Long Live Rock 'n' Roll

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins the epic track "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" by Rainbow from their iconic 1978 album of the same name! This song, a fist-pumping anthem for rock fans everywhere, has some wild stories behind it. According to a post on X by the official Ronnie James Dio account, the album’s release on April 9, 1978, was celebrated with massive displays at Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard, where album covers adorned the building’s exterior. The recording process, however, was anything but smooth. The band set up shop at Château d'Hérouville in France, a place rumored to be haunted. Ronnie James Dio himself shared in an interview that during a séance to contact the spirit of former resident Frédéric Chopin, a piano mysteriously played notes with no one nearby, spooking the band and crew. This eerie vibe didn’t stop the album from becoming a classic, with the title track remaining a staple in Dio’s live sets from 2004 to 2010, as noted by FaceOffRockShow.

Another juicy tidbit involves the album’s inner sleeve, which stirred up a scandal. The gatefold featured a crowd holding a "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" banner, but fans noticed something fishy. As revealed by Todestrieb, the image was actually a flipped and edited photo from a Rush concert, with Rush fans’ shirts blacked out and their banner altered to fit Rainbow’s theme. Photographer Fin Costello, who worked with both bands, was behind the original shot, and the manipulation sparked accusations of stealing a moment from Rush’s fanbase. Despite the controversy, Ritchie Blackmore praised the album in a 1978 Guitar Player interview, calling it some of his best work, particularly highlighting the intricate guitar solo in "Gates of Babylon" as a personal favorite. Posts on X from @themetalvoice still spark debates among fans about whether this album and its lineup—featuring Dio, Blackmore, Cozy Powell, Bob Daisley, and David Stone—represent Rainbow’s peak.

Now, let’s rewind to how Rainbow came to be. Formed in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, the band emerged after Blackmore’s first exit from Deep Purple. Frustrated with Deep Purple’s shifting sound after Ian Gillan and Roger Glover left, Blackmore wanted to explore a heavier, mystical style. He teamed up with four members of the American rock band Elf, including powerhouse vocalist Ronnie James Dio, to create Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1975, blending hard rock with fantasy-laden lyrics. After the debut, Blackmore reshuffled the lineup, keeping Dio and bringing in drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey for the critically acclaimed Rising in 1976. By the time Long Live Rock 'n' Roll was recorded, Bob Daisley and David Stone had joined, marking the final album with Dio before he moved to Black Sabbath. Rainbow’s early work, driven by Blackmore’s vision and Dio’s soaring vocals, cemented their legacy, with over 28 million records sold worldwide, as noted on Wikipedia.

Want to dive deeper into Rainbow’s world? Check out their official website at rainbowmusic.rocks for the latest news and tour updates. Follow them on Facebook for throwback photos and fan discussions, or catch their posts on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, you’ll find updates and fan chatter about their classic hits. For fan communities, join the Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow Fan Group on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks sharing memes, setlists, and memories. Another great spot is Blackmore’s Night Rainbow Fanclub, which celebrates Rainbow’s legacy alongside Blackmore’s later projects. So, keep rocking with The Zoo Crew, and let "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" blast through those speakers!