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

Production and Recording Information

Bruce Payne - Management

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

Album cover design: Maxi Chan

Album cover illustration: Debbie Hall

Musicians:

• Ritchie Blackmore - Lead Guitar

  Ritchie Blackmore, born Richard Hugh Blackmore on April 14, 1945, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, England, is an iconic English guitarist known for his contributions to the world of rock music. With a career spanning several decades, Blackmore has left an indelible mark on the genre and has been a driving force behind legendary bands such as Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.

  Born to parents Lewis J. Blackmore and Violet Short, Ritchie Blackmore showed a passion for music from an early age. He began playing the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed his skills, drawing inspiration from various musical styles. His dedication to the instrument paid off when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple in 1968, which later became simply Deep Purple.

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  As the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, Blackmore played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and achieving commercial success. During his time with Deep Purple, from 1968 to 1994, Blackmore contributed his distinctive guitar playing to numerous albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1972), and "Made in Japan" (1972). These albums showcased his exceptional talent for crafting powerful riffs, melodic solos, and intricate guitar arrangements that became hallmarks of Deep Purple's music.

  In 1994, after years of creative differences and lineup changes within Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore decided to leave the band to explore new musical horizons. He formed his own rock band called Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, which allowed him greater creative freedom. With Rainbow , Blackmore continued to captivate audiences with his guitar prowess and released several successful albums, including "Rising" (1976) and "Straight Between the Eyes" (1982).

  However, in 1997, Blackmore made a surprising shift in musical direction. He transitioned from rock to folk rock and embarked on a new journey with his girlfriend and later wife, Candice Night. Together, they formed the duo Blackmore's Night, fusing elements of Renaissance music, folk, and rock. With Blackmore's masterful guitar playing and Night's enchanting vocals, the duo garnered a loyal following and released a string of albums, including "Shadow of the Moon" (1997) and "Ghost of a Rose" (2003).

  Ritchie Blackmore's ability to adapt to different musical styles and his unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. Known for his electrifying live performances and his unique blend of blues, classical, and hard rock influences, Blackmore has inspired generations of musicians and continues to be revered as a guitar virtuoso.

  Throughout his life, Blackmore has been married multiple times. He married Margit Volkmar sometime between 1965 and 1969, Bärbel between 1969 and 1971, and Amy Rothman between 1981 and 1983. However, his most notable and enduring marriage has been to Candice Night, whom he married on May 8, 2008, when he was 63 years old and Night was 37 years old.

  Ritchie Blackmore's musical journey has been one of constant exploration and reinvention. From his influential years with Deep Purple to the establishment of Rainbow and his subsequent foray into folk rock with Blackmore's Night, he has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. His virtuosity, innovative playing style, and enduring passion for music have earned him a rightful place among the legends of rock guitar.

  Candice Night, While best known for her enchanting vocals and lyrical contributions to Blackmore's Night, Candice Night is an accomplished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who adds a captivating element to every project she touches.

  From Long Island to a Renaissance Fair of the Heart

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  Born in Long Island, New York, Candice Night's early life included a brief stint as a model. Music, however, was her true calling. A fateful meeting with legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in 1989 led to not only a romantic connection, but the seeds of what would become their long-running collaborative project, Blackmore's Night.

  Blackmore's Night: A Journey Through Time

  Blackmore's Night has crafted a unique sonic blend merging Renaissance and folk influences with modern instrumentation. Night's ethereal vocals and poetic lyrics are central to their sound. She often plays woodwind instruments like the pennywhistle, adding another layer of delicate beauty to songs like "Shadow of the Moon" and "Under a Violet Moon." Blackmore's Night has released over ten studio albums, transporting listeners to a simpler time with their enchanting music.

• Ronnie James Dio - Vocals

  Ronald James Padavona, better known as Ronnie James Dio, was born on 10 July 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He would later become one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of heavy metal music. Dio's powerful vocals, distinct stage presence, and songwriting abilities earned him the title of the "King of Heavy Metal".

  Dio's musical journey began in 1957 when he formed his first band called The Vegas Kings, where he showcased his talents as a lead singer. Over the next few years, he went on to perform with various bands, including Ronnie and the Rumblers and Ronnie and the Redcaps. These early experiences helped him develop his vocal skills and stage persona.

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  In 1961, Dio joined Ronnie and the Prophets, a band that gained some local popularity. During this time, he experimented with different musical styles and expanded his repertoire. In 1967, the band changed its name to The Electric Elves and later simply The Elves. As The Elves, they played a blend of rock and blues, laying the groundwork for Dio's future ventures.

  In 1972, the band transformed once again and became known as ELF. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock and progressive rock. ELF released three studio albums, showcasing Dio's exceptional vocal range and his ability to captivate audiences.

  Dio's big breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the British rock band Rainbow, founded by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With Dio as the lead vocalist, Rainbow gained international recognition and released several critically acclaimed albums. Dio's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics contributed to the band's success, and he quickly became a respected figure in the rock music scene.

  In 1979, Dio made yet another significant move in his career by joining Black Sabbath, replacing the band's original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne. With Dio, Black Sabbath released the classic albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), which revitalized the band's sound and solidified their place in heavy metal history.

  In 1982, Dio formed his own band, simply named DIO, and embarked on a highly successful solo career. The band released numerous albums, including the critically acclaimed "Holy Diver" (1983) and "The Last in Line" (1984), which showcased Dio's songwriting abilities and his powerful vocals.

  Dio reunited with Black Sabbath for a brief period from 1991 to 1992 and again from 2006 to 2010 under the name Heaven & Hell. The band released the album "The Devil You Know" (2009) before Dio's untimely death in 2010.

  Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio influenced countless musicians and fans with his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unwavering passion for heavy metal. His lyrics often explored fantasy and mythology, adding depth and a unique dimension to his music.

  Ronnie and the Rumblers, Ronnie and the Red Caps, Elves, Elf, Black Sabbath, DIO, Heaven and Hell)
• Cozy Powell - Drums

  Cozy Powell, born as Colin Flooks, was a renowned British drummer hailing from Cirencester, Gloucestershire. He left an indelible mark on the music industry through his exceptional drumming skills and his contributions to numerous hard rock and heavy metal bands. Powell's career spanned from 1968 to 1998, during which he showcased his talent and versatility in over two dozen bands, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

  Born on 29 December 1947, Powell developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at a young age. He honed his skills through dedication and practice, eventually gaining recognition for his technical proficiency and powerful playing style.

  Powell's breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he joined the band Bedlam, marking the beginning of his professional career in the music industry. From there, he embarked on a remarkable journey, collaborating with some of the most notable acts in hard rock and heavy metal.

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  One of Powell's notable achievements was his association with Black Sabbath, one of the pioneering bands in the heavy metal genre. He lent his drumming expertise to their album "Tyr" in 1990, contributing to the band's legacy. Powell's collaborations with other prominent bands included his work with the Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow, and Whitesnake.

  Throughout his career, Powell displayed his versatility by adapting to different musical styles and bands. His drumming prowess added depth and energy to each project he worked on. Powell was not only a skilled drummer but also a sought-after collaborator, thanks to his ability to seamlessly blend with various musicians and bring out the best in their performances.

  Apart from his work with bands, Powell also ventured into solo projects. He formed the band Cozy Powell's Hammer and released several albums showcasing his musical vision and drumming expertise. Powell's solo work allowed him to explore his creativity and demonstrate his capabilities as a bandleader.

  Powell's contributions extended beyond the stage and recording studio. He was known for his charismatic stage presence and energetic performances, captivating audiences around the world. His dynamic drum solos became a highlight of his live shows, earning him admiration and respect from fans and fellow musicians alike.

  Tragically, Powell's career was cut short on 5 April 1998, when he passed away in a car accident at the age of 50. His untimely demise shocked the music community, and the loss of his talent left a void that is still felt today.

• 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