Stargazer

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track "Stargazer" by Rainbow from their 1976 album Rising, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this one. This song is a storytelling masterpiece, weaving the tale of a wizard who enslaves countless people to build a tower to the stars, only to meet a tragic end. According to a 2005 interview with Ronnie James Dio, the song marked a shift for Rainbow, as the new lineup allowed him to lean into his role as a lyrical storyteller, moving away from the sound of his previous band, Elf. The track’s symphonic grandeur, featuring the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and a Vako Orchestron, was groundbreaking, with Ritchie Blackmore describing the strings as playing a “half-Turkish Scale” for that mystical vibe. Fans on Reddit have called it one of the first power metal songs, with its blend of fantasy lyrics and heavy riffs setting a template for the genre.

Diving into the song’s creation, "Stargazer" showcases the technical prowess of its players. Cozy Powell’s thunderous drum intro is often cited as one of his finest moments, with drummers like Roy from London on Songfacts praising it as a defining moment in rock drumming. Ritchie Blackmore’s solo, played in the B Phrygian dominant scale, is lauded for its “Middle Eastern flavor,” as noted by Vincent DeMasi in his analysis of the track’s classical drama. A rough mix from the 2011 Deluxe Edition of Rising reveals a longer version with a keyboard intro by Tony Carey, stretching the song to 9:08. Posts on X highlight rare 1976 live footage from Houston, possibly captured on 8mm or 16mm film, showing Rainbow performing "Stargazer" with unmatched intensity, a holy grail for fans.

Rainbow’s legacy with "Stargazer" extends beyond the studio. The song was a centerpiece at the UK’s Monsters of Rock festival, performed by Rainbow in 1980 and later by Dio’s solo band in 1983, albeit in a shorter form. Its influence is evident in covers by bands like Metallica, who included it in their “Ronnie Rising Medley” for the 2014 Dio tribute album, and Dream Theater, who tackled it with their progressive flair. A fan post on X calls "Stargazer" a contender for one of the greatest metal songs ever, praising the album’s bombastic energy. The track’s cultural impact is further cemented by its 17th ranking in a Gibson poll of the greatest heavy metal songs, reflecting its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks and metalheads alike.

Rainbow was born in 1975 when guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, fresh from Deep Purple, sought a new creative outlet. Teaming up with Ronnie James Dio, formerly of Elf, Blackmore formed a band that blended hard rock with neoclassical and fantasy elements. Their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, featured Elf’s rhythm section, but Blackmore’s vision evolved for Rising, where he recruited Cozy Powell, Jimmy Bain, and Tony Carey. This lineup, recorded in Munich under producer Martin Birch, created a heavier, more ambitious sound that defined Rainbow’s peak. Blackmore’s perfectionism and Dio’s lyrical prowess made Rainbow a force, though lineup changes were frequent due to Blackmore’s demanding nature, as noted in a 2014 Prog Archives review.

While Rainbow’s official online presence is sparse due to their inactivity, fans can explore their legacy through various platforms. The band’s official website, rainbowrockband.com, offers a glimpse into their history and discography. Their Facebook page keeps the flame alive with updates on reissues and tributes, while Instagram shares vintage photos and fan art. On X, posts celebrate milestones like Rising’s anniversary, connecting with fans worldwide. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive on Facebook groups like “Rainbow - The Official Fan Group,” where enthusiasts share rare photos and live recordings. Websites like The Highway Star, a Deep Purple and related acts fan site, also cover Rainbow extensively, offering news and archival content for dedicated followers.