ALCATRAZZ Release the Re-Record of "Hiroshima Mon Amour" and Announce the album PRIOR CONVICTIONS with Two New Songs on BraveWords Records

BraveWords Records releases the re-record of "Hiroshima Mon Amour" by Alcatrazz. The single is available on all digital services. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" is taken from the upcoming album PRIOR CONVICTIONS that will be released on November 7th.

“Hiroshima Mon Amour is another favorite live, and of mine personally… a fun one to sing with loads of power and range needed… this one will never leave the bands set list live and our new 2025 version of the song shows off the current lineup very well!” - Giles Lavery, Alcatrazz lead singer.

 

See Alcatrazz "Hiroshima Mon Amour" video Below.

 

Stream or Purchase Alcatrazz "Hiroshima Mon Amour": https://smarturl.it/HiroshimaMonAmour

 

In advance of their forthcoming 2026 studio album, Alcatrazz reveal a new release to land just in time for their extensive November/December 2025 European tour. PRIOR CONVICTIONS contains newly re-recorded versions of nine 1980s era Alcatrazz songs, all featuring new vocalist Giles Lavery. Plus two brand new band compositions “Transylvanian Requiem” and “Stand And Wait Your Turn”.


Credits:

Produced Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo

Mixed & Mastered by Andy Haller

All songs recorded 2025

 

Giles Lavery - Vocals

Joe Stump - Guitars

Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards

Gary Shea - Bass

Mark Benquechea - Drums

Alcatrazz hit the road in Europe later this year with Girlschool.

ALCATRAZZ Release the Re-Record of "Jet To Jet" and Announce the album PRIOR CONVICTIONS on BraveWords Records

BraveWords Records releases the re-record of "Jet To Jet" by Alcatrazz. The single is available on all digital services. "Jet To Jet" has been one of my favorite Alcatrazz songs all of my life, even if the riff is a little similar to Rainbow's "Spotlight Kid"!... actually, it's like "Spotlight Kid" on steroids!!! What a great song and so much fun to perform live... I hope everyone checks out and enjoys our new 2025 version of this Alcatrazz 1983 classic! - Giles Lavery.

 

Alcatrazz "Jet To Jet" video below.

 

Stream or Purchase Alcatrazz "Jet To Jet": https://smarturl.it/jettojet

 

In advance of their forthcoming 2026 studio album, Alcatrazz reveal a new release to land just in time for their extensive November/December European tour. PRIOR CONVICTIONS contains newly re-recorded versions of nine 1980s era Alcatrazz songs, all featuring new vocalist Giles Lavery. Plus two brand new band compositions “Transylvanian Requiem” and “Stand And Wait Your Turn”.

 

These new versions of classic Alcatrazz tunes (plus the pair of new songs) continue the powerful hard hitting metal direction Alcatrazz have demonstrated since reactivating in 2020! This is now their forth release this decade, and the band show no signs of winding down any time soon!

"Shredlord" Joe Stump delivers hi-octane intensity with his neo-classical approach to the guitar…

 

While founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea continue the Alcatrazz musical legacy they started in 1983! Giles Lavery (Warlord/Jack Starr/Dragonsclaw) honors that same muscial legacy of these classic metal anthems and proves that he is indeed the right choice to take the band forward into their next Heavy Metal chapter!

Credits:

Produced Jimmy Waldo

Mixed & Mastered by Andy Haller

All songs recorded 2025

 

Giles Lavery - Vocals

Joe Stump - Guitars

Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards

Gary Shea - Bass

Mark Benquechea - Drums
 

https://www.alcatrazzofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alcatrazzband/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLCCQe68LpSPWIwm-Dx14w

https://twitter.com/AlcatrazzReal

https://www.instagram.com/alcatrazz_official/

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/57544-alcatrazz

ALCATRAZZ Head Back to the Island with the Release of Their New Single "Island In The Sun (Re-Opened 2025)" on BraveWords Records

BraveWords Records releases the re-record of "Island In The Sun (Re-Opened 2025)" by Alcatrazz. The single is available today on all digital services.

 

Alcatrazz "Island In The Sun (Re-Opened 2025)" video below:

 

Stream or Purchase Alcatrazz "Island In The Sun (Re-Opened 2025)": https://smarturl.it/islandsun2025

 

Gary Shea, Alcatrazz bassist and founding member, “I have played Island In The Sun many times since it's inception. So much sometimes I hear it in my sleep. Giles Lavery nails the vocal right up there with other past performances. Well done and looking forward to new music on BraveWords Records."

 

Alcatrazz lead singer Giles Lavery, "I do seem to have a thing for placing a target on my head… re-record a classic song originally sung by a legendary vocalist… yeah right!, no big deal! (!!!) Jimmy Waldo wrote the main theme to this while still a member of New England in 1981… the first single from Alcatrazz back in 1983….and here is Alcatrazz 2025 presenting a new version just in time for the Alcatraz Prison reopening?… Back to the island we go! Stranger things have happened!"

Alcatrazz hit the road in Europe later this year with Girlschool.

 

GIRLSCHOOL + ALCATRAZZ

 

11/14 Sweden, Sala, Rockland

11/15 Sweden, Stockholm, Rock At Sea Cruise

11/18 Finland, Turku, Nirvana + Daze Dolls

11/19 Finland, Helsinki, On The Rocks

11/20 Finland, Tampere, Tavara-asema

11/21 Finland, Nakkila, Verstas

11/22 Finland, Kouvola, House Of Rock

 

GIRLSCHOOL + ALCATRAZZ + DAVID REECE’s BANGALORE CHOIR 

 

11/25 Belgium, Kortjik, DVG Club

11/27 Germany, Kassel, Goldgrube

11/28 Germany, Passau, Zauberberg

11/29 Austria, Steyr, Kulturverein Röda

12/02 Czechia, Olomouc, Bounty Rock Cafe

12/05 Germany, Selb, Rockclub Nordbayern

12/06 Germany, Mörlenbach/Weiher, Live Music Hall

12/07 Germany, Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano

 

Tickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/57544-alcatrazz

More dates to be announced soon!

 

Giles Lavery - Vocals

Joe Stump - Guitar

Jimmy Waldo - Keys

Gary Shea - Bass

Mark Benquechea - Drums

 

Track produced by Giles Lavery & Jimmy Waldo

 

Track mixed by Andy Haller @ www.andyhaller.com
 

https://www.alcatrazzofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alcatrazzband/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLCCQe68LpSPWIwm-Dx14w

https://twitter.com/AlcatrazzReal

https://www.instagram.com/alcatrazz_official/

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/57544-alcatrazz

BraveWords Records Announces the Signing of ALCATRAZZ for a New Studio Album to be Released in 2026

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the signing of Alcatrazz, for a new studio album, their 7th, to be released in 2026. Alcatrazz is also working on another top secret studio project. The new album will build on the obvious strength of their recent three releases “Born Innocent” “V” and “Take No Prisoners”

Jimmy Waldo of Alcatrazz proposes the band perform at reopening of Alcatraz Prison, "U.S. President Donald Trump has recently made a claim that he wishes to “re-open” the high security prison, the legendary Alcatraz Island. Regardless of anyones thoughts on this, and make of it what you will … we really are the only logical choice… should this re-opening actually happen, we expect the invite from the Donald!. Alcatrazz would be the perfect and only band that should launch the “New Alcatraz Prison” as we have actually all spent time in cells in the joint (check out our video for “Island In The Sun”) climbed the famous prison tower, spent the whole day in every place on the rock … even inside the walls of the cells, where the famous escapes were attempted — so to play at the new opening celebration would be like coming home."

Members of Alcatrazz talk about signing with BraveWords Records,

Gary Shea: “Alcatrazz looks forward to merging forces with BraveWords Records, benefiting from the very impressive backgrounds of partners Tim Henderson, Michael Brandvold and Brian Adams. With their combined years of experience we will take on the Music Business and the Business of Music together. Let’s Rock!"

 

Jimmy Waldo: “It’s very exciting to be on BraveWords Records — great people that really get what Alcatrazz is all about, and are excited about taking the band to the next level. The combined background of the BraveWords brand already puts us at the forefront from Rock and Metal press, and the creative and innovative PR skills of Michael Brandvold gives this label an edge like no other… they are a one-stop shop for anything a band like us could ask for."

 

Joe Stump: "For multiple decades now BraveWords has always been my source for all things metal, dating back to when I used to buy their print mag at specialty record shops and news stands ... I'm thrilled to be working with their label and extremely excited for what's to come. As for the album: pay attention, we are ready to do some damage"

 

Giles Lavery: "To be singing for one of my favorite bands, and to also be close friends with these guys is something that might come along once in a lifetime… I now have that three-fold! as a member of Warlord, my recent work with Jack Starr on his new album and now with Alcatrazz! ...none of this I take for granted. My partners at BraveWords Records are also dear friends, so we have a great team all the way around. Lets just make a great record!"

About ALCATRAZZ:
Alcatrazz, formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, has been as well known for the legendary players and singers who have passed throughout the bands ranks as much as they have for their music.

 

Formed originally by the trio of Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea (both fresh from late 70’s hitmakers New England and the short lived band Warrior featuring a pre-Kiss Vinnie Vincent) along with vocalist Graham Bonnet (himself with impressive credentials having been a then recent member of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group) the band set about completing the line up with drummer Jan Uvena (formerly of Alice Cooper) and a then very young Yngwie Malmsteen, a guitarist who had quickly made a name for himself upon arriving in the USA in the early 80s. The band issued their now classic debut “No Parole From Rock N Roll” album (1983) which was met with universal critical acclaim. Yngwie was soon to depart in favor of Steve Vai just in time for the bands second album “Disturbing The Peace” (1985).

 

The bands mission has always been a not necessarily stable line-up, but of an evolving union of established performers all forming a “supergroup” of sorts, one with perhaps more guitar fire-power than many, but definitely also with the songs to back it up.

 

Vocalist Doogie White (himself also formerly of Rainbow and Michael Schenker) served a successful two album stint with the band, while the “shred-lord” himself…the acclaimed Joe Stump (also a very established solo artist and a Berklee college professor) has now been the bands longest serving guitarist, with this year now making his 6th continuing year as a member of the band.

 

Longtime Graham Bonnet and Alcatrazz collaborator, producer, songwriter and vocalist Giles Lavery is now the man behind the microphone, having proved he was an inspired choice on two recent U.S. tours — having worked with the band in numerous other creative capacities since 2017 the band feel it was a logical move, but also one chosen on merit. Giles can be heard on the recent BraveWords Records release, Jack Starr's "Out Of The Darkness Part II" as well as his studio and live work with U.S. metal legends Warlord, a band who feature non-other than Mark Zonder on drums...himself a former member of the Graham Bonnet Band, Fates Warning, and worth noting here... as he is also currently leading the band A-Z who feature none other than Alcatrazz main man keyboardist Jimmy Waldo! confused yet? don't be, as all of this proves that there is a firm but perhaps overlooked consistency and lineage to what on the surface may seem like an ever evolving band personnel.

 

Indeed Jimmy Waldo continues to be the heart and soul of Alcatrazz… as aside from being the bands talented keyboardist, he has been the one who would, over the bands career find himself at the centre of all band affairs and decision making, from booking the band in the early days, working closely with the bands various record labels, to making sure other members, at the height of 1980s rock n roll decadence were present and accounted for when it came time to get the work done..."i think i even drove the tour bus once or twice back then" says Waldo... in fact it was Jimmy himself who personally selected Steve Vai out of a number of other contenders for the guitarist position in 1984 when Yngwie Malmsteen chose to move on to his own distinguished solo career.. "alot of people have come and gone over the years" says Jimmy... "It's kept it fresh and we are hardly the only band like that, we still have myself and Gary still holding down the frontline from that early era" Chris Impellitteri historically was one such player in line for the job, who may not have made it into the bands ranks back in 1984, but who in 2020 finally recorded with the band as a special guest on the successful “Born Innocent” album (co-produced by Giles and Jimmy).

 

Bassist Gary Shea, he who named the band and designed the bands logo no less… came up with the above-mentioned iconic album titles (lets also not forget “Live Sentence”) as noted above, has been flying the Alcatrazz flag with Jimmy for over 4 decades now and is looking forward to this next phase. Gary's recently published book "No Bass, No Party" is also an essential read for those wanting to delve deeper into the Alcatrazz story! 

GIRLSCHOOL Announces First Leg of Final North American Tour

GET TICKETS HERE

The longest tenured all-female rock band and NWOBHM legends GIRLSCHOOL will be embarking on their final North American tour next year! The first leg of the trek will see support from LILLIAN AXE and ALCATRAZZ and will kick off on March 21 at Hell's Heroes Festival in Houston, TX and will run through April 6. The itinerary can be found below while tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 1 @ 10:00 A.M. EST, which can be found HERE. Pre-sales for Boston, MA and NYC will go on sale tomorrow, November 30, for which the details can also be found below.

Girlschool comments, "We are very excited to announce the first leg of our return to the USA - for the first time in nearly a decade...and for what will be our final full tour of the United States. Also with us on this package we have the brilliant Alcatrazz and Lillian Axe.

"Our agency and management are making every effort to get us to as many cities as possible, and as always it's all about where there is interest, so even if you have to travel a little bit -- we would love to see you there at one of the shows!

"Cheers you lot"

The band is supporting their recent full-length, 'WTFortyfive?,' which was released on July 28 of this year by Silver Lining Music. The record is now available on all streaming services and can be ordered HERE.

GIRLSCHOOL North American Dates (w/ Lillian Axe + Alcatrazz):

03/21: Houston, TX @ Hell's Heroes Festival*

03/22: New Orleans, LA @ Southport Music Hall

03/24: Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West

03/25: Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre

03/27: Bensalem, PA @ Broken Goblet

03/28: Washington, DC @ Black Cat

03/29: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

03/30: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre

04/02: Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall

04/06: Detroit, MI @ Token Lounge

*Girlschool Only

03/29: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club Pre-sale Info:

Citizens Live presale Thursday 11/30 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. EST. No password, all you need to unlock this presale is the first six digits of your Citizens Banks card. 

Live Nation presale Thursday 11/30 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. EST, password is BACKSTAGE.

3/30: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre Pre-sale Info:

Live Nation Presale: Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. EST (pw: BACKSTAGE)

Ticketmaster Presale: Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. EST (pw: STAR)

Girlschool originated in the UK during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal Scene in 1978 and is frequently associated with contemporaries and friends Motörhead. They are the longest running all-female rock band, still active and rocking hard after more than 40 years.

Formed from a school band called Painted Lady by Kim McAuliffe and Enid Williams, Girlschool enjoyed strong media exposure and commercial success in the U.K. in the early 1980s with three albums of 'punk-tinged metal' and a few singles.

In the 1990s and 2000s, they concentrated their efforts on live shows and tours, reducing considerably the production of studio albums. During their long career Girlschool toured all over the world, performing at many of the biggest rock and metal festivals as well as co-headlining with or supporting some of the most important hard rock and heavy metal bands in the genre.

They maintain a worldwide cult following and are considered an inspiration for many succeeding female rock musicians, such as The Donnas.

Original members Kim McAuliffe, Denise (Drench) Dufort are still in the band to this day, original member lead guitarist /vocalist/songwriter Kelly Johnson died of cancer in 2007 and was replaced by lead guitarist/songwriter Jackie (Jax) Chambers in 1999.

In Jan 2019 Girlschool part ways once again with bassist Enid Williams, making way for the return of Tracey Lamb (formerly of Rock Goddess and Girlschool 1987-1991 & 1993-2000) solidifying the bands lineup for future live shows and recordings.

On July 28, 2023 at FORTY-FIVE years young, the British hard rock royalty came out swinging with their 14th studio album 'WTFortyfive?,' an outstanding and deliciously dirty declaration that age is a number that shows how much real raw attitude you have when it really counts. Kim, Denise, Jackie and Tracey leave the grit under their finger nails and the scuzz on their crusty leather boots as they riff and stomp their way through 12 statements of intent showing major attitude, some great melodies, and a consistent crunch to every guitar.

GIRLSCHOOL Lineup:

Kim McAuliffe: rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals

Denise Dufort: drums

Tracey Lamb: bass guitar

Jackie Chambers: lead guitar, backing vocals

Links:

Official Website

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