With the June 19 launch date quickly approaching, Cleopatra Records has dropped the final promotional track from their highly anticipated compilation, Ride The Rainbow – The Ultimate Tribute To Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
For this latest preview, the label gathered a formidable roster of hard rock heavyweights to tackle “Man On The Silver Mountain“. Originally serving as a standout cut on the band’s 1975 self-titled debut, the revamped version is spearheaded by former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach. Providing the musical backbone for the timeless anthem are bassist Bob Daisley (ex-Rainbow), guitarist Mick Box (Uriah Heep), keyboardist Jonathan Cain (Journey), guitarist Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), and veteran skinsman Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice, Rod Stewart).
Appice expressed immense joy at finally participating in a project related to the Ritchie Blackmore-founded group, noting that he actually came close to joining the legendary outfit during its inception.
“I was supposed to be in Rainbow back in the day,” Carmine said. “Ritchie asked me to be in it, but I couldn’t do it, so I was very pleased to play on this track. I love all the musicians, too — they are all fantastic players and all good friends. So this track kicks a**!”
Meanwhile, Cain viewed the collaboration as a chance to honor the group’s early era, specifically praising the monumental vocal legacy left behind by the late frontman.
“When Cleopatra asked me to play on a Rainbow tribute project, I was excited to add my keyboards to it,” Cain said. “Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio were one of the truly melodic and memorable metal bands. I got to party with him towards the end of his touring days after a Sweden Rock Festival. His soaring voice and melodies will be remembered for decades to come.”
The full tribute record boasts an incredibly deep roster of guest musicians, specifically highlighting six former members of Rainbow: Bob Daisley, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Joe Lynn Turner, Doogie White, and Ronnie Romero. Rounding out the family affair, the tracklist also features contributions from Blackmore’s Night singer Candice Night and former Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse.
Ride The Rainbow – The Ultimate Tribute To Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow Track Listing:
- “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll” – Bob Daisley, Graham Bonnet, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Carmine Appice, Don Airey
- “Man On The Silver Mountain” – Sebastian Bach, Doug Aldrich, Bob Daisley, Carmine Appice, Mick Box, Jonathan Cain
- “Stargazer” – Derek Sherinian, Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Jürgen Engler, Joe Bouchard, Ronnie Romero
- “Lady Of The Lake” – Angel
- “Rainbow Eyes” – Mike Tramp
- “Since You Been Gone” – Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Graham Bonnet, Jürgen Engler
- “Kill The King” – Rick Wakeman, Bob Daisley, Vinnie Moore, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler
- “The Temple Of The King” – Steve Morse, Phil Soussan, Ronnie Romero, Simon Wright, Jonathan Cain, Kevin James Morse
- “Jealous Lover” – George Lynch, Vinny Appice, Andrew Freeman, David Ellefson, Jonathan Cain
- “I Surrender” – Eric Gales, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Phil Soussan, Don Airey, Chris Adler
- “Catch The Rainbow” – Doogie White, Derek Sherinian, Chris Poland, Vinny Appice, Bob Daisley
- “Street Of Dreams” – Paul Shortino, Joel Hoekstra, Joe Bouchard, Fred Aching, Jonathan Cain
- “Stone Cold” – Vivian Campbell, Joe Lynn Turner
- “I Surrender” – Marcus Nand, Candice Night
