. Uncle Sam’s must have been special and hold extremely meaningful to those bands. One such band was Sven Gali who reunited for this one show after too many years apart. A couple of members flew in just for this special show which made it all the more meaningful.

Ozzy Osbourne / Rob Zombie / In This Moment
Saturday, October 20, 2007
General Motors Place
Vancouver, BC  Canada

***Live Review By Lord of The Wasteland

(***Photo approval was not granted for this show.)

GRAHAM BONNET

Graham Bonnet was originally born in 1947 in England and he got his first touch of success in the music business in the late 60's with his band Marbles. Graham released his first, self titled, solo album in 1977 which did quite well especially in Australia. After several solo albums, which included mostly cover songs, Graham was surprisingly chosen to replace Ronnie James Dio in Rainbow in 1980. The album "Down to Earth" was released later on the same year and it included massive hits "Since You've Been Gone" and "All Night Long". Unfortunately Graham's career in Rainbow didn't last too long and he was soon replaced by Joe Lynn Turner. Graham released another solo album 'Line Up" in 1981 and it included another hit 'Night Games' which went into number 6# in UK charts. Graham replaced Gary Barden in MSG in 1982 and the band released the album "Assault Attack" later in the same year. The album did pretty well but once again Graham's career didn't last too in this band either. He was fired after his disastrous performance in Sheffield in November 1982. Next Graham decided to form his own band which was called Alcatrazz. The original version of Alcatrazz included Graham, Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea, Jan Avena and a young rising guitar hero named Yngwie Malmsteen. After two albums Yngwie was fired and he was then replaced by another future star Steve Vai who soon after decided to join David Lee Roth's solo band. Alcatrazz was slowly disbanded in 1986 after four albums. Since then Graham has worked with such bands and names as; Blackthorne, Impellitteri, Forcefield, Anthem, Taz Taylor and Electric Zoo among others but he has also released a couple of solo albums, the latest being "The Day I Went Mad" came out in 2001. Over the past few years Graham has done a lot of session work, worked with some of the bands mentioned above and been on tour both as a solo artist and as a band member. Graham did a brief co -headline tour in Finland with his old Rainbow colleague Joe Lynn Turner last August. It was then that I had a chance to sit down with Graham and get the latest news as well as some facts from the past from the man himself. Enjoy!

Interview and pictures by Marko Syrj�l�

Transcription by Andy Osborn

Additional questions by Jarno Huovila

Nightwish - Tuomas Holopainen

Written by Simon Lukic
Transcription by Mike ‘Fucking Hostile’ Holmes

One of Metal’s biggest headlines was the “open letter” served to Tarja Turunen by Nightwish band leader Tuomas Holopainen. It not only bought an end to one of the genre’s greatest pairings, it also would cause a great deal of concern amongst Nightwish fans as many felt the band would never be able to find a worthy successor. After going through some 2000 applicants a replacement was found and everyone should now be aware of Anette Olzon - a 36 year old Swede who managed to impress the band the most. While opinions regarding Anette are still divided, the release of DARK PASSION PLAY seems to have reinvigorated the band and the interview I had with Tuomas highlights the fact. I trust you will enjoy our discussion and appreciate Tuomas’ honesty and dedication to his band.

Vinny Appice from Heaven and Hell

What more can one say about the reunion of Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Vinnie Appice that hasn’t already been said? How about magical, awe inspiring and exceptional? Whatever the adjective, it’s safe to say that it has been a welcomed return - one that is worthy of much praise. I was fortunate enough to speak to drum legend Vinny Appice during their Australian tour this year and here is the conversation.