Rainbow were a British hard rock band formed by Deep Purplefounder and former guitarist Ritchie Blackmorein 1975. In addition to Blackmore, the band originally consisted of former Elflead singer Ronnie James Dio, bassist Craig Gruber, drummer Gary Driscoll, and keyboardist Micky Lee Soule. Over the years Rainbow went through many lineup changes. The Dio Years The name of the band Rainbow was inspired by a Hollywood Bar and Grill called the Rainbow that catered to rock stars, groupies and rock enthusiasts. It was here that Ritchie spent some of his off time from Deep Purple and met Dio, whose band Elf had toured regularly as an opening act for Deep Purple.
last.fm page
You'd never know there was music playing,
Until you talked your way inside the door.
And then a sound like rolling thunder
Began to push you right through the floor.
And there's a great white sign with big black letters
That just about explains it all: