Stone Cold

The song "Stone Cold" by Rainbow from their 1982 album Straight Between the Eyes has a fascinating backstory that captures the essence of its creation. Joe Lynn Turner, Rainbow’s vocalist at the time, recalled recording the track at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, during a fierce snow and ice storm. He noted that the studio’s glass walls were covered in snow, creating a vivid atmosphere that inspired his performance, as he sang about "frozen eyes" while literally surrounded by ice. This environmental influence added a haunting authenticity to the track’s emotional depth. Ritchie Blackmore, the band’s guitarist, expressed pride in "Stone Cold," highlighting its melodic groove as a departure from his usual heavier style. In a 1995 interview with Classic Rock, Blackmore called Turner the best singer Rainbow ever had, praising his delivery on tracks like "Stone Cold."

Another intriguing tidbit comes from Blackmore’s own reflections on the song’s commercial appeal. Speaking to Rock and Roll Garage, he admitted that writing a pop-leaning track like "Stone Cold" was a new challenge, but one he was proud to achieve. The song became Rainbow’s only Top 40 hit in the U.S., peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting number 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart in 1982. Its music video, featuring a minimalist setup with Turner wandering through mirrors, was a staple on early MTV, boosting the band’s visibility. Fans on platforms like Reddit have noted similarities between "Stone Cold" and Foreigner’s sound, with some speculating that its AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) style was a deliberate nod to mainstream rock trends of the era.

Rainbow’s journey began in 1975 when Ritchie Blackmore, fresh from leaving Deep Purple, sought to explore new musical directions. Frustrated with Deep Purple’s increasingly funk-oriented sound, Blackmore formed Rainbow with members of the American band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Their self-titled debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, blended hard rock with mystical lyrics, establishing a cult following. Over the years, the band underwent numerous lineup changes, with vocalists like Graham Bonnet and Joe LYnn Turner steering Rainbow toward a more commercial sound by the early 1980s. This evolution culminated in albums like Straight Between the Eyes, which balanced hard rock roots with radio-friendly hooks.

For fans eager to dive deeper, Rainbow’s official presence is somewhat limited due to the band’s sporadic activity, but you can explore Ritchie Blackmore’s current projects at Blackmore’s Night, his folk-rock venture with Candice Night. The band maintains a Facebook page for updates, though it’s more fan-driven than official. On Instagram, Blackmore shares occasional posts about his musical endeavors, while X hosts fan accounts like RainbowFanClan, keeping the legacy alive. Dedicated fan communities thrive at Rainbow Fanclan, a comprehensive fan site with discographies and tour histories, and the Rainbow Fanclan Legacy Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over shared love for "Stone Cold" and beyond.