Still I’m Sad

The song "Still I'm Sad" by Rainbow, featured on their 1995 album Stranger In Us All, is a reimagined instrumental cover of a track originally by The Yardbirds from 1965. The Zoo Crew, spinning this gem for the Zoo Freaks, might note its significance as a nostalgic nod in Rainbow's catalog. According to reviews on ProgArchives, Ritchie Blackmore, the band’s guitarist and leader, held a particular fondness for this song, often performing it at earlier Rainbow concerts. Its inclusion on Stranger In Us All evokes a melancholic yet powerful vibe, blending Blackmore’s signature neoclassical guitar work with a modern heavy metal edge. Fans on platforms like Reddit have praised its emotive quality, with some calling it a standout for its ability to bridge Rainbow’s 1970s roots with their 1990s revival.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s context within the album. ProgArchives notes that Stranger In Us All was released during the mid-1990s, a time when grunge and alternative rock dominated, making Rainbow’s traditional hard rock sound a bold outlier. "Still I'm Sad" was not released as a single in most regions, though Wikipedia mentions a limited single release in Italy, highlighting its niche appeal. The track’s instrumental nature, devoid of vocals unlike the Yardbirds’ original, showcases Blackmore’s intent to let the guitar speak, a choice that resonated with fans in Europe and Japan, where the album achieved gold status. The Zoo Freaks might appreciate how this song captures Rainbow’s defiance of musical trends, staying true to their classic sound.

Rainbow was formed in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just left Deep Purple due to creative differences. Blackmore, a pivotal figure in hard rock, initially teamed up with American vocalist Ronnie James Dio and members of Dio’s band Elf, including bassist Craig Gruber, drummer Gary Driscoll, and keyboardist Micky Lee Soule. As detailed on uDiscover Music, Blackmore’s vision was to create a band that blended hard rock with neoclassical influences, inspired by his love for classical music. The band’s debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, released in 1975, featured the hit “Man On The Silver Mountain” and set the stage for their rise in the European rock scene. Over the years, Rainbow underwent numerous lineup changes, with vocalists like Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner, and Doogie White (who sang on Stranger In Us All) joining the fold, each bringing a distinct flavor to the band’s evolving sound.

The band’s early years were marked by a mystical, fantasy-driven aesthetic, largely shaped by Dio’s lyrical contributions, as noted on Wikipedia. Albums like Rising (1976) and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (1978) cemented Rainbow’s reputation as a heavy metal powerhouse. After Dio’s departure in 1979, Blackmore steered the band toward a more commercial, AOR sound with hits like “Since You Been Gone” and “Street of Dreams.” Despite disbanding in 1984 when Blackmore rejoined Deep Purple, Rainbow was revived in 1994 with a new lineup for Stranger In Us All, and again in 2015 for select live performances, as shared on their official Facebook. This resilience underscores Blackmore’s commitment to his musical vision, even as he later explored folk rock with Blackmore’s Night.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, Rainbow’s official website is www.rainbow.rocks. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on rare performances and archival releases. Fans also gather at The Rainbow Fanclan Legacy, a dedicated fan website packed with discography details, tour history, and rare photos. On Facebook, the “Rainbow (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow) Fan Group” is a vibrant community where fans share memories, rare bootlegs, and discuss tracks like “Still I’m Sad.” These platforms keep the Rainbow spirit alive, perfect for the Zoo Crew to hype up their next spin for the Freaks.