RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll - 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Long Live Rock and Roll," released on 9 April 1978, represents a pivotal moment in rock history. The collaboration between Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio produced a groundbreaking album that blended hard rock with medieval influences. Tracks like "Long Live Rock and Roll" and "Gates of Babylon" became anthems, solidifying Rainbow's legacy. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

Album Front Cover Photo of RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

Album Description:

Music has always been a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people across generations. In the world of rock music, few bands have left an indelible mark on the genre like Rainbow. Their iconic album, "Long Live Rock and Roll", released on a 12" Vinyl LP, stands as a testament to their musical brilliance and enduring legacy.

1. The Birth of a Rock Masterpiece:

"Long Live Rock and Roll" was released in 1978, marking the third studio album by Rainbow. Led by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had previously been a founding member of Deep Purple, Rainbow brought together a lineup of exceptionally talented musicians. The album showcased their distinctive sound, blending elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and classical influences.

2. Tracklist and Musical Excellence:

The album's tracklist is a testament to the band's musical prowess. From the powerful and anthemic title track, "Long Live Rock and Roll", to the epic and hauntingly beautiful "Rainbow Eyes", each song takes listeners on a unique sonic journey. The album also features rock classics like "Gates of Babylon" and "Kill the King", which exemplify Rainbow's ability to create energetic and memorable tracks.

3. Vinyl: A Gateway to Nostalgia:

The experience of listening to "Long Live Rock and Roll" on a 12" Vinyl LP adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity. The vinyl format allows for a more immersive experience, with its large album cover, intricate artwork, and tangible connection to the music. The warmth and depth of sound that vinyl records provide give the album a unique charm, enhancing the listening experience for fans and collectors alike.

4. Artwork and Visual Appeal:

The album cover artwork of "Long Live Rock and Roll" is as iconic as the music itself. Designed by famed fantasy artist Ken Kelly, known for his work with Kiss and Manowar, the cover features a powerful image of a knight riding a winged steed, surrounded by a colorful rainbow. The artwork perfectly captures the spirit and essence of Rainbow's music, making it visually striking and instantly recognizable.

5. Enduring Impact and Legacy:

"Long Live Rock and Roll" is not just an album; it represents a pivotal moment in the history of rock music. Rainbow's ability to fuse intricate guitar work, powerful vocals, and epic songwriting created a unique sound that influenced countless bands in the years to come. The album continues to inspire musicians and rock enthusiasts, serving as a testament to the enduring power of the genre.

Production and Recording Information

Bruce Payne - Management

The album: "RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll" was produced by: Martin Birch

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

Album cover design: Maxi Chan

Album cover illustration: Debbie Hall

Music Genre:

British Hard Rock, Classic Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Polydor 2391 335

Packaging:

This 12" LP black vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains photos of the audience during a live concert. iIt also ncludes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1978 Made in the Netherlands

Musicians:
  • Ritchie Blackmore - Lead Guitar
    Ritchie Blackmore, born Richard Hugh Blackmore (1945), is a legendary English guitarist known for his pioneering role in rock and metal. As a founding member of Deep Purple, his electrifying riffs on classics like Smoke on the Water defined hard rock. Later, he formed Rainbow, blending neoclassical influences with rock. Explore more in his vinyl album discography.
  • Ronnie James Dio - Vocals
    Ronnie James Dio was a legendary heavy metal vocalist known for his powerful voice and fantasy-driven lyrics. Rising to fame with Rainbow, he later fronted Black Sabbath before forming his band, Dio. His iconic albums like "Holy Diver" and "The Last in Line" cemented his status as a metal icon. His influence on the Heavy Metal genre remains unmatched. Learn more
    Ronnie and the Rumblers, Ronnie and the Red Caps, Elves, Elf, Black Sabbath, DIO, Heaven and Hell)
  • Cozy Powell - Drums

    Cozy Powell: Feel the thunderous beat of his drums, propelling legendary rock bands to stardom. Discover the man behind the powerhouse, from humble beginnings to a rock drumming icon.

  • Bob Daisley - Bass
    Explore the extraordinary career of Bob Daisley, the bass maestro behind some of heavy metal's most iconic albums. From his groundbreaking work with Ozzy Osbourne to collaborations with Rainbow, Uriah Heep, and more, discover the stories, the riffs, and the enduring legacy of a true rock legend.
  • David Stone - Keyboards

      David Stone (Birth-name: Michael David Stoyanoff ) an English keyboardist and pianist who is best known for his work with the legendary rock band Rainbow. He joined Rainbow in 1981 and appeared on their album "Difficult to Cure." Stone was with the band for three years and performed on several tours with them.

     Before joining Rainbow, Stone was a session musician and worked with several notable artists, including The Alan Parsons Project, Kate Bush, and Gary Moore. He has also released several solo albums and continues to perform and record music.

     As a keyboardist, Stone is known for his versatility and dynamic playing style, which combines classical, jazz, and rock influences. He has received critical acclaim for his work with Rainbow and is regarded as one of the best keyboardists in the rock genre.

     Overall, David Stone is an accomplished musician with a long and varied career in the music industry. He continues to be a respected and sought-after performer and has made a significant impact on the rock music world.

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Long Live Rock and Roll
  2. Lady of the Lake
  3. L.A. Connection
  4. Gates of Babylon
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Kill the King
  2. The Shed (Subtle)
  3. Sensitive to Light
  4. Rainbow Eyes

RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Front Cover Photo Of RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Note: The images on this page are photos 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 )

Photo Of The Back Cover RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Photo of album back cover RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Photo of the left page inside cover RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Photo Two Of The Inside Pages RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Photo of the right page inside cover RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll
Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll

 

Close up of record's label RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll Side One:
Close up of record's label RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll Side One

 

Close up of record's label RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll Side Two:
Close up of record's label RAINBOW - Long Live Rock and Roll Side Two

 

Index of RAINBOW with RITCHIE BLACKMORE Vinyl Records and Album Gallery

RAINBOW - Best of Rainbow
RAINBOW - Best of Rainbow album front cover vinyl record

 

"Rainbow Best of Rainbow" is a compilation album by the British rock band Rainbow, which was released in 1981. It features some of Rainbow's most popular and well-known tracks from their first six studio albums

Best of Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (French & German Releases)
RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (French & German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

 

"Bent Out of Shape," a final studio album pre-Deep Purple reunion, marked a pivotal moment in the band's history. Released on vinyl LP in Germany, it showcased Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover before their return to Deep Purple.

- Bent Out of Shape (1983, France) - Bent Out of Shape (1983, Germany)
RAINBOW - Difficult to Cure 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Difficult to Cure album front cover vinyl record

 

Rainbow's fifth studio album, "Difficult to Cure" (1981), marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. Led by Ritchie Blackmore and featuring Joe Lynn Turner, the album blended hard rock with classical influences

Difficult to Cure
RAINBOW - Down To Earth
RAINBOW - Down To Earth album front cover vinyl record

 

"Down To Earth" album is a timeless classic that showcases the band's exceptional talent and musical prowess. With its memorable songs, exceptional performances, and the added visual element of the 12" photo insert/leaflet

Down To Earth 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Finyl Vinyl
RAINBOW - Finyl Vinyl album front cover vinyl record

 

"Final Vinyl" is a collection of live recordings and B-sides by Rainbow and was released in 1986, after the band had already ceased to be when Blackmore and Glover were part of the Deep Purple reformation.

Finyl Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll ( Netherlands, German and West-German Releases )
RAINBOW - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll ( Netherlands, German and West-German Releases ) album front cover vinyl record

 

"Long Live Rock and Roll," released on 9 April 1978, represents a pivotal moment in rock history. The collaboration between Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio produced a groundbreaking album

- Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978, Germany) - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll ( 1978 , Netherlands ) - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978, West-Germany)
RAINBOW - On Stage
RAINBOW - On Stage album front cover vinyl record

 

"Rainbow - On Stage" is a live album by the English rock band Rainbow, recorded in 1977 and released in 1978. It was recorded at Long Beach Arena in California and captures the band's performance during the "On Stage" tour in support of their album "Rising"./p>

On Stage 12" Vinyl 2LP
RAINBOW - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
RAINBOW - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow album front cover vinyl record

 

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975) is the first album released by Rainbow. "Black Sheep of the Family" was a cover of an old Quatermass song, "Still I'm Sad" a cover of a Yardbirds track.

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Rising (Austria, German and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
RAINBOW - Rising (Austria, German and USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

 

"Rising" is the 2nd heavy metal album by Rainbow, released in 1976 . With founder Ritchie Blackmore retaining only Ronnie James Dio from the previous album, Rising has become known as the best album of Rainbow's career

- Rising (1976, Austria) - Rising (1976, Germany) - Rising (1978, USA)
RAINBOW - Straight Between the Eyes (Three International Versions)
RAINBOW - Straight Between the Eyes (Three International Versions) album front cover vinyl record

 

Released in 1982, Rainbow's "Straight Between the Eyes" is a hard rock album featuring vocalist Joe Lynn Turner. Backed by Ritchie Blackmore's guitar, the album blends strong vocals with melodic hard rock

- Straight Between the Eyes (1982, Germany) - Straight Between the Eyes (1982, Netherlands) - Straight Between the Eyes (1981, UK)