Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow - Gatefold 12" VINYL LP ALBUM

In the realm of hard rock and heavy metal, few guitarists have left as indelible a mark as Ritchie Blackmore. His eponymous band, Rainbow, made their debut in 1975 with the release of the album "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow".

"Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" served as a testament to Blackmore's musical brilliance and vision. The album showcased a fusion of hard rock and classical influences, creating a unique sound that captivated listeners. Tracks like "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Catch the Rainbow" demonstrated Blackmore's exceptional guitar skills, blending intricate riffs with melodic solos, while frontman Ronnie James Dio's powerful vocals elevated the band's compositions to new heights.

The gatefold 12" vinyl LP format added an element of grandeur to the album's presentation. Opening the gatefold cover revealed a visually stunning canvas that extended the album's artistic expression beyond the music itself. The design incorporated intricate illustrations, band photographs, and additional information, offering fans a more immersive experience.

The front cover of "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" featured a striking illustration that evoked a sense of mystique and adventure. It depicted a mystical gate guarded by a castle tower, inviting listeners to embark on a musical journey through the gates of Rainbow. The intricate details and vivid colors captured the album's epic and imaginative themes, adding a visual dimension that complemented the music within.

Decades after its release, "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" remains a seminal album in the world of rock music. It not only solidified Rainbow's place in the genre but also served as a stepping stone for the careers of its talented members. Ronnie James Dio, in particular, established himself as one of rock's greatest vocalists, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.

Furthermore, the vinyl LP format has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with enthusiasts and collectors appreciating the warm sound quality and tactile experience it offers. The gatefold edition of "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" embodies the nostalgia and authenticity that vinyl enthusiasts cherish, creating a connection between the listener and the music that digital formats often lack.

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Band Members and Musicians on: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

Band-members, Musicians and Performers
• Ritchie Blackmore - 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.

• 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.

• Gary Driscoll - Drums
• Craig Gruber - Bass
• Mickey Lee Soule - Keyboards

Track Listing of: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

The Song/tracks on "Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" are:

• Man on the Silver Mountain 4:42
• Self Portrait 3:17
• Black Sheep of the Family (Steve Hammond) 3:22
• Catch the Rainbow 6:27
• Snake Charmer 4:33
• The Temple of the King 4:45
• If You Don't Like Rock 'n' Roll 2:38
• Sixteenth Century Greensleeves 3:31
• Still I'm Sad (Paul Samwell-Smith, Jim McCarty) 3:51

Album cover photos of : Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

 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 ).