«You can expect to see us later this year after the release of our new album» – Gary Shea (Alcatrazz)

Interview by Rockberto.

Alcatrazz is one of the bands that has been a huge part of my life. Ever since I heard the incredible «No Parole from Rock and Roll,» I’ve been completely captivated by their talent. That’s why it’s so wonderful to be able to connect with the band members with each new album. This time, I had the opportunity to interview one of the group’s founders, bassist Gary Shea. Here’s what the conversation had to say:

Alcatrazz has a new album titled «Prior Convictions,» how is it being received by critics and fans?

The new album is getting great reviews around the world. It`s really taken off beyond our expectations especially in terms of air play on internet radio.

Why did you decide to re-record many of the songs from your early years, perhaps to demonstrate that Giles Lavery can perfectly defend them?

We had some previously recorded tracks laying around and we thought it would be interesting for Giles and Joe to get a chance to play some of the songs that we do live, in a studio situation.

Most of the songs included are from the earlier period and are from «No parole from rock and roll»; only two are from «Disturbing the peace»—how did you decide which songs to choose?

We play about 50% of our live set from the first three albums and then we play songs from our recent three studio albums. Many fans wondered if someone else could sing the vocal parts that Graham Bonnet had sung and the answer is yes. Doogie White did a fine job when he was with us but Giles Lavery really nails it.

As I mentioned before, Giles Lavery is your new singer for this stage. What do you think is his biggest contribution to the band?

Giles brings an amazing amount of dedication to the band which is something we’ve never had before. He wears many hats in the organization and all of them fit well. You won’t find many people more committed to music than Giles.

You’ve also included two new songs, an instrumental, «Transylvanian Requiem,» and «Stand and Wait Your Turn,» which I think is a great song and an excellent starting point for a new beginning. Do you agree?

Yes, we’ve begun working on a new studio album to be released later this year. These are a samples of the direction the band is going in.

You recently toured Europe. When will you return to Spain?

We just toured Northern Europe at the end of 2025. You can expect to see us later this year after the release of our new album on Bravewords Records.

Knowing your work pace, I suppose you’re thinking about the band’s next steps. Have you composed more songs for a future album?

Yes as I’ve said we have begun work on new material which will allow us to tour extensively around the world later this year in 2026

You recently had a public exchange with Graham Bonnet, what are your thoughts on what happened?

It’s all very juvenile. Graham’s girlfriend has always been irate and frustrated that she will never be in Alcatrazz. She is the one that demanded he quit Alcatrazz when we reformed and that he return to the Graham Bonnet Band, which he did. Since then she has led a campaign of law suits, trying to gain our trademark and releasing countless negative interviews and videos defaming Alcatrazz. We let it go for the past few years until recently. Enough of that is enough. Jimmy mentioned that Graham had been singing to backing tracks which is true. I saw it myself when the GB Band and Alcatrazz played in Japan together. All hell broke loose but it’s the truth. Wether he still does I don’t know. He is pushing 80 years old and no one can keep up that pace. Songs like Hiroshima and Jet to Jet were difficult for him to play live even in the 80`s.

Speaking of something else, you’ve published a book titled «No Bass, No Party.» What can people expect to find when they buy it?

I was asked by BWL Publishing in Canada if I would write a book about the music business. Not a book about parties and being wild but about what happens behind the scenes with contracts, lawyers, managers and publishing deals. It’s my story of wanting to play music, form bands and how it all came together. It’s a good read for people just starting out in the business and for those who have also been through many of the same situations. I have just been nominated as one of their Top 10 authors of 2025.

Could you tell us a crazy anecdote that you included in the book?

Prior to Alcatrazz Jimmy Waldo and I were in a great band called New England. We were managed by Bill Aucoin, manager of KISS. We had a Top 30 record in the U.S. and toured North America with Journey, ACDC, KISS, Kansas, Styx and many others over the course of three albums. This was a few years before we ever knew of Graham Bonnet or Yngwie, etc etc. In the beginning we had six major record company presidents come to our studio in Boston wanting to sign us to their labels. We were friends with the Elektra Records represenative in the North East. He also wanted to be our manager. We told him we were holding out for a more powerful manger who could do good things for us. As we set off in New York City with Bill Aucoin the rep filed a lawsuit against us individually for one million dollars each in Federal Court in New York. He also sued MCA records and Bill Aucoin each for a million dollars. We thought they were going to tell us to stay home, there were plenty of other bands to choose from. Instead they said they believed in the band and were going to fight for us. We won the case after spending a lot of money for a major music business lawyer, Marty Silfen, who also represented Bill Joel at the time. So many things can go right and so many things that can go wrong.

My book is about patience and perseverance.

Where can I get the book if anyone wants to buy it?

My Book, No Bass No Party is available through Amazon and leading bookstores.

With the perspective that time provides, what are your feelings regarding Alcatrazz 43 years after the band’s debut?

I am very proud of our years as Alcatrazz which is known around the world for great music and high caliber musicianship.

I’d like to know how you started playing bass? Which bass players influenced you in the beginning?

I started playing late in high school. I began playing guitar and one day picked up a Fender bass and fell in love with what it could do. From then on I searched worldwide for musicians that shared my vision. John Entwistle and Paul Mc Cartney were two of my biggest influences. One for sheer power and the other for amazing melody.

Do you want to say anything else?

I am grateful to all of our fans who come out and support us, Also I have great admiration for the people of Spain who have always been wonderful to us when we visit.