Alkatrazz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Maidstone, Kent, England |
| Founder | Craig Stevens, Bob Jenner, Gary Bevan, Nick Parsons |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Maidstone , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Alkatrazz was a heavy metal group originating from Maidstone, Kent, England. Established in 1980 during the era of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), the initial lineup consisted of lead singer Craig Stevens, guitarist and backing vocalist Bob Jenner, bassist Gary Bevan, along with drummer and backing vocalist Nick Parsons. The band secured a contract with RCA Records in 1981, releasing their first album Young Blood, followed by their sophomore effort Radio 5 in the subsequent year. Shortly after the second album's launch, RCA dropped the band. Phillip Tame briefly took over bass duties from Bevan before Alkatrazz dissolved in 1983.
History
Before forming Alkatrazz, Bob Jenner and Nicko Parsons played in a jazz fusion ensemble called Interface. Their manager, Tony Tullett, encouraged them to transition toward rock music. After recruiting bassist Gary Bevan and guitarist Dave Saunders, Craig Stevens joined the group following a response to an advertisement in Melody Maker. The band adopted the name Alkatrazz and performed locally for approximately six months prior to signing with RCA Records after appearing on a BBC Radio Kent Rock Show.
Their debut release, Young Blood, was produced at Magritte and Regents Park Studios in London and came out in May 1981, preceded by the single "Rockin' High". The band supported the album by touring alongside fellow NWOBHM artists such as Magnum, Tygers of Pan Tang, and Samson. Following their tour with Samson, they recorded their second album Radio 5, which showcased a style leaning more towards American album-oriented rock (AOR). This record included guest contributions from Toni Childs and Mel Collins.
Soon after the release of Radio 5, RCA dropped Alkatrazz from their roster. Bassist Bevan was dismissed—a decision described by Stevens as "a knee jerk reaction born out of frustration"—and replaced by sound engineer Phillip Tame. Despite some misconceptions, Parsons was not succeeded by former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr; Burr had joined an American band named Alcatrazz. Bevan commented on this mix-up as "quite funny." The group disbanded shortly thereafter.
Members
- Craig Stevens – lead vocals (1980–83)
- Bob Jenner – guitar, backing vocals (1980–83)
- Nicko Parsons – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1980–83)
- Gary Bevan – bass (1980–82)
- Phillip Tame – bass (1982–83)
- Dave Saunders – guitar (1980)
Discography
Studio albums
- Young Blood (1981)
- Radio 5 (1982)
Singles
- "Rockin' High" (1981)
- "You and the Night" (1981)
- "Think It Over" (1982)