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| photo: Joey Wester |
Former Rainbow and Dio bassist Jimmy Bain has died at the age of 68.
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell confirmed the news on Sunday via Facebook, writing, “It's with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and Last In Line bandmate 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,” added Campbell added. “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.”
Bain’s latest band, Last In Line, was formed in 2012 by the former members of the original lineup of Ronnie James Dio’s band Dio and named after that group’s 1984 album.
The Scottish bassist joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975, playing alongside Dio on 1976’s studio effort “Rising” and 1977’s live set “On Stage.”
In the early 80s, Bain worked on a pair of solo records by Thin Lizzy founder Phil Lynott before reteaming with Dio in 1982 as the singer launched his own band following a stint with Black Sabbath. The bassist appeared on the group’s first four albums before exiting in 1989, only to return in 2000 for another two studio projects.
Last In Line were scheduled to perform on Def Leppard’s Hysteria On The High Seas cruise this week following a series of rehearsals in Miami.
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