ROCK vocalist Graham Bonnet is currently working on his latest album with a new band and tuning up for a UK tour, including a gig in Swindon.

One of the loudest and most distinctive rock voices in recent history, Graham began as a rhythm and blues singer, notching up a number five UK chart hit in 1968 with Only One Woman, written by the Bee Gees.

Graham was one half of a duo called The Marbles. His co-singer, Trevor Gordon, had recorded with The Bee Gees when they were in Australia.

Graham left The Marbles to do jingles for advertisements and dabble in acting, taking the part of Bill Beethoven in a fictional band in the British comedy Three For All.

But it was in 1978 that the singer had a musical epiphany. He was asked to become lead singer in the glam rock band Sweet, replacing Brian Connolly, and was also invited by Ritchie Blackmore to take over the frontman duties for Rainbow.

He took the more colourful route and became a rock singer, notching up credits on Rainbow hits: Since You Been Gone and All Night Long. He was also with the rock icons when they headlined the inaugural Monsters of Rock Festival at Donnington Park.

When he left Rainbow he stayed with the rock focus and picked up his solo career releasing the Line-Up album, which featured a number of well known names such as Whitesnake guitarist Mick Moody, Cozy Powell, and Status Quo guitarists Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. The single from the album, Night Games, reached number six in the UK charts.

Moving more towards the heavy metal sound with his band Alcatrazz, Graham found himself big in Japan and moderately successful in America.

In 1987 he was also called in to give singing tips on the BBC TV programme Rock School.

He had a stab at theatre in the 1990s, making an appearance in Eddie Hardin and Pete York’s musical adaptation of Wind In The Willows that was performed live in Germany.

In a tribute to Rainbow, Graham took the lead in Catch The Rainbow in 2014.

He was born in Skegness and now lives in California and alongside his singing, plays guitar, bass and harmonica.

He has worked with a number of named artists over the years including Slash, Stevie Vai and Michael Schenker and he returns to the UK with The Graham Bonnet Band performing a mix of his hits and some new material.

The band will be performing at Level 3 nightclub, Commercial Road, Swindon, on Saturday, January 30 from 8pm.

Tickets are available from £13.50 at the venue or by visiting https://www.ents24.com/swindon-events/level-3/the-graham-bonnet-band/4461028 – FLICKY HARRISON