As previously reported, founding Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, has announced that he will be playing three rock shows in Europe under the name of Ricthie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
Blackmore has finally revealed who will his bandmates. Sharing the stage with the legendary guitarist will be Lords of Black singer Ronnie Romero, Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, Blackmore’s Night drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau.
While some fans may be underwhelmed by the news, this lineup will keep the focus on Blackmore, which is what the tour is all about.
Blackmore is particularly excited about introducing Romero to a larger audience.
“The singer I found is very exciting,” Blackmore told Billboard in September, before he announced the lineup. “He’s a cross between [former Rainbow frontman Ronnie James] Dio meets Freddie Mercury. So, this will mean exposing a new singer to the masses, and I’m sure he’ll become pretty famous because of his voice.”
Listen to Romero cover of Deep Purple’s Stormbringer in the video below.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and guests are scheduled to play at two Monsters Of Rock festivals in Germany on June 17th and 18th and one UK show on June 25 in England at Birmingham Genting Arena. More dates are expected to be announced. Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow will perform “the classic rock anthems of Rainbow and Deep Purple,” according to show announcements. Blackmore reportedly plans to film and record the performances for future release.
[Dana’s note: Thank you to Todd, for passing this news along.]
additional source: guitarplayer.com
31 Responses
This kid will certainly nail the Dio era of Rainbow. Sounds like he could be Ronnies son. Bring this to the states Ritchie. It’d be my 4th time seeing your miserable posterior in Rainbow, but I’m in if it comes stateside. \m/
I hear more young Coverdale than Mercury in his voice, but the kid has grit and can definitely sing. This show is going to be loaded with great songs.
I agree, T,
Good ear. I definitely hear a Coverdale vibe going on with his voice, as well.
D 🙂
I have to agree, he’s got the Coverdale sound for sure.
No surprise as they are covering a song from Coverdale’s stint in DP. Still, he will probably deliver.
Jens Johansson also played with Yngwie in the early days, so he’s had prior experience of playing with a brilliant guitarist that has a reputation for being an a**hole. That experience should come in handy while playing with Sir Blackmore.
Good vocal effort, indeed a younger Coverdale sound, IMO. Although having seen Whitesnake this summer supporting their “Purple Album,” Coverdale was actually pretty good. Would give the young lad a run for his money, I would guess.