Midtown Tunnel Vision

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Midtown Tunnel Vision" by Rainbow from their 1981 album Difficult to Cure, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the gritty, urban vibe of this track. One piece of trivia about the song comes from a 1981 interview with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in Kerrang! magazine, where he described the song as capturing the "chaotic energy of city life, like being stuck in a tunnel with no way out." The lyrics, penned by vocalist Joe Lynn Turner and Roger Glover, paint a vivid picture of a neon-lit city filled with dreamers and hustlers, with lines like "Sidewalk cruiser in stiletto heels / Frozen heart, eyes of steel." According to a fan post on the Rainbow Fanclub Legacy Facebook group, the song’s driving rhythm and edgy guitar riffs were inspired by the band’s time in New York City during the album’s recording, reflecting the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s streets.

Another interesting tidbit about "Midtown Tunnel Vision" surfaced in a 2017 fan discussion on the Rainbow Fanclan website, where a longtime follower recalled a rare live performance of the song during Rainbow’s 1981 tour. The band reportedly extended the instrumental break, allowing Blackmore to unleash a blistering guitar solo that left the audience in awe. Joe Lynn Turner, in a 2005 interview with Metal Sludge, mentioned that the song was one of his favorites to perform live because of its raw energy and the way it connected with fans who related to its themes of urban struggle and fleeting romance. The song’s title is often interpreted as a metaphor for the narrow, intense focus needed to survive in a fast-paced city environment, a sentiment echoed by fans on X who frequently share how the track resonates with their own city experiences.

Rainbow’s journey began in 1975, founded by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after he left Deep Purple to pursue a new creative vision. Blackmore, already a rock legend, wanted to blend hard rock with classical influences and mystical themes, recruiting vocalist Ronnie James Dio and a talented lineup that included drummer Cozy Powell. According to the band’s biography on their official fan site, their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, released in 1975, set the stage for their signature sound with tracks like "Man on the Silver Mountain." The band’s early years were marked by frequent lineup changes, but Blackmore’s leadership and distinctive guitar work kept Rainbow at the forefront of the hard rock scene. By the time Difficult to Cure was released, the band had evolved into a more commercial sound under Joe Lynn Turner’s vocals, appealing to a broader audience while retaining their heavy rock roots.

Rainbow’s legacy continues to thrive through their dedicated fanbase and online presence. While the band does not maintain an official website, the Rainbow Fanclan serves as a comprehensive hub for news, discography, and fan interactions. Their official Facebook page shares updates on reissues and archival releases, while the Instagram account posts nostalgic photos and concert clips that keep the Zoo Freaks buzzing. On X, the band’s account engages with fans, often retweeting posts about classic tracks like "Midtown Tunnel Vision." For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Rainbow Fanclub Legacy Facebook group is a vibrant community where members share memorabilia, concert stories, and tributes to the band’s enduring influence in rock music.