Rainbow are a British/American rock band formed in London and Los Angeles in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Established in the aftermath of Blackmore's first departure from Deep Purple, they originally featured four members of the band Elf, including their singer Ronnie James Dio, but after their self-titled debut album, Blackmore fired these members, except Dio, recruiting drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain and keyboardist Tony Carey. This line-up recorded the band's second album Rising (1976), while Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978) saw Bob Daisley and David Stone replace Bain and Carey, respectively. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll was also the last album with Dio before he left the band to join Black Sabbath in 1979.
Rainbow performing in 2017. (From left to right) keyboardist Jens Johansson, backing vocalists Lady Lynn and Candice Night, bassist Bob Nouveau, guitarist and founder Ritchie Blackmore, singer Ronnie Romero and drummer David Keith
Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore in 1977
Rainbow performing in Munich, West Germany, in 1977
Doogie White in 2009
Richard Hugh Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter. He was a founding member and the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, playing jam-style hard rock music that mixed guitar riffs and organ sounds. He is prolific in creating guitar riffs and has been known for playing both classically influenced and blues-based solos.
Blackmore in 2017
Live in Norway, 1977
In San Francisco, 1985
Blackmore's Night in 2012