Here's another musician I grew up listening to in the mid-70' when he was in Rainbow (Rising/On Stage) and during his time in DIO. I was familiar with the band he formed called Wild Horses (which also included ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson and guitarist Neil Carter). But the connection I have lies more with Rainbow's Rising era and DIO since that's what I was listening to the majority of the time.
Jimmy contributed a lot to DIO's Holy Diver and The Last In Line (more than people even know). The guy was a powerhouse and sorely underrated here in the US. I've seen DIO in concert more than twelve times (probably more like 20 times if I really think about it and look through my old ticket stubs). Started with the Holy Diver tour in 1983 and last time I saw him was Killing The Dragon tour in 2002. Jimmy was always goofing and clowning on stage, but he played the hell out of that bass. Plus, he and Ronnie were in Rainbow together for a bit and you could see the camaraderie they had. And having a fuckin' blast every night.
His current band Last In Line played a Def Leppard Hysteria on the High Seas pre-cruise show in Miami, FL last week. Jimmy passed away on-board the ship the next day. Here's footage from Jimmy's last show performing 'We Rock'.
His DIO/Last In Line bandmate (and Def Leppard guitarist) Vivian Campbell posted the following on Facebook:
"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."
Rest in peace Jimmy. You'll always be a rainbow in the dark.
Hopefully you're living it up with your old pal Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy, Dime and the gang.
Be sure to check out the band Last In Line which features Jimmy (bass) Vivian Campbell (guitar), Vinny Appice (drums) and Andrew Freeman (vocals). Their debut album Heavy Crown drops on February 19th.
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