I Surrender

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant track "I Surrender" by Rainbow, from their 1981 album Difficult to Cure, and the Zoo Freaks are sure to be grooving along. This song, a standout hit reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Charts, was penned by Russ Ballard, formerly of Argent, and originally recorded by Head East in 1980. Interestingly, the heavy metal band Praying Mantis was in the running to release it and had even laid down a backing track before Rainbow, being the bigger name, got the nod to record it. Their version, with its catchy hooks and soaring vocals, became the definitive one. Wikipedia notes that some backing vocals were initially recorded by Graham Bonnet, but after his departure, Joe Lynn Turner took over lead and backing vocals, delivering the passionate performance we hear today.

In a revealing interview, former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet shared insights into the song’s creation during his brief tenure with the band. He recalled "I Surrender" being the only track they had during rehearsals for Difficult to Cure. Bonnet described unproductive sessions where guitarist Ritchie Blackmore would briefly appear, tinker with bass pedals, and leave. Frustrated, Bonnet contributed some backing vocals but felt the project was stalling. He ultimately left the band, as he told Songfacts, because “nothing was happening” and the idea of sharing vocal duties didn’t appeal. This glimpse into the band’s dynamics highlights the challenges behind the album’s production, making the success of "I Surrender" all the more remarkable.

Another tidbit comes from Biff Byford of Saxon, who mentioned in his autobiography Never Surrender (Or Nearly Good Looking) that Russ Ballard had offered "I Surrender" to producer John Verity before Rainbow claimed it. This suggests the song was shopped around, a common practice in the music industry, before finding its perfect home with Rainbow’s hard rock flair. On social media, fans on platforms like Rainbow Fan Club on Facebook often share nostalgic posts about the song, with some recalling its heavy rotation on radio stations in the early ’80s, much like what the Zoo Crew is doing now. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of melodic rock and emotional lyrics, resonating with listeners then and now.

Rainbow, formed in 1975, was the brainchild of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just left Deep Purple to pursue his musical vision. Blackmore recruited members of the American band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio, to create a sound blending hard rock with mystical, medieval influences. Their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, released in 1975, set the stage for their rise, with tracks like “Man on the Silver Mountain” showcasing Dio’s powerful voice and Blackmore’s virtuosic riffs. Over the years, Rainbow underwent numerous lineup changes, with vocalists like Bonnet and Turner joining, each bringing a distinct flavor to the band’s evolving sound. By the time Difficult to Cure was released, Rainbow had solidified their status as a major force in rock, known for their dynamic live performances and genre-defining albums.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Rainbow’s official presence is accessible online. Visit their official website for news and history, or check out their social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Fans can also connect on the Rainbow Fan Club Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s legacy. Additionally, Rainbow Fanclan Legacy, a dedicated fan site, offers a treasure trove of archival material, including setlists, interviews, and discographies, perfect for any hardcore Zoo Freak looking to explore Rainbow’s storied career.