America was so excited to have them come over, then they left my picture out. I had a contract with them as the sixth-member for the album……, breach of contract. So, by leaving my name– my face out, Rudolf was able to fabricate an appearance over there as if nobody is missing.
The encore was a rock fan’s wet dream with the gig turning into UFO Fest. McCauley, Bonnet and Barden all come back on stage.
But an absolutely amazing experience just off the hook. I can’t even… it all seems surreal really. But 35 years later, all three singers would be up there together just goofing off and having a good time.
Dates include O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), O2 Academy, Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
Graham Bonnet is at the top of his game on The Book. His voice is as strong as ever, the songs are as classic as ever, and he proves that age is just a number.
Everybody is out on the road now. Don Airey for instance, he is in Deep Purple. He plays keyboards in Deep Purple, and he is in three other bands. That shows you exactly what it is like. If you try to play solid in the States, for example in Los Angeles no one is really interested. It is pretty hard.”