Catch The Rainbow

The Zoo Crew is spinning the enchanting "Catch The Rainbow" by Rainbow, from their debut album Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its mystical allure. This track, a fan favorite, is a slow-burning, bluesy masterpiece that showcases the emotive vocals of Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore’s evocative guitar work. According to reviews on Encyclopaedia Metallum, the song’s subtle guitar tones and Dio’s crisp vocals create a suspenseful atmosphere, making it particularly impactful in live performances. Dio himself held the song in high regard, as noted in posts on X, where it’s mentioned that he considered the album his favorite Rainbow release. One intriguing piece of trivia is the song’s Jimi Hendrix-inspired vibe, as highlighted by an Amazon reviewer who praised its emotional depth and Blackmore’s magical touch on the strings. The track’s mournful tone and lyrical storytelling, evoking medieval and fantasy themes, set it apart as a precursor to the band’s later epic compositions.

Another fascinating story about "Catch The Rainbow" comes from its live renditions, which often elevated its studio version. Encyclopaedia Metallum notes that live performances featured Blackmore’s distinctive, calming guitar work, adding an extra layer of intensity with heavier crunch. The song’s slower tempo allowed Dio to showcase his vocal range, with the iconic “down, down, down” section striking a chord with fans. Interestingly, while Joe Lynn Turner later performed the song with Rainbow, fans on Encyclopaedia Metallum argue that his rendition couldn’t match Dio’s emotional delivery. The song’s creation also reflects Blackmore’s classical influences, with its structure hinting at the Renaissance-inspired sound he’d later explore with Blackmore’s Night. This track, alongside others on the album, helped lay the groundwork for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, as per fan discussions.

Rainbow’s origins trace back to Ritchie Blackmore’s departure from Deep Purple in 1975, driven by creative differences. As detailed on Wikipedia, Blackmore was frustrated when Deep Purple rejected his request to record “Black Sheep of the Family” for their 1974 album Stormbringer. Inspired by the American band Elf, who supported Deep Purple on tour, Blackmore recruited Elf’s singer Ronnie James Dio, bassist Craig Gruber, drummer Gary Driscoll, and keyboardist Mickey Lee Soule. Initially intending to record a solo single, Blackmore’s chemistry with Dio led to the full album Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, recorded in early 1975 at Musicland Studios in Munich. The band’s name was inspired by the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles, a rock star hangout, as noted on Last.fm. Blackmore’s vision blended hard rock with medieval and baroque elements, with Dio’s fantastical lyrics shaping the band’s early identity. This debut lineup, though short-lived, created a legendary album that peaked at No. 30 on the U.S. Billboard charts, per X posts.

For the latest on Rainbow, check out their official website, though it primarily focuses on Blackmore’s broader career, including Blackmore’s Night. Their official YouTube channel serves as a hub for music videos and updates, acting as their primary social media presence, as no active Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts are dedicated solely to Rainbow. Fans can connect through Blackmore’s Night’s website, which occasionally shares Rainbow-related news, or join the vibrant Rainbow Fanclan Legacy, a fan-run site packed with tour stories, rarities, and community discussions. Additionally, the Rainbow (The Ritchie Blackmore Years) Facebook group offers a space for Zoo Freaks to share memories, rare photos, and concert reviews, keeping the band’s legacy alive.