Demon/Edsel [Release date 26.06.26]

The second (after Cologne) of three live albums recorded in Germany 1976, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow were promoting their Rainbow Rising LP to huge acclaim.

The three albums were originally issued as double CDs a few years back, and a 6-CD set in Japan. All long since out of print, Demon reissued them earlier this year as part of the Temple Of The King box set. And here, 50 years on from recording, we get this set on vinyl for the first time.

The Dusseldorf show is split over 3 LPs and mastered beautifully.

Opening with the chants of “Ritchie Ritchie”, the band kick off with the classic ‘Kill The King’. Frenetic to say the least, Tony Carey’s keyboards provide the perfect foil for guitarist Blackmore, whose playing is fiery.

Perfect support from bassist Jimmy Bain, and Cozy Powell’s trademark ‘Wall of Thunder’ drums blast away. And not forgetting vocalist Dio, the five way chemistry as important as the talent, making this era Rainbow essential listening for any rock fan.

The 13 minute bluesy jam of ‘Mistreated’, soulful in places, another excellent track. And keyboards up in mix where they should be. Dio, much like Joe Lynn Turner in Rainbow’s later years, did like his solo vocal workout slots, I often find I have to be in the right mood for those bits.

Side two is ‘Sixteenth Century Greensleeves’, from the band’s debut. A good tune, a solid hard rock feel, and extended largely by Blackmore’s noodling intro.

Side 4 is ‘Catch The Rainbow’; the first seven minutes being a mixture of a wonderful melody and atmosphere, a little self indulgent, before it picks up into a heavier, punchier and more meaty hard rock jam. Captivating mood swings throughout, 14 minutes well spent, including the medley that includes ‘Blues Jam’ and some serious riffage.

Side five is the 15 minute ‘Stargazer’, which kicks off with an electrifying keyboard. All five band members here prove (in case you didn’t already know) why they are all considered elite and the Rainbow Rising album a staple.

Then the album closes with the Yardbirds’ ‘Still I’m Sad’; an instrumental on the Rainbow debut, here full expanded and with vocals. Over 16 minutes of wonderful classic rock; a fantastic song given the virtuoso hard rock and metal it deserves.

A keyboard spot, that morphs into a Cozy Powell drum solo, and spots where the guitar (including the keyboard interplay) verges on neo-classical. This song perfectly encapsulates the band and the period.

There was an organic element to Rainbow on stage back then, between the improvisation and solos there’s a difference every night.

Three LPs in a solid feel black vinyl (there is also an orange vinyl edition available via Demon or HMV), each with inner sleeves.

Then there’s the sound.  Quality 10/10, the mastering and pressing give perfect audio, warm, clear yet bright or silent when it should be.

If you want the pictures or sleevenotes, go to the Temple box set. This set is to treasure and to play.

Every home should have one. Extravagant, but sonically and enjoyment wise, it’s worth it.  *****

Review by Joe Geesin

 Album review (Live In Koln, 2026)

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Power Plays w/c 8 June 2026

LAKE Hey Sam (indie)
VOODOO WISEGUYS Someday You’ll Know (indie)
RUN REMEDY Big Nothing (indie)
BLACK ROSE REBELLION Hail The Rebel Queen (Pavement Entertainment)
DOMINUM Dark Melodies (Napalm Records)
COLD JULY I’ll Write That Down (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 8 June 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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