Since You Been Gone

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Since You Been Gone" by Rainbow from their 1979 album Down to Earth, a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, a high-energy anthem, was not originally written by Rainbow but by Russ Ballard, a former guitarist of Argent, for his 1976 album Winning. Rainbow’s version, with Graham Bonnet’s powerful vocals and Ritchie Blackmore’s searing guitar, transformed it into a hard rock staple, reaching #6 in the UK charts and #57 in the US. According to a Songfacts interview, Ballard wrote the song for himself, never anticipating its massive success with Rainbow. The recording sessions were intense—Bonnet reportedly smashed a microphone in frustration, and Blackmore was relentless about perfecting his guitar tone, as noted in a recent X post. The song’s upbeat melody hides its heartbroken lyrics, with the singer spiraling after a breakup, obsessively reading a letter under a streetlight. Its enduring appeal is evident in its use in the 2023 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 trailer, cementing its place in classic rock history.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the song’s place in Rainbow’s evolution. Down to Earth marked a shift toward a more commercial, pop-rock sound, a move that divided fans, as noted in a Wikipedia entry. Ritchie Blackmore’s pursuit of mainstream success led to the departure of drummer Cozy Powell after the album, who disliked the poppier direction. In a 1979 Sounds interview, Blackmore admitted to self-criticism, saying, “I put down my own music and say it’s rubbish,” revealing his complex relationship with his work. The song’s B-side, “Bad Girl,” was an outtake from the album sessions, and the 2011 Deluxe Edition of Down to Earth included previously unreleased tracks, delighting fans. Posts on X, like one from @david_siokos, highlight the album’s significance as the only one with Bonnet and the last with Powell, sparking nostalgia among Zoo Freaks.

Rainbow, led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, began in 1975 in Hertford, England, after Blackmore’s first exit from Deep Purple. Seeking creative control, Blackmore formed Rainbow with four members of the American rock band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Their self-titled debut in 1975 blended mystical lyrics with hard rock, but after its release, Blackmore fired all but Dio, recruiting drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey for their sophomore effort, Rising (1976). This revolving-door lineup became a hallmark, with Blackmore as the sole constant. By 1979, when “Since You Been Gone” was recorded, Rainbow featured Graham Bonnet, Roger Glover, and Don Airey, with Glover producing. The band’s early years were marked by elaborate live shows, including a 40-foot computer-controlled rainbow stage prop, as described in a Wikipedia bio. Rainbow’s commercial peak came with Down to Earth, though Blackmore’s relentless experimentation led to multiple lineup changes and an indefinite hiatus since 2019.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Rainbow’s official presence is limited, reflecting their on-and-off status. The closest to an official website is RainbowFanclan.com, a comprehensive fan site with discography, news, and history. No official Facebook or Instagram accounts exist for the band, but fans can follow Ritchie Blackmore’s current project, Blackmore’s Night, on Facebook and Instagram for updates. On X, accounts like @ThisDayInMETAL frequently post Rainbow trivia, keeping the legacy alive. Fan communities thrive on Facebook groups like “Rainbow (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow) Fans,” where enthusiasts share memories and rare photos. Sites like Metal-Archives.com offer detailed band info, while Discogs is a treasure trove for collectors seeking vinyl like Down to Earth. These platforms let Zoo Freaks connect and celebrate Rainbow’s enduring impact.