Rainbow A Visual Biography

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow went through various incarnations, with different vocalists and musicians, and Jerry Bloom's book covers their entire career, with rare memorabilia and imagery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Wymer Publishing

From 1975, through the eighties, re-activated in the nineties, and a slight return in 2016-18, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow took its fans on numerous journeys from the grandiose beginnings with Ronnie James Dio to the chart-busting times with Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner. And again in the nineties with Doogie White as lead vocalist, and finally stepping out for the last time in the twenty-first century for a handful of shows, allowing a new generation of fans to have the opportunity of hearing Rainbow live on stage.

In this hefty tome, Jerry Bloom charts Rainbow's full career with great detail and information, along with a huge raft of superb imagery that covers the entire career. Aside from band photos, the visual element is enhanced with rare memorabilia and artifacts.

Rainbow's journey began with the formation of the band in 1968, featuring the iconic lineup of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Graham Bonnet on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, and Tony Iommi on guitar. The band's early years were marked by a mix of hard rock and progressive rock, with their debut album, "Rainbow," released in 1975. The album featured the hit singles "Since You Been Gone" and "Black Sabbath," and established Rainbow as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.

Over the years, Rainbow underwent several changes in lineup, with Dio leaving the band in 1979 and being replaced by Joe Lynn Turner. The new lineup brought a more commercial sound to the band, with hits such as "All Night Long" and "I Surrender." However, the band's fortunes declined in the late eighties, and they disbanded in 1989.

In the nineties, Rainbow was re-activated, with Doogie White taking over as lead vocalist. The new lineup brought a fresh energy to the band, and they released the album "Down to Earth" in 1990. The album featured the hit singles "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" and "Don't Give a Monkey's," and solidified Rainbow's place in the rock scene.

Rainbow continued to tour and perform live, and their popularity grew among a new generation of fans. In 2016, the band announced a reunion tour, which was met with excitement by fans worldwide. The tour featured the original lineup of Dio, Bonnet, Glover, and Iommi, and was a huge success.

In 2018, Rainbow released the album "Finality," which marked the end of the band's career. The album featured a mix of classic Rainbow songs and new material, and was a fitting farewell to the band that had entertained fans for decades.

Jerry Bloom's book "Rainbow: The Complete Career" is a must-read for any fan of the band. The book provides a detailed account of Rainbow's history, from their early days to their final tour. It features interviews with band members, rare photos, and memorabilia, and provides a comprehensive overview of the band's music and influence.

In conclusion, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow has had a storied career, taking fans on a journey from the grandiose beginnings with Ronnie James Dio to the chart-busting times with Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner. The band's re-activation in the nineties with Doogie White brought a fresh energy to the band, and their reunion tour in 2016 was a huge success. Jerry Bloom's book "Rainbow: The Complete Career" is a must-read for any fan of the band, providing a detailed account of their history and music.

Weight: 1314g
Dimension: 215 x 305 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915246226