Graham Bonnet

He's still singing songs by his old bands, having fun and not taking things too seriously.

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The former Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group singer heads out to play British dates to celebrate the latter band's 1982 album Assault Attack.

Your Facebook page recently reminded us that “despite the circumstances” – you took his place in Rainbow – there was a friendship between you and Ronnie James Dio.

I wouldn't describe it was a close friendship, but I did get to know Ronnie pretty well. I went to his house a few times.

A few days ago you were on stage with Joe Lynn Turner and Dino Jelusick of Whitesnake fame singing Man On The Silver Mountain for 25,000 fans in Belarus. At 77 years young you still travel the world, sing those songs and, presumably have a bit of fun in the process.

That's absolutely true. And it was kinda cool. In its own way it was a little tribute to Ronnie, because without him and Rainbow we wouldn't be talking right now. I always mention my age on stage and it gets a cheer – “He’s how old?”

You're not the most serious guy on stage, you like a laugh.