Jimmy Bain, best known for his work as the bassist for Dio, Rainbow and more recently with Last in Line, has reportedly passed away at the age of 68.
Though an official cause of death has not been revealed, a number of industry sources have reported on Bain’s death. Diana Deville, a member of Wendy Dio’s Niji Management, posted on Instagram that Bain had passed. In addition, drummer Simon Wright, Bain’s Dio bandmate, also tweeted an RIP referencing Bain’s death.
Bain’s music career started in 1974 with the band Harlot. A couple of years later he was asked to join Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio in Rainbow and he recorded on the group’s 1976 album Rising and appeared on the 1977 double live album On Stage before being let go.
He also toured with John Cale, formed a band called Wild Horses, and co-wrote with Thin Lizzy‘s Phil Lynott for the singer’s solo albums before joining Dio. During his time with Dio, Bain appeared on seven studio albums, including the metal staples Holy Diver and Last in Line.
In 2013, Bain joined Last In Line, which features his Dio bandmates Vivian Campbell and Vinny Appice from the Dio Last in Line album with vocalist Andrew Freeman. Though the group initially sought to pay tribute to the Dio era with Bain, Campbell and Appice, the band actually wrote an album of original music called Heavy Crown that will be released on February 20th. Last in Line performed just this past week as part of Def Leppard‘s Hysteria on the High Seas cruise. Stay tuned as we’ll add more details as they become available.
See some of the tributes to Bain posted by fellow rockers and industry friends below:
Jimmy Bain has passed away. I’m saddened by the loss of my friend. David & I were very close with Jimmy. Godspeed! pic.twitter.com/dDO9M7nvcg
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 24, 2016
Its weird when the friends you know and the people you listened to growing up start dying, #RIPJimmyBain https://t.co/9kuXZSzSjv
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 24, 2016
Ah bollocks, I just woke up to find my dear mate Jimmy Bain has passed away. Rip Jimmy
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain was a true musician and songwriter. He was involved and wrote more than u probably imagine.
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) January 24, 2016
RIP Jimmy Bain – another bass legend gone. #DIO #Rainbow
— Paolo Gregoletto (@TriviumPaolo) January 24, 2016
We’ve lost another great Rock N Roller #rip #jimmybain #dio #rainbow pic.twitter.com/CcFyqUxnDd
— matt sorum (@mattsorum) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain…don’t go…We love you!
— James Kottak (@JKottak) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain was a sweet soul. God Bless him… Rest now Brother.
— DOUG ALDRICH (@Douglas_Aldrich) January 24, 2016
Rest in peace Jimmy Bain #DIO pic.twitter.com/Ld4xwEOwGw
— Jay Ruston (@jayruston) January 24, 2016
[Dana’s note: Thank you to Todd, for passing this along]
additional source: loudwire.com
15 Responses
Another death in our metal/hard rock family. This is sad. I saw Jimmy perform live for the first time with Dio in 1984. One of the best bands I’ve ever heard. Jimmy pumped those bass lines like a demon. Rest in peace Jimmy. Heaven’s Supergroup just got another member.
Sad to see a great bassist, songwriter and backup vocalist pass on. An Irishman for certain and kind words from Mustaine. RISING and ON STAGE are RAINBOW’S two best as well as 1980s DIO. Ironic RAINBOW rebooting just now, hopefully a tribute or an aknowledgement gets voiced. Bad stretch of musicians passing on. Godspeed indeed. Hopefully the GUNS N’ ROSES reunion can breathe new life into rock music and provide a little optimism. BLACK SABBATH is crawling to the finish line as is AC/DC and MOTLEY CRUE is done for and RUSH won’t be touring anymore. There are still plenty of acts performing but its getting depressing around here.
Oops, I meant Scotsman for certain. Sorry.
You guys need to check out the two Wild Horses records he did with Brian Robertson. Jimmy sings (you’ll be surprised!) and co-wrote all the songs with Robbo. Just good old fashioned rock and roll.
Great bassist. We need that metal show back.rip jim.
(This was on VC’s FB page)
A message from Vivian Campbell..
It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and Last In Line band-mate, Jimmy Bain. It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted.
Jimmy’s struggles with his demons were well documented through the years, but over the last 18 months he had finally won that battle and he was bright and lucid and motivated throughout the writing and recording of the new record. He leaves behind him a rich legacy of work from Rainbow, through Wild Horses, Dio, and finally, Last In Line. Jimmy was immensely proud of our new album and his input to it was immeasurable.
He was a very kind and gentle and generous soul and our lives were greatly enriched for having known him. We will continue to celebrate his life through his music.
On behalf of Vinny and Andrew, our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult of times.
Rest in peace, dear friend.