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Rainbow Rainbow Coming to Luxembourg on June 17  After weeks of rumors and speculation in insider circles about a possible concert by another supergroup in Luxembourg—following the news that Barclay James Harvest will play at the Kockelscheuer ice rink on May 31—"Atlantis Concerts" has now announced another top act. Ritchie Blackmore: Always Full of Surprises While The Who and The Rolling Stones are known for their stability, Rainbow—under the leadership of Ritchie Blackmore—is defined by change. In 1981, the British guitar virtuoso presents a "Rainbow" that has undergone a 50% lineup overhaul: out go Graham Bonnet (the former Marbles singer hired just a year ago) and star drummer Cozy Powell, replaced by powerhouse vocalist Joe Lynn Turner and drummer Bob Rondinelli. In doing so, the formidable Blackmore once again demonstrates his ability to stave off the stagnation that can plague long-running bands by refreshing the lineup with new personnel. The British press lauds him, and readers of the music magazine *Melody Maker* have once again placed him on a pedestal. Last year, Blackmore was named "Guitarist of the Year," while his bandmate Don Airey took fourth place on the same prestigious list for best keyboardist. Colleague Roger Glover (bass) received two honors: ranking fourth among bassists and sixth among producers. As a band, the group reached seventh place among fan favorites and took third place as a top live act. A "Legend of the Inner Circle" Blackmore, who has been shaping rock history since the founding of Deep Purple in early 1968... ...is undoubtedly counted today among the hard core—the legends of the inner circle—of the rock elite that shapes music history. Described by the *Rocklexikon* as "egocentric, ambitious, and aggressive," he remains—thirteen years after his start with Deep Purple—at the pinnacle of an exemplary musical career with Rainbow. The only other constant from those early days is his creative partnership with Roger Glover, who was also a member of Deep Purple and today plays a pivotal role for Rainbow, serving in the dual capacity of bassist and producer. On the evening of Wednesday, June 17, Rainbow will perform at the Eissporthalle in Kockelscheuer. Ticket prices reflect the scale of the event, set at 360 francs in advance (plus booking fees). Tickets will soon be available from Teledisc, Music Edy Noel, and Paris Music in the capital; Maison du Son in Esch-sur-Alzette; Hifi Stereo Center in Ettelbruck; Players Pop Records in Diekirch; and Discado in Echternach. Tageblatt, Luxembourg - May 23, 1981  Rainbow Rainbow in Kockelscheuer on June 17  Rainbow was born in 1975 after Ritchie Blackmore decided to leave Deep Purple — a move that caused a stir in the pop world that summer. Deep Purple later found a more or less adequate replacement in Tommy Bolin, while Blackmore achieved worldwide success with his initial Rainbow lineup right from their debut. They produced excellent work, and their massive tours consistently drew huge crowds. Just a few months after the band's formation in 1975, Blackmore remarked: "...I have always been my own harshest critic, yet I now have the firm conviction that I am making the best music of my life." However, alongside his strong personality, the contribution made by Roger Glover over the years should not be underestimated. Serving as a second constant in a lineup otherwise characterized by frequent changes, he has excelled in three key roles: playing brilliant bass, distinguishing himself as a songwriter, and working so successfully as a producer that bands such as Nazareth, Rory Gallagher, and Status Quo have enlisted him for their recordings. Furthermore, Glover has released two significant solo albums of his own: *Butterfly Ball* and *Elements*. On Wednesday, June 17, at 8 p.m., Luxembourg's hard rock fans are in for a real treat! Revue, Luxembourg - June 13, 1981  |