L.A. Connection

The Zoo Crew is spinning "L.A. Connection" by Rainbow, a track from their 1978 album Long Live Rock 'n' Roll, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its gritty riffs and soaring vocals. This song, one of the more straightforward hard rockers on the album, stands out for its sleazy, streetwise energy, a slight departure from the band’s signature medieval and fantasy themes. According to reviews on Encyclopaedia Metallum, some fans find "L.A. Connection" a bit plain compared to the album’s more epic tracks like "Gates of Babylon," but its raw, driving rhythm and Ronnie James Dio’s commanding vocals give it a unique place in the album’s lineup. A lesser-known tidbit from fan discussions on Reddit reveals that the album’s gatefold photo, which ties into the rock ‘n’ roll imagery of songs like "L.A. Connection," was controversially lifted from a Rush concert, with the image mirrored and edited to replace Rush fan signs with "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" slogans. This sparked a minor scandal among fans who noticed the manipulation, as documented on Faceoff Rock Show, highlighting the lengths the band or their label went to craft a rock-star aura.

Another piece of trivia about "L.A. Connection" comes from the recording process at Château d’Hérouville in France, where the album was made. As shared in a Ultimate Classic Rock retrospective, the band faced delays due to unfocused writing sessions, with members indulging in the estate’s amenities instead of working. Drummer Cozy Powell chose the 18th-century castle for its drum sound, but the laid-back vibe led to a year-long delay, with the live album On Stage released to appease the label. This chaotic backdrop adds a layer of irony to "L.A. Connection," a song about urban hustle, crafted in a pastoral French setting. Fan chatter on the Rainbow Fanclub Facebook group often praises the song’s “underrated” status, with some calling it a precursor to the band’s later commercial sound, a shift that began to alienate purists but showed Ritchie Blackmore’s restless creativity.

Rainbow was born in 1975 when guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, frustrated with Deep Purple’s direction, left to form his own band. As detailed on Wikipedia, Blackmore recruited members of the American band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio, whose mystical lyrics and powerful voice shaped Rainbow’s early sound. Initially called Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, the band released their self-titled debut in 1975, blending hard rock with medieval and classical influences. Blackmore, inspired by a night at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles, named the band after the iconic rock hangout, as noted on Last.fm. After the debut, Blackmore fired most of Elf except Dio, bringing in drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey for the critically acclaimed Rising in 1976. By Long Live Rock 'n' Roll, the lineup included Bob Daisley and David Stone, though Blackmore played bass on "L.A. Connection" himself, unhappy with prior bassist Mark Clarke’s style, per AllMusic. Dio’s departure after the album to join Black Sabbath marked the end of Rainbow’s classic era, but Blackmore’s vision kept the band evolving through various lineups until its final dissolution in 1997.

Fans can dive deeper into Rainbow’s legacy through their official channels and fan communities. The band’s official website, ritchieblackmore.com, focuses on Blackmore’s broader career, including his current project, Blackmore’s Night. For social media, Rainbow’s presence is tied to Blackmore and Dio’s estate: check out Ritchie Blackmore’s Facebook, Ritchie Blackmore’s Instagram, and Ritchie Blackmore’s X account for updates. The Ronnie James Dio Facebook page and Official RJ Dio X account share tributes and throwbacks, often highlighting Rainbow’s work. The fan-run Rainbow Fanclan website offers a treasure trove of discographies, photos, and tour history, while the Rainbow Fanclub on Facebook is a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks to connect over their love for tracks like "L.A. Connection." These platforms keep Rainbow’s spirit alive, ensuring the band’s influence endures for new generations of rock fans.