Impellitteri

Band formed by high-speed neo-classical guitarist Chris Impelliteri, whose style is reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen. He produced a self-financed album of instrumentals in 1986 and formed his own band in 1987, which consisted of former MSG and Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet, keyboardist Phil Wolfe, ex-Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, and ex-Ted Nugent drummer Pat Torpey. This lineup's only album strongly evoked Rainbow's style, to the point where Rainbow fans accused Impelliteri of plagiarism. However, the band disintegrated, with Wright joining House of Lords and Torpey going to Mr. Big. Impelliteri played with former Dio keyboardist Claude Schnell and singer Mark Weisz in 1990. ~ Steve Huey