Rainbow
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Latest Rainbow News
Below is our complete Rainbow news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 33 1 2 Last
OpEd
One Year On And On And On: Remembering Dio
There are some individuals in their field of music that are so important, they seem like they'll live forever. In many ways these legends do, as people will continue to listen to their music for years to come, but the lack of their physical presence on Earth can always be felt. Jazz lost a king when Miles Davis passed away in 1991, hip-hop lost one of it's most respected artists five years later when Tupac Shakur was murdered and heavy metal suffered from one, if not it's greatest loss this time last year, when Ronnie James Dio succumbed to stomach cancer.
The importance of this heavy metal titan who stood only at 5' 4" can never be exaggerated. this is the man who is credited with introducing the "heavy metal horns" hand gesture, which is used worldwide to this day by metal fans signaling their love of music, their approval or simply to acknowledge each other. As a singer, he was an influence to countless heavy metal vocalists and even at the age of sixty seven, he was still being credited as one of the best in the business, a title backed up by his winning of the Best Metal Vocalist Award at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards. Perhaps most importantly though, Ronnie James Dio was known for being one of the true gentleman of heavy metal. Unlike a number of other rockers, Dio wasn't known off the stage for excessive partying, violent encounters or a gargantuan ego, he was known for his honest love and respect for his fans and his undeniable intelligence and philosophic nature. More...
Henry Rollins And More Pay Tribute To Gary Moore
As was reported yesterday, guitar hero and former Thin Lizzy axeman Gary Moore has passed away. Since the news broke, tributes have been pouring in from fans and peers alike. Former Black Flag frontman and spoken word artist Henry Rollins stated:
"He was too young to go, those Lizzy recordings with Moore were as good as it gets. His solo records were rocking."
Former Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow and Uriah Heep bassist Bob Daisley commented: "It is with great sadness that I acknowledge Gary Moore in this way. His passing has come as a sad and terrible shock and I have difficulty believing that he’s gone. I have many fond memories of our years together, both in the workplace of music and as friends. I have love and respect for Gary as a musician and as a person, he was one of the greatest. Farewell and rest in peace Gary my friend." More...
Rainbow To Re-Issue "Down To Earth" Album
Legendary heavy metal act Rainbow, featuring Ritchie Blackmore, will release an expanded two disc deluxe edition of its classic album "Down to Earth." The new, expanded edition is set to hit store shelves on January 24, 2011 through Universal Music. The new deluxe expanded edition will include two non-album single B-sides, "Bad Girl" and "Weiss Heim," and a complete second disc of previously unreleased studio outtakes and alternative versions.
"Down To Earth" deluxe expanded edition:
-Disc 1-
1. All Night Long
2. Eyes Of The World
3. No Time To Lose
4. Makin' Love
5. Since You Been Gone
6. Love's No Friend
7. Danger Zone
8. Lost In Hollywood
9. Bad Girl (7" single b-side)
10. Weiss Heim (7" single b-side)
-Disc 2-
1. All Night Long (instrumental outtake)
2. Eyes Of The World (instrumental outtake)
3. Spark Don't Mean A Fire
4. Makin' Love (instrumental outtake)
5. Since You Been Gone (instrumental outtake)
6. Ain't A Lot Of Love In The Heart Of Me
7. Danger Zone (instrumental outtake)
8. Lost In Hollywood (instrumental outtake)
9. Bad Girls (instrumental outtake)
10. Ain't A Lot Of Love In The Heart
11. Eyes Of The World (instrumental outtake – take 2)
12. All Night Long (Cozy Powell mix)
Lyraka Moves Up Release, Announces Pre-Order
The Wagnerian metal opera project, Lyraka, has announced a pre-order offer for their debut CD, entitled "Lyraka.Volume 1." The CD, which is set for release November 27th, 2010, is available for pre-order at 15% off its release date price at Lyraka.com now.
The project, which bills itself as "Wagnerian Opera Metal, Defined" features four songs performed by Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ), one by Tommy Heart (ULI JON ROTH, FAIR WARNING), and one by Veronica Freeman (BENEDICTUM). Jeff Pilson (Dio, Dokken, Foreigner) and Tim Luce (Alcatrazz) have been involved in the project, as well as Andre Maquera (8084).
The composer, Andy DiGelsomina, announced "We are proud to announce that famed fantasy artist Ken Kelly (Kiss, Rainbow, Manowar) is putting the finishing touches on the cover artwork now, and it's looking KILLER."
Earthen Grave Pays Tribute To Dio with "Stargazer"
Earthen Grave paid tribute to the legendary Ronnie James Dio with a cover of Rainbow’s "Stargazer" (written by Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore) in concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL on Sunday, July 11, 2010.
The members of Chicago-based thrash/doom metal band are Ron Holzner on bass (formerly of Trouble), Rachel Barton Pine on electric long-range violin, Mark Weiner on vocals, Jason Muxlow and Tony Spillman on guitar and Scott Davidson on drums. Joining Earthen Grave for the Ronnie James Dio tribute were Hannah Barton on violin, Edgar Gabriel on violin and Mike Block on cello.
The rest of the set was highlighted with songs from Earthen Grave’s "Dismal Times" EP, and also featured Bruce Franklin (Trouble) joining Earthen Grave for two Trouble tunes.
Sunday’s concert was the first time a metal band has performed at the Pritzker Pavilion. The set was part of the Great Performer of Illinois Award Concert honoring Earthen Grave member Rachel Barton Pine. Pine played two classical sets earlier in the evening before closing the festival with Earthen Grave against an appropriate backdrop of pouring rain, thunder and lightning.
Earthen Grave - "Stargazer" Cover
Column
The Rockstar Ramblings: Heroic Bad Ass Moments
Last week Slash (Velvet Revolver, ex-Guns N Roses) was attacked on stage by a man attempting to tackle him from behind. The guitarist literally brushed off the offender and continued to play (on a broken guitar that would be replaced). In honor of this move this week we look at some of the heroic and/or bad ass (rating of 10) and not so heroic/or not so bad ass (rating of 1) moments from the world of videos. More...
Ronnie James Dio Laid To Rest
RonnieJamesDio.com reports that Ronnie James Dio was finally laid to rest on June 1, 2010 at 3:33 PM at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA. Ronnie was carried to his final resting place by his friends, Vinny Appice, Geezer Buttler, Craig Goldy, Steve Mignardi, Scott Warren and Simon Wright.
For those fans that were not able to attend the Memorial, you can still get the "Stand Up And Shout" T-Shirt, Memorial Program and Official Button for a donation of $35.00 to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.
The Shirt comes in sizes Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL and 3 XL. Shipping in the USA is in a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box for $10.70, Canada and Mexico is $26.95 and the rest of the world is $15.00.
Please make your checks or money orders payable to: The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund" and send them to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #837, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. You can also use your credit or debit card via PayPal. There is a direct link on the homepage of www.ronniejamesdio.com that says "DONATE NOW."
Here is what The Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout” Cancer Fund Program aims to do: More...
Hydrogyn Issues Condolences
Hydrogyn has issued the following in response to the untimely death's of Ronnie James Dio and Paul Gray:
"Hello friends,
"It's been a bittersweet past couple of weeks here in camp Hydrogyn. Firstly, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our mentor and dear friend, Ronnie James Dio. As a member of Megadeth, Jeff Young was fortunate to share much of the U.S. "Dream Evil" tour with the band Dio. Hydrogyn co-guitarist, Jeff Westlake was also a close friend of the "King of Rock-n-Roll" having had the rare opportunity to film & record many classic Black Sabbath and Dio concerts around the globe, with Ronnie's blessing. As you can imagine, we've been pouring through those very DVD & VHS archives over the past days, reminded in no uncertain terms, of this artist's true genius.
"We all shared many personal times with Ronnie and he was always the consummate gentleman and professional. Often overlooked, his sense of humor and wit were among his most charming and disarming character traits. Hydrogyn has covered "Rainbow in the Dark" in their concerts from the onset and we have all learned from the master via the many Dio and Black Sabbath songs played in various cover bands from our youth. This is not only a huge loss to the world of music and metal but a definitive blow to humanity.
"As we are in the home stretch of the recording and mixing process for our new album, we can't help but feel Ronnie's influence and presence looming over us and all around us, larger than life. We understand that we are just a handful of the countless musicians that Ronnie has influenced so, we consider the fact that we were blessed to know him, a priceless gift, never to be forgotten.
"We are also a band that's been touched by cancer on the home front as a result of Jeff Young's personal battles with "the monster." We urge those seeking to honor Ronnie's memory in some way, please donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation's efforts to wipe out cancer: livestrong.org
"On another note, as fans of the band Slipknot - we are further dismayed to learn the news of bassist Paul Gray's untimely passing. Although we didn't have the fortune to meet the man, we enjoyed his musical contributions and he will surely be missed by many. We are glad that our musical cohort, James LoMenzo has stepped in to fill the shoes of Mr. Gray on the upcoming series of concert dates with the band, Hail. It's a wonderful thing that our musical brotherhood can merge together at times like these and support each other in a unified effort to carry the torch of hard rock and metal in a positive direction.
"Long live rock-n-roll!
Julie, Jeff, Jeff, James, Joe
Hydrogyn"
Veronica Freeman Added to "Lyraka" Metal Opera
Vocal powerhouse Veronica Freeman (Benedictum), will be doing session work for the Lyraka project.
Lyraka is described as a "Wagnerian Opera Metal" project that encompasses a set of highlights CDs, as well as a 3D animated movie. Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ) and Tommy Heart (ULI JON ROTH, FAIR WARNING, SOUL DOCTOR) are also contributing vocal tracks.
Andy DiGelsomina, the composer and lead guitarist of the project, commented: "I was massively inspired by Veronica's performance on the Benedictum cds. She is not only viciously heavy when neccessary, but has a phenomenal sense of dynamics. Veronica is as gloriously heavy metal as you can get, and we are excited about working with her. "
The first volume of the CD set, "Lyraka Volume 1", is set for release in March 2011. For more information visit Lyraka.com.
Wendy Dio Responds To Westboro Baptist Church
In what would seem to be in response to the highly publicized plans of Westboro Baptist Church to picket Ronnie James Dio's memorial service and the information they posted about the man and his beliefs and legacy, Wendy Dio has issued the following update on RonnieJamesDio.com:
"Ronnie hates prejudice and violence! We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they didn't know. We only know how to love someone we know!"
As it's been discussed quite thoroughly in the comments of our previous article, I'd venture to say she's right.
Michael Schenker Announces Special London Show
Legendary heavy metal guitarist Michael Schenker has announced that he will be performing a special concert at London's Sherpherd Bush Empire on June 2nd to celebrate thirty years of the Michael Schenker Group. The concert will feature special appearances by singer Doogie White (Tank, ex-Rainbow,) Herman Rarebell (ex-Scorpions) and bass player Neil Murray (ex-Whitesnake) along with other guests who have yet to be announced.
The lineup for Schenker's May/June European tour is as follows:
Michael Schenker - lead guitar
Gary Barden - vocals
Chris Slade - drums (ex-AC/DC/The Firm) - May/June
Pete Holmes - drums (ex- Black N' Blue) - July
Chris Glenn - bass
Wayne Findlay - guitar/keyboards
Public Memorial Service To Be Held For Dio
Iconic metal figure Ronnie James Dio recently lost his battle with stomach cancer and passed away in the morning of Sunday, May 16th. Dio's MySpace page has now been updated with the following information about a public memorial service being held in Los Angeles on May 30th:
"There will be a public memorial service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.
"For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you. Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information."
King Diamond Pays Respects To Dio
King Diamond has checked in with the following thoughts about the recent departure of famous metal musician Ronnie James Dio:
"It’s with a heavy heart that I pay my respects to Ronnie James Dio. What an amazing singer and entertainer. Throughout my career, he has always been in my top 10 list of vocalists. The mystery and emotion in his vocal style always lured me in for more. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but fortunately I did have the extreme pleasure of experiencing his uncanny frontmanship in concert so many times I can’t even count it.
"I saw him with ELF, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and almost had one of my wishes fulfilled when Heaven and Hell asked King Diamond to go on tour with them in the USA last year. Unfortunately my back problems prevented that dream from coming true. I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his music playing in my home. My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie’s family. I WISH YOU A SAFE JOURNEY TO THE OTHER SIDE."
Site Update
An Open Letter To Our Readers
On Sunday morning, May 16th at 2:20 AM ET, two of our staff reported that Ronnie James Dio had passed away. These reports turned out to be premature and at the time false, said to be a “viral hoax” by many. Many readers expressed outrage and disappointment that we would post such unfounded news, and I am here to offer my apologies for the unfounded reports and make clear our official stance on such tricky situations.
As I've stated before, it's a narrow line to walk between reporting the news in a timely manner and assuring its credibility when it comes to certain situations such as this one. But in a case such as the death of an icon and hero to many, we should have erred on the side of caution. On the other hand, I am not opposed to making mention of rumors or unconfirmed reports in the effort to get you news first, as long as those reports are explicitly identified as such. Unfortunately, our late-night reports of Dio's death were posted as unqualified truths, despite being based on unnamed sources, many or few.
Unfortunately, it was not just a viral hoax, but appears to be more of a premature leak as to the graveness of Dio's condition. This fact, that we posted a correction, or the fact that Ronnie James Dio died later this same morning has no impact on the correctness or wrongness of our initial reports, however.
Within minutes of the posting, Metalunderground.com was flooded with visitors and became unstable, making it difficult to properly update the articles or post follow-ups. When I got word that Dio's death had been confirmed, Dio's official web site itself was down due to traffic. Once I confirmed the information, it took me nearly an hour to get the article posted through the server instability and even longer to update the original articles with that information, leading people to then complain that he had passed away and we were saying he hadn't. So despite the initial mistake, we were faced with challenges throughout the day in getting the correct information out to the public even once it was confirmed.
Metalunderground.com has grown tremendously in the past few years and I realize many people trust us to provide accurate and timely news and reporting on the metal scene. I apologize to those of you who feel that your trust was violated by our unconfirmed story of such incredible weight and importance, and I assure you that we are taking steps so that what happened today will be less likely to happen in the future. I cannot claim it will never happen, as there are many factors that play into such a mistake, but we have all learned from today's experience and will do our best to not repeat it.
I am establishing a more formal process for posting breaking and/or sensitive news so that we can convey our message in a more clear and accurate manner in the future. I have never been one for sensationalizing news in the first place, and certainly do not wish to mislead our readers in any way, as building a credible news site has been a priority of mine from day one.
I hope you'll consider our position and this apology in your decision to continue relying on Metalunderground.com for the latest metal news and commentary.
While I feel the sad news of Dio's passing totally eclipses these issues of yesterday, I wanted to address them nonetheless to let our readers know that we take our responsibilities here very seriously and have not simply swept the mistakes under the carpet and ignored those who expressed concern or anger over our initial premature reports.
Sincerely,
Doug
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio.
More Heavy Metal/Rock Legends Remember Dio
More members of the heavy metal and hard rock community have spoken about the passing of heavy metal icon, Ronnie James Dio, including Ritchie Blackmore, who performed with Ronnie in Rainbow. Some of the messages read as follows:
Judas Priest: "We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio - our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie's family - Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed."
Ritchie Blackmore (ex-Deep Purple - thanks ABC News): "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world,"
Testament: "A true metal legend always in our hearts."
Breaking News
Ronnie James Dio Dies At Age 67
The rumors have now been confirmed. Ronnie James Dio died this morning at 7:45am, as confirmed by his wife, Wendy who has posted the following message on Ronnie James Dio's official site and official Facebook page:
“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal... with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever. Wendy”
Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona) lost his battle with stomach cancer and passed away at age 67. Dio made a name for himself when he fronted the Ritchie Blackmore led band Rainbow, who released their first album in 1975. After leaving Rainbow, Dio was asked to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, to which he agreed. With Black Sabbath, he recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums in the form of "Heaven And Hell" and "The Mob Rules." After leaving Black Sabbath, he formed his own self-titled band and became one of the biggest draws in heavy metal during the 1980s.
Dio briefly reunited with Black Sabbath in the early 1990s, releasing the "Dehumanizer" album before leaving once again to concentrate on his own band. Another reunion with Sabbath followed in 2006, this time under the new moniker, Heaven & Hell, reulting the acclaimed album, "The Devil You Know" in 2009.
Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer late last year and the band recently cancelled their tour dates in Europe as a result of Ronnie's health.
The news of Dio's death has also been reported by Blabbermouth.net, who was in touch with Wendy Dio after the premature reports of his death in the early AM hours.
Please check out our "Sunday Old School" feature dedicated to Ronnie James Dio that we ran shortly after the announcement that he had stomach cancer.
Our thoughts go out to Dio's family and friends and metal fans who consider the legendary singer a hero.
Ronnie James Dio IS NOT DEAD
UPDATED: While our initial report may have been premature, Ronnie James Dio did, in fact, pass away at 7:45am this morning.
Please also see our open letter regarding reporting Dio's passing prematurely.
Original article follows:
Blabbermouth.net reports that Ronnie James Dio is NOT DEAD. The news of Ronnie james Dio has just been debunked, supporting that the news originated as a viral hoax. The uncertainty of Dio's health is still to be considered however. Stay posted, we will continue to update his health.
BLABBERMOUTH.NET reached out to Ronnie's wife/manager Wendy Dio, who sent back the following message at approximately 11:35 p.m. PST on Saturday, May 15 / 2:35 a.m. EST on Sunday, May 16:
"I am at the hospital and Ronnie has NOT passed away!!!! He is not doing good, but he is not dead.
"I will let you know if anything changes.
"Thank you for your concern."
Ronnie James Dio Passes Away (Original)
UPDATED AGAIN: It turns out this report was not a "viral hoax," but rather a premature report as to the graveness of Dio's situation. Despite our retraction, Ronnie James Dio did, in fact, pass away at 7:45am this morning.
Please also see our open letter regarding reporting Dio's passing prematurely.
The original article has been restored to an active state for discussion purposes:
Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona) has sadly passed away from his battle with stomach cancer. He was 67 years old. Dio made a name for himself when he fronted the Ritchie Blackmore led band Rainbow, who released their first album in 1975. After leaving Rainbow, Dio was asked to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, to which he agreed. With Black Sabbath, he recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums in the form of "Heaven And Hell" and "The Mob Rules." After leaving Black Sabbath, he formed his own self-titled band and became one of the biggest draws in heavy metal during the 1980s.
Dio briefly reunited with Black Sabbath in the early 1990s, releasing the "Dehumanizer" album before leaving once again to concentrate on his own band. Another reunion with Sabbath followed in 2006, this time under the new moniker, Heaven & Hell, reulting the acclaimed album, "The Devil You Know" in 2009. The band recently cancelled their tour dates in Europe as a result of Ronnie's health.
Download a Free Eagle/Armoury Records Compilation
While we're announcing free label samplers on Amazon.com, Eagle/Armoury Records has one up there as well, apparently from 2009. Here's the tracklisting of their free metal and hard rock compilation, which looks to contain a lot more vintage material than the other samplers, including Dio, Rainbow, Deep Purple and more:
1. Black Label Society "Suicide Messiah" (5:47)
2. Deep Purple "Rapture Of The Deep" (5:55)
3. Stratovarius "Deep Unknown" (4:26)
4. Alice Cooper "Detroit City" (3:57)
5. Dio "Holy Diver" (4:46)
6. Napalm Death "Breed To Breathe" [Explicit] (2:59)
7. Twisted Sister "Stay Hungry" (3:13)
8. Poison "Look What The Cat Dragged In" [Explicit] (3:15)
9. Rainbow "Kill The King" (4:39)
10. Black Label Society "Doomsday Jesus" (3:30)
You can download the free compilation here.
Column
Sunday Old School: Ronnie James Dio
Since my first “real” news posting had to do with the unfortunate news of Ronnie James Dio's stomach cancer, I thought it might make some karmic sense if my first Sunday Old School posting had something to do with the the remarkable frontman.
I suspect a lot of people my age (36 years young) are like me in that the first time they ever heard of Dio was in seeing the phrase “OZZY RULES! DIO DROOLS!” scrawled on a wooden desk in junior high or high school. That's naturally a reference to the fact that Dio had replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the singer for Black Sabbath, following Ozzy's firing in 1979.
Dio would serve as Sabbath's lead vocalist on the seminal albums “Heaven & Hell,” “Mob Rules” and “Live Evil” before parting ways with Sabbath until 1991 when he rejoined the band for “Dehumanizer.” Another parting of the ways lasted until 2006, when his version of Sabbath reformed under the moniker Heaven & Hell and recorded new tracks for a greatest hits CD, as well as “Live from Radio City Music Hall” in 2007, and a new studio album, “The Devil You Know” in 2009.
Beginning with 1983's “Holy Diver,” he racked up plenty of album sales and accolades with his own band, Dio.
But there's an important chapter of Dio's professional career that seems to get at best a cursory glance among a lot of metalheads I know, which is unfortunate, because it seems to me to be very much a transformative time for one of metal's most powerful vocalists.
I am, of course, talking about his time in Rainbow, the post-Deep Purple band formed by guitar-god Ritchie Blackmore in the mid-1970s.
Blackmore had departed Deep Purple after arguments about the more “funky” direction that singer David Coverdale and bassist Glenn Hughes were taking the band in. In search of a new singer and band, he didn't have to look far.
Elf, which featured Dio on vocals, had been touring as a supporting act for Deep Purple. Blackmore essentially grafted himself into the band, renaming it and collaborating with Dio to write the tracks for the appropriately named “Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.”
The song most everyone remembers from that 1975 album is “Man on the Silver Mountain,” with its son-of-“Smoke on the Water” riff and powerful delivery by Dio declaring himself a medieval metal prophet. It's become such a staple in the Dio arsenal that it's easy to forget how much of a milestone it is for the singer. Compare the supernatural lyrics with the somewhat more pedestrian (if equally well-performed) lyrics of tracks like Elf's “Carolina County Ball,” and you'll see what I mean.
That's hardly the only great one, though. The album also features “16th Century Greensleeves,” which would seem to be a precursor to Blackmore's later career, as well as the superb Quartermass cover “Black Sheep of the Family.”
By Rainbow's next album, 1976's “Rising,” Blackmore had fired everyone but Dio from the band and, if you ask me, the replacement keyboardist, Tony Carey and bassist Jimmy Bain (who'd later play with Dio in the 1980s) aren't completely up to snuff. It's this incarnation of Rainbow's weakest album, though tracks like the opener, “Tarot Woman” and the huge 8-minute closer “Stargazer” still hold up well.
The band had a return to glory with 1978's “Long Live Rock 'n' Roll,” which featured bass contributions from future Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bassist Bob Daisley. The disc, which does feature some of the medieval and experimental sounds featured on the previous two studio albums (a live album, “On Stage,” was released in 1977), there's a surprising amount of pure blues-rock stomp this go-round, especially on the title track. “L.A. Connection” reminds me a bit of the bluesier side of the Doors, while “Sensitive to Light” is just a good-time rocker of the finest sort. Meanwhile, the darker lyrical themes Dio would go on to explore in Sabbath are on full display in the creepy Middle Eastern-sounding “Gates of Babylon.” The album's finest hour, though, comes with the speedy “Kill the King.”
Dio left the band in 1979 following a dispute with Blackmore over the guitarist's desire to take the band in a more “commercial” direction, which he ultimately did with vocalists like Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet.
If you ask me, though, the Dio era is a golden era for Rainbow, as well as the moment that one of metal's finest discovered his true voice and calling. As I and other metal fans await news of the ailing singer's condition, I take some measure of comfort in his “Man on the Silver Mountain” declaration that “You'll never stop me burning.”
May it be so.
Carolina County Ball (with Elf)
More...
