Everybody Wants a Piece of the Pie

At one time, it seemed that Alcatrazz was poised to take the heavy metal throne.

The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1983.

Members included former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet and Steeler guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Gary Shea played bass with New England before jumping to Alcatrazz. Jan Uvena played drums and Jimmy Waldo played keyboards.

 After only one album, guitar virtuoso Malmsteen was replaced with equally talented Steve Vai. With Vai, the group released Disturbing the Peace. Vai jumped ship a short time later to perform with David Lee Roth's band after he left Van Halen.

A slew of personnel changes later, Alcatrazz called it quits by the end of the 1980s. In 1996, The Best of Alcatrazz hit store shelves as an import release. The album was met with mixed reviews, most fans think the band's four studio albums are a better representation of their work.

Last year, Internet rumors swirled that Graham Bonnet was planning a new Alcatrazz line-up, but that has yet to be seen.

If you're wondering about Malmsteen, he embarked on a successful solo career and is largely regarded as one of rock's best guitarists.