There is more extremely sad news for the rock and Metal world today, 24th January, as songwriter and bass player Jimmy Bain has passed away aged 68.
Jimmy was Dio’s bass player between 1982 and 1989 and then again from 1999 to 2004 and was also a member of Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio for a short time, appearing on the ‘Rising’ album.
The list of bands and musicians he worked with is long and exemplary, including Phil Lynott, John Cale, Scorpions and Kate Bush.
Jimmy was born in Scotland in 1947 and after turning professional in the early 70s was asked to join Rainbow by Ritchie Blackmore who saw him play at The Marquee Club in London.
He stayed with Rainbow for one album and tour, but was a major part of Dio, co-writing on many songs. He also founded Hear n’ Aid, the charity foundation to help alleviate poverty, co-writing ‘Stars’ with Ronnie James Dio and Vivian Campbell.
Jimmy was active musically all his life, working on mnay bands and projects – most recently in the band Last In Line.
The band was originally formed as a project to keep the Dio songs alive, however Jimmy, Vivian Campbell (guitar), Vinny Appice (drums) and Andrew Freeman (vocals) entered the studio and wrote a new album of original songs.
This album, ‘Heavy Crown’ is due to be released by Frontiers Music on February 19th 2016.
Jimmy Bain has left a huge and important musical legacy. MetalTalk joins in with sending condolences to family and friends.