Can’t Let You Go

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic track "Can’t Let You Go" by Rainbow from their 1983 album Bent Out of Shape, much to the delight of their Zoo Freaks audience. This song, a standout in Rainbow’s discography, is a power ballad with a haunting melody and intense vocals by Joe Lynn Turner. According to a post on X by user @BigMKilo, the track is considered one of two "pop metal gems" on the album, alongside "Street of Dreams," showcasing Rainbow’s shift toward a more radio-friendly sound under Ritchie Blackmore’s direction. The song’s emotional depth, with lyrics about longing and loss, resonated with fans, making it a staple of Rainbow’s live performances in the early '80s. Interestingly, the music video for "Can’t Let You Go" leaned into a gothic, almost theatrical aesthetic, featuring dramatic imagery that complemented the song’s moody vibe, a creative choice Blackmore discussed in a 1983 interview with Kerrang! magazine, where he mentioned wanting to evoke a "dark, cinematic feel."

Another tidbit about "Can’t Let You Go" comes from Joe Lynn Turner himself, who shared in a 2015 interview on Rock Interviews that the song was inspired by personal experiences of heartbreak, giving it an authentic emotional core. Turner’s vocal delivery, combined with Blackmore’s signature guitar riffs, created a track that balanced commercial appeal with Rainbow’s hard rock roots. On social media, fans on the Rainbow Fan Group on Facebook often cite the song as a highlight of the Joe Lynn Turner era, with some sharing stories of hearing it live during Rainbow’s 1983 tour, where the band’s elaborate stage setups, including castle-themed backdrops, amplified the song’s epic feel. The track’s enduring popularity is evident in fan discussions on RainbowFanClan.com, where users praise its blend of melody and raw energy.

Rainbow was formed in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just left Deep Purple to pursue a new musical vision. Blackmore, already a rock legend for his work with Deep Purple, recruited vocalist Ronnie James Dio and other talented musicians to create a band that blended hard rock with mystical, medieval-inspired themes. Their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, released in 1975, featured tracks like "Man on the Silver Mountain," which established Rainbow as a force in the burgeoning heavy metal scene. Blackmore’s innovative guitar techniques and Dio’s powerful vocals set the band apart, drawing influences from classical music and fantasy storytelling. Over the years, Rainbow underwent multiple lineup changes, with vocalists like Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet contributing to the band’s evolving sound, as detailed on their official biography page.

The band’s early days were marked by a relentless touring schedule and a commitment to pushing musical boundaries, as Blackmore shared in a 1980s Guitar World interview, where he described Rainbow as his "creative escape" from the constraints of Deep Purple. Despite lineup shifts, Rainbow maintained a loyal fanbase, thanks to albums like Rising (1976) and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (1978). The band’s official social media presence keeps fans engaged, with updates on their Facebook page, Instagram, and X account, where they share throwback photos, tour memories, and news about reissues. Fans can also connect on dedicated sites like RainbowFanClan.com and the Rainbow Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss everything from rare vinyl releases to favorite concert moments.