Rainbow (rock band)

Rainbow

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975 in Hertford, England
Founder	Ritchie Blackmore
Headquarters	Hertford , England
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Ritchie Blackmore (founder, guitarist)
Products	Music albums, live performances
Number of employees	Various lineups over time, with changing members

Rainbow—also referred to as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow or Blackmore's Rainbow—was a British rock ensemble established in Hertford in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Following Blackmore's initial exit from Deep Purple, the founding lineup featured four members from the American rock group Elf, including lead vocalist Ronnie James Dio. After releasing their debut album, Blackmore substituted all members except Dio with drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey. This formation produced the second album Rising (1976). The 1978 release Long Live Rock 'n' Roll introduced new members Bob Daisley on bass and David Stone on keyboards. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll marked Dio's final contribution before his departure to join Black Sabbath in 1979.

Initially, Rainbow's sound merged esoteric lyrics with a blend of hard rock and heavy metal, but transitioned toward a more pop-rock orientation after Dio left. In 1979, Blackmore and Powell reassembled the band with vocalist Graham Bonnet, keyboardist Don Airey, and bassist Roger Glover, a former member of Deep Purple. This lineup achieved commercial acclaim with the hit single "Since You Been Gone" from the album Down to Earth. When Joe Lynn Turner replaced Bonnet in 1980, Rainbow released three commercially successful albums: Difficult to Cure (1981), Straight Between the Eyes (1982), and Bent Out of Shape (1983). Contributions during this era also came from drummers Bobby Rondinelli, Chuck Burgi, and keyboardist David Rosenthal. The band ceased activity in 1984 when Blackmore and Glover returned to Deep Purple.

Following his definitive departure from Deep Purple, Blackmore reestablished Rainbow in 1993 with a fresh lineup featuring vocalist Doogie White. This incarnation recorded the eighth studio album Stranger in Us All (1995). The group dissolved again in 1997 as Blackmore focused on his project Blackmore's Night, collaborating with his wife Candice Night.

In 2016, Blackmore revived Rainbow, resulting in European tours up until 2019. However, plans for ongoing performances were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, placing the band on an indefinite pause.

Throughout its existence, Rainbow experienced numerous lineup changes, with each studio album showcasing a different roster; Blackmore remained the only consistent member. The longest-standing recent formation (2015–2019) featured Blackmore alongside Candice Night on backing vocals, lead singer Ronnie Romero, bassist Bob Nouveau, drummer David Keith, and keyboardist Jens Johansson. Ranked No. 90 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, Rainbow has sold over 28 million records worldwide.

Formation (1975)

In 1973, Blackmore oversaw a significant personnel change within Deep Purple, replacing vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover with singer David Coverdale and bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes. These new additions brought musical directions that conflicted with Blackmore’s artistic vision. During sessions for the 1974 album Stormbringer, Blackmore’s suggestion to record "Black Sheep of the Family" was declined. While touring, Deep Purple was supported by American band Elf, whose frontman Ronnie James Dio caught Blackmore’s attention. Eager to record "Black Sheep of the Family," he collaborated with Elf members Dio, bassist Craig Gruber, drummer Gary Driscoll, and keyboardist Mickey Lee Soule. What began as sessions for a single track expanded into a full album project co-written by Blackmore and Dio. Recorded between February and March 1975 at Munich’s Musicland Studios, the album Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow derived its title from the famous West Hollywood venue, the Rainbow Bar and Grill.

The band’s sound incorporated classical music elements; Blackmore had started playing cello to enhance chord complexity, while Dio's lyrics often explored medieval motifs. Dio’s dynamic vocal range was well-suited for both hard rock anthems and ballads alike. Blackmore noted that hearing Dio sing sent "shivers down my spine." Although Dio did not perform instruments on Rainbow recordings, he collaborated closely with Blackmore in songwriting and arrangements and authored all lyrics. Additionally, both shared a similar sense of humor.

Following this fruitful partnership, Blackmore departed from Deep Purple after playing his final show with them in Paris in April 1975. His exit was publicly announced on June 21. Released in September 1975, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow garnered favorable critical reception and achieved top 20 status in UK charts as well as reaching the top 30 in the US.

Initial global tour and early achievements (1975–1978)

The original album lineup never performed live together, as Blackmore was unhappy with Driscoll's R&B-style drumming and Gruber's funk-influenced bass playing. During rehearsals, Blackmore replaced Gruber with Jimmy Bain and subsequently dismissed Driscoll. Soule departed to collaborate with Roger Glover and the Ian Gillan Band.

Throughout the band's history, Blackmore maintained full control over personnel choices. Drummer Ricky Munro remarked on Blackmore's unpredictability when it came to firing members. He brought in bassist Bain, keyboardist Tony Carey, and drummer Cozy Powell, who had notable credentials with the Jeff Beck Group and his solo work. Powell’s humor resonated well with Blackmore.

This ensemble embarked on Rainbow’s inaugural world tour, commencing in Montreal on 10 November 1975. Their live performances featured an elaborate 40-foot computer-operated rainbow installation illuminated by 3,000 bulbs. In 1976, the band shortened their name to Rainbow and recorded their sophomore album, Rising, at Musicland Studios. They integrated Deep Purple’s "Mistreated" and expanded tracks through improvisational segments, which were captured on the live record On Stage (1977). Carey described the rehearsal process as largely improvisational progressive rock. The album’s artwork was crafted by fantasy illustrator Ken Kelly.

Following a 1976 performance in Newcastle, Blackmore briefly dismissed Carey due to his complex playing style but reinstated him because no suitable replacements were found. While touring Japan, Carey endured Blackmore’s pranks before ultimately leaving. In January 1977, Blackmore also terminated Bain’s role. Facing difficulties finding fitting replacements, he auditioned several keyboardists—including Mark Stein, Matthew Fisher, and Eddie Jobson—before settling on Canadian David Stone. Initially selecting bassist Mark Clarke, Blackmore dismissed him during the recording of Long Live Rock 'n' Roll over stylistic disagreements and performed most bass parts himself. Former Widowmaker bassist Bob Daisley completed the album and joined the group.

After releasing Long Live Rock 'n' Roll and completing an extensive 1978 tour, Blackmore intended to steer Rainbow toward a more mainstream sound, moving away from their "sword and sorcery" motifs. Vocalist Dio opposed this direction and subsequently left the band.

In a 1979 interview, Blackmore stressed his exacting standards for members, explaining that departures resulted from inadequate performance rather than personal conflicts. He criticized some for drug use affecting their playing and affirmed he would not tolerate subpar contributions despite friendships within the band.

Commercial peak period (1978–1984)

Following Ian Gillan’s refusal to join, Graham Bonnet, previously singer/guitarist for The Marbles, was recruited. Cozy Powell remained on drums; however, bassist Daisley was dismissed and guitarist Stone departed, replaced by Powell’s former colleague Don Airey. After auditioning bassists, Blackmore enlisted ex-Deep Purple member Roger Glover as producer, bassist, and lyricist. The album Down to Earth yielded Rainbow’s first significant singles chart hits with "All Night Long" and Russ Ballard’s "Since You Been Gone". In 1980, Rainbow headlined the inaugural Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington. However, Powell exited due to Blackmore's shift toward pop rock stylings, while Bonnet resigned amid disagreements to pursue solo projects.

For Difficult to Cure, Bonnet and Powell were replaced by Americans Joe Lynn Turner and Bobby Rondinelli. This album included an adaptation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as its title track and featured their highest-charting UK single, Ballard’s "I Surrender", which peaked at No.3. After touring, Airey left due to creative differences and was succeeded by David Rosenthal.

The band gained notable US radio play with "Jealous Lover", which climbed to No.13 on Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart. Originally a B-side, it was later released as the title track of a US EP featuring cover art reminiscent of Difficult to Cure.

Straight Between the Eyes represented a more unified effort with increased success in the US market but alienated some early fans due to its AOR orientation. The single "Stone Cold (Rainbow song)" reached No.1 on Billboard's Rock Tracks chart and received substantial MTV airplay. The supporting tour concentrated on American audiences without UK dates; a concert in San Antonio was filmed and issued as Live Between the Eyes, gaining exposure through MTV.

For Bent Out of Shape, Rondinelli was replaced by former members of Brand X and Balance, drummer Chuck Burgi. The album featured the AOR hit "Street of Dreams". Blackmore claimed MTV banned its video due to controversial hypnosis imagery; however, critics contested this assertion. The following tour brought Rainbow back to the UK and Japan, where they performed "Difficult to Cure" accompanied by a full orchestra; this show was recorded and released as Japan Tour '84.

Disbandment and Brief Resurgence (1984–1997)

During the early 1980s, Thames Talent, managing Rainbow, initiated efforts to reunite Deep Purple Mark II. By April 1984, both Blackmore and Glover had agreed to the reunion, which resulted in Rainbow's dissolution. The last album released under the Rainbow name, Finyl Vinyl (1986), is a double live compilation covering the band’s career and features three studio B-side tracks: "Weiss Heim," "Bad Girl," and "Jealous Lover."

In 1988, Graham Bonnet recorded a rendition of "Since You Been Gone" alongside Impelliteri on their debut album Stand In Line.

Following his 1993 departure from Deep Purple due to artistic disagreements, Blackmore reassembled Rainbow with fresh members and Scottish vocalist Doogie White. The group produced Stranger in Us All in 1995 and embarked on a successful global tour. Their performance in Düsseldorf was professionally recorded for the Rockpalast television program and later issued by Eagle Records as Black Masquerade in 2013. These concerts were noted for diverse setlists and improvisational elements, earning acclaim among collectors.

Subsequently, Blackmore shifted his focus toward Renaissance and medieval-inspired music, pausing Rainbow after their final 1997 show in Esbjerg, Denmark. He then formed Blackmore's Night with partner Candice Night, releasing their debut album Shadow of the Moon that same year.

Hiatus Period (1997–2014)

Following Rainbow’s disbandments in 1984 and again in 1997, former members such as Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner, and Doogie White have periodically performed Rainbow material live. Keyboardist Don Airey often includes tracks from the 1979–1981 era in his solo performances. Additionally, Blackmore's Night occasionally incorporates select Rainbow songs like "Ariel," "Rainbow Eyes," "Street of Dreams," and "Temple of the King," with the latter three having been re-recorded in studio sessions.

Between 2002 and 2004, the Hughes Turner Project featured several Rainbow songs during live appearances. On 9 August 2007, Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet delivered a tribute concert in Helsinki spotlighting material from the 1979–1983 period.

In 2009, Joe Lynn Turner, Bobby Rondinelli, Greg Smith, and Tony Carey assembled the touring tribute act Over the Rainbow, including Jürgen Blackmore on guitar. This ensemble covered songs spanning all phases of Rainbow's history. After Tony Carey departed due to health concerns, Paul Morris took over keyboard duties. Plans to record original material were ultimately abandoned, leading to Over the Rainbow’s disbandment in 2011.

Reformation (2015–Present)

In 2015, Blackmore announced a series of summer 2016 "all rock" concerts billed as "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow," marking his return to rock performances since 1997. The lineup unveiled on 6 November 2015 featured vocalist Ronnie Romero from Lords of Black, keyboardist Jens Johansson of Stratovarius, drummer David Keith from Blackmore's Night, and bassist Bob Nouveau (Bob Curiano).

The band headlined Germany’s "Monsters of Rock" festival with their debut on 17 June 2016 at Loreley Freilichtbühne before an audience of approximately 15,000. Additional performances included an outdoor event for around 30,000 attendees in Bietigheim-Bissingen and a closing show at Birmingham’s Genting Arena. A live album and DVD entitled Memories in Rock followed later that year.

In May 2016, bassist Curiano expressed enthusiasm about potentially creating new material to meet fan expectations. However, Blackmore clarified there were no intentions for a full album or extensive tour, describing these concerts as "just a few dates for fun," though he acknowledged receiving offers for further shows.

By May 2017, Blackmore disclosed that Rainbow was working on two new songs with plans to possibly release singles rather than a full album. The band toured the UK in June 2017, including their first London appearance since 1995 at the Stone Free Festival; however, their Manchester show was canceled following the Manchester Arena bombing.

The release of Memories in Rock II came in 2018, capturing a live performance from Germany. The album’s closing track, "Waiting for a Sign," represented their first new studio recording in over two decades. In April 2018, they played five European dates featuring well-attended shows with setlists blending Rainbow classics and Deep Purple material. In May 2019, they unveiled "The Storm," a rock reinterpretation of a Blackmore's Night track, resuming European touring that summer.

Since concluding their tour in 2019, Rainbow’s future activities have remained uncertain. In November 2020, Romero stated there were no immediate plans due to Blackmore’s focus on Blackmore's Night projects. By April 2022, Romero mentioned ongoing communication with band members but expressed skepticism about near-term engagements amid pandemic-related industry challenges. In October 2023, Romero officially announced his departure from Rainbow, reflecting positively on his experience but indicating that the band was no longer aligned with his path.

Last roster

• Ritchie Blackmore – guitar (1975–1984, 1993–1997, 2015–2019)
• Candice Night – backing vocals (1994–1997, 2015–2019)
• Ronnie Romero – lead vocals (2015–2019)
• Jens Johansson – keyboards (2015–2019)
• Bob Nouveau – bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–2019)
• David Keith – drums (2015–2019)

Albums in studio

• Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975)
• Rising (1976)
• Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978)
• Down to Earth (1979)
• Difficult to Cure (1981)
• Straight Between the Eyes (1982)
• Bent Out of Shape (1983)
• Stranger in Us All (1995)

References

Books

Bibliography

• Jerry Bloom, Black Knight – Ritchie Blackmore (Omnibus Press, 2006)
• Jerry Bloom, Long Live Rock 'n' Roll Story (Wymer Publishing, 2009)
• Roy Davies, Rainbow Rising – The Story of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (Helter Skelter, 2002)
• Martin Popoff, Rainbow – English Castle Magic (Metal Blade, 2005)
• Greg Prato, The Other Side of Rainbow (self-published, 2016)

External links

• The Rainbow Fanclan Legacy