- German Release with Catalognr: 2929 097
Alright, gather 'round, rock enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into Rainbow's "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll," a right proper sonic feast from 1978. It's the album that dared to say "Oi! Punk, you're not taking over just yet!" while serving up a platter of face-melting riffs and soaring vocals. Think Ritchie Blackmore channeling his inner guitar god, Ronnie James Dio hitting notes that'd shatter a pint glass, and Cozy Powell hammering the drums like he's got a vendetta against silence. So, put the kettle on, grab your air guitar, and let's crank this bad boy up!
In the tumultuous landscape of late 1970s rock, where punk's snarling rebellion threatened to topple the old guard, Rainbow's 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' stood defiant. Released in 1978 on the German Polydor label (catalog number 2929 097), this 12" vinyl LP wasn't just an album; it was a battle cry, a thunderous declaration that the spirit of rock 'n' roll was far from extinguished.
Rainbow, the brainchild of ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, had always been a band straddling the line between hard rock and heavy metal. With 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll,' they embraced their heavier side, delivering a blistering collection of songs that showcased their technical prowess and unbridled energy.
The album's title track, a fist-pumping anthem that became a staple of their live shows, captured the essence of their mission. Blackmore's guitar riffs were a force of nature, Ronnie James Dio's vocals soared with operatic power, and Cozy Powell's drumming was a relentless assault. It was a song that dared you not to headbang, a defiant roar in the face of punk's nihilism.
But 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' was more than just a one-dimensional metal onslaught. The album showcased Rainbow's musical range, from the epic balladry of "Gates of Babylon" to the bluesy swagger of "Kill the King." Blackmore's neoclassical influences shone through on tracks like "Rainbow Eyes," adding a touch of sophistication to their hard-hitting sound.
The album wasn't without its controversies. Dio's lyrics, steeped in fantasy and mythology, drew criticism from some quarters for their perceived escapism. But for others, they provided a welcome escape from the bleak realities of the late '70s.
Produced by Martin Birch, known for his work with Deep Purple and Iron Maiden, 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. Birch's expertise helped capture the raw power of Rainbow's live performances, while also ensuring a polished, radio-friendly sound.
In the end, 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' was more than just an album. It was a statement of purpose, a reminder that rock 'n' roll was still a vital force, capable of inspiring and thrilling audiences. It may not have converted the punk faithful, but for those who still believed in the power of the riff, it was a beacon of hope in a changing musical landscape.
Rainbow's 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' wasn't just an album; it was a declaration of war, a thunderous affirmation that the spirit of rock 'n' roll was alive and well. It may not have changed the course of music history, but it left an indelible mark on those who dared to crank it up to 11.
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Music Genre: British Hard Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097" was produced by: Martin Birch, Bruce Payne Album cover illustration: Debbie Hall I first noticed Martin Birch on those early Iron Maiden sleeves—the ones with the typography that felt like a threat. At twelve, I didn’t care about "production value"; I just liked that the guitars didn't sound like mud. He was the man behind the sound mixer, the one who made the snare snap like a dry branch in a cold forest. He was "The Headmaster," and we were all just students of his high-voltage curriculum. Read more... Birch didn’t just record noise; he organized aggression. By 1972, he was already wrangling the messy brilliance of Deep Purple’s Machine Head, turning Ian Gillan’s banshee wails into something that didn't just clip the tape but lived inside it. In 1980, he pulled off the ultimate renovation, giving Black Sabbath a much-needed shower and a new spine. Heaven and Hell shouldn't have worked, but Martin polished that Birmingham sludge into something operatic and gleaming. It was a pivot that felt like fate, mostly because he refused to let the mid-range get lazy.
Then came the long, obsessive stretch with Iron Maiden from 1981 to 1992. It was a twelve-year marriage to the fader. From the moment Killers (EMC 3357, for those who care) hit the shelves, the sound was physical. He knew how to let Steve Harris’s bass clatter like a machine gun without drowning out the melody—a sonic miracle that still feels fresh. You can almost smell the ozone and the dust on the Marshall stacks when the needle drops on The Number of the Beast. He stayed until Fear of the Dark, then simply walked away. No victory lap, no bloated memoir. He preferred the hum of the desk to the noise of the crowd, leaving us with nothing but the records and a slight sense of abandonment. But then, when you’ve already captured lightning on tape for twenty years, why bother hanging around for the rain?
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Record Label & Catalognr: Polydor 2929 097 |
Album Packaging: This album "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097" Roll" is the third studio album released by Rainbow, released in 1978. |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1978 Made in West Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097 |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll 2929 097" |
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Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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