Demon Records [Release date 28.08.26]

Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow’s three German live shows, originally released on CD some years ago and long out of print, were reissued more recently as part of Demon’s Temple Of The King box set. The label then pressed them up for the first time on vinyl, and Nurnberg the final set.

And welcome they are too, because, to keep it simple, they’re fantastic.

Firstly, there’s the performance, which is explosive. The band kicked off with Kill The King, seeing a perfect blend of guitar and keyboards with Dio’s solid vocals and Cozy Powell’s wall-of-thunder drumming. The way guitarist Blackmore and keyboardist Tony Carey trade off is sublime, both alternating rhythm and solos. This period highlights perfectly why singer Ronnie James Dio was one of the finest hard rock vocalists around. And don’t forget bassist Jimmy Bain’s drive.

This track was surely a template for the whole power metal scene that exploded 10 years later.

This is followed nicely by a 12 minute rendition of Deep Purple’s bluesier Mistreated.

Side two sees Sixteenth Century Greensleeves, from the band’s debut. A gently noodling intro before the riff comes in. Then a 13minute rendition of Catch The Rainbow, which again mixes gentle and atmospheric, sometimes meandering sections with the full blown crash bang wallop.

Side three, just Man On The Silver Mountain, again given the full length work out. Jamming and riffage aplenty. Both guitar and vocals get their opportunity to solo and shine, with a bit of a bluesy jam going on too.

Side four and the epic Stargazer, which runs to over 14 minutes, including a fine keyboard solo from Tony Carey. A magical story and all five members of the band on fire, although it does leave out the orchestration on the original studio version.

A highlight is Rainbow’s cover of Still I’m Sad, an instrumental track on Rainbow’s eponymous debut, here expanded and with vocals, running to nearly 17 minutes with a keyboard solo and Cozy Powell’s even more epic drum solo, culminating in the 1812 Overture. To get all that in one sing would make any live concert, on record or in person, worth while.

The set closes with Do You Close Your Eyes, a good final blast.

The mix, the balance often giving the keyboards and drums equal prominence to the guitar, is spot on, Then there’s the vinyl aspect. A solid look, a solid feel, and the masting is warm, clear, no background noise at all,

For hard rock loving audiophiles and vinyl fans as well as any fan of Rainbow (or their extensive family tree), this release is up there with the essential. *****

Review by Joe Geesin

---

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

---

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 19 July 2026.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 July 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

---

Power Plays w/c 3 August 2026

STORMBRINGER Dirt And Bone (Attic Records)
SARI SCHORR Mr. In The Middle (Provogue Records)
JAMES KENNEDY & THE UNDERDOGS Shadows (Konic Records)
KATH & THE KICKS Sleep (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Too Far Gone (Silver Lining Music)
SESAME GIRL Prettiest Girl In The World (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 3 August 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)

---

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.

---

Recent (last 30 days)

---