Artist page · 05/07/2026

Rainbow

CaliforniaFormed in 1974Black Metal13 vinyl albums
Rainbow, formed in 1974 in California by ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, blends hard rock and heavy metal. The lineup evolved with notable singers Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner and Doogie White, and drummers like Cozy Powell.
13Albums on Vinyles.com
5844Discogs releases
1.4MLast.fm listeners

About

Rainbow, British hard rock and heavy metal forged by Ritchie Blackmore since 1975.

13 vinyl titles including key live LPs and studio rarities; original pressings from Ear Music and Polydor stand out.

Rainbow's vinyl catalog spans studio albums and live recordings, with a legacy rooted in British hard rock and metal. The band debuted in the mid-1970s, releasing material characterized by soaring vocals and intricate guitar work. Famed for live performances, Rainbow's records include European and Japanese live sessions on Ear Music and notable studio albums on Polydor, reflecting different eras and singers.

This catalog offers a glimpse into the band's evolution, featuring vinyl editions like "Live In Birmingham 2016" and "Live In Japan" capturing late-era lineups, alongside rarities such as "Black Masquerade". Collectors can trace the sonic shift from classic hard rock to heavier metal influences, presented across diverse formats and pressed internationally.

Discography

Rainbow — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Memories In Rock II (Live)Minstrel Hall Music · 2018
2018
Memories In Rock II (Live)
File, MP3, Album
Live
Live In Birmingham 2016Eagle Rock · 2017
2017
Live In Birmingham 2016
File, MP3, Album
Live
Monsters Of Rock: Live At Donington 1980Eagle Rock · 2016
2016
Monsters Of Rock: Live At Donington 1980
File, MP3, Album
Live
Memories In Rock: Live In GermanyEagle Rock · 2016
2016
Memories In Rock: Live In Germany
File, MP3, Album
Live
Live In JapanWard Records · 2015
2015
Live In Japan
CD, Album
Live
Long Island 1979 Down To Earth TourCleopatra Records · 2015
2015
Long Island 1979 Down To Earth Tour
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Denver 1979 Down To Earth TourCleopatra · 2015
2015
Denver 1979 Down To Earth Tour
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Black MasqueradeEagle Records · 2013
2013
Black Masquerade
CD, Album
Studio
Live In Düsseldorf 1976 - Düsseldorf Philipshalle 27.9.1976AFM Records · 2007
2007
Live In Düsseldorf 1976 - Düsseldorf Philipshalle 27.9.1976
CD, Album
Live
Live In Munich 1977Eagle Records · 2006
2006
Live In Munich 1977
CD, Album
Live
Live In Köln 1976 - Kölner Sporthalle 25.9.1976AFM Records · 2006
2006
Live In Köln 1976 - Kölner Sporthalle 25.9.1976
CD, Album
Live
Deutschland Tournee  1976Vap · 2006
2006
Deutschland Tournee 1976
CD, Album, Stereo, Box Set
Studio
Stranger In Us AllBMG · 1995
1995
Stranger In Us All
CD, Album
Studio
Live In Germany 1976Connoisseur Collection · 1990
1990
Live In Germany 1976
CD, Album
Live
Bent Out Of ShapePolydor · 1983
1983
Bent Out Of Shape
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Straight Between The EyesPolydor · 1982
1982
Straight Between The Eyes
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Difficult To CurePolydor · 1981
1981
Difficult To Cure
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Down To EarthPolydor · 1979
1979
Down To Earth
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Long Live Rock 'N' RollPolydor · 1978
1978
Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
On StagePolydor · 1977
1977
On Stage
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Rainbow RisingOyster · 1976
1976
Rainbow Rising
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Ritchie Blackmore's RainbowOyster · 1975
1975
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Rainbow's career.

01
Since You Been Gone
Since You Been Gone
Denver 1979 Down To Earth Tour · 2015
02
Man on the Silver Mountain
Man on the Silver Mountain
Denver 1979 Down To Earth Tour · 2015
03
Stargazer
·
04
Catch the Rainbow
·
05
The Temple of the King
·
06
I Surrender
·
07
Kill the King
·
08
Starstruck
·

The essentials

The 3 Rainbow albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2019
LP
Live In Birmingham 2016

A key live recording from the 2016 tour, issued by Ear Music Classics in Europe. Features 15 tracks, including classics like "Since You Been Gone" and "Stargazer." Prices range from €19.13 to €30.90 depending on pressing.

15 tracksEar Music Classics labelOriginal pressing 2019European LP
#2 · 2018
LP, Album
Live In Japan

Recorded during a Japanese tour, this Ear Music release contains 22 tracks showcasing the band's live depth. Available in original and reissue versions, priced between €30.63 and €44.99.

22 tracksEar Music labelOriginal pressing 2018European LP
#3 · 2013
Vinyl
Black Masquarade

An album reflecting later-stage Rainbow with a black metal influence. Released on VERYCORDS in 2013, it adds a diverse dimension to the band's catalog.

Black Metal genreVERYCORDS label2013 releaseVinyl format

Go further

Artists similar to Rainbow

Artists who share part of Rainbow's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Rainbow

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Rainbow's frequent lineup changes were driven by the mercurial nature of Ritchie Blackmore.
— Band history commentary
01Live Recording

Live In Birmingham 2016 captured during a European tour.

This 2019 Ear Music Classics LP features 15 tracks including "Highway Star," "Man On The Silver Mountain," and the extended "Difficult To Cure (Beethoven's Ninth)" live performance. It has two main pressings with prices from €19.13 to €30.90 and remains sought after by collectors.

2016Europe
02Studio Album

Black Masquarade introduces black metal elements to Rainbow's style.

Released in 2013 by VERYCORDS, the "Black Masquarade" vinyl album marks a stylistic shift with black metal influences, representing a later period contrasting with their classic hard rock and progressive rock eras.

2013Undisclosed
03Live Performance

Live In Japan vinyl captures a 2018 touring phase.

Issued by Ear Music in 2018, this live album documents Rainbow on stage in Japan. It contains 22 tracks, including solos and extended jams, with prices from €30.63 to €44.99 across original and reissue formats.

2018Japan
04Band Formation

Rainbow was formed in 1974 by Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple.

Founded in California, Rainbow emerged as a British hard rock and heavy metal band with evolving lineups. The first vocalist was Ronnie James Dio, followed by others like Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner. The band's dynamic is marked by notable musicians including drummer Cozy Powell and bassist Roger Glover.

1974California

FAQ

FAQ: Rainbow on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When was Rainbow formed and what genre do they play?

Rainbow was formed in 1974 and is known for British hard rock and heavy metal music.

Which Rainbow albums are essential for vinyl collectors?

Key vinyls include Live In Birmingham 2016, Live In Japan, and Black Masquarade, representing live recordings and studio evolutions.

What are the typical pressings available for Rainbow's Live In Birmingham 2016 LP?

There are original 2019 European pressings and 2021 reissues by Ear Music Classics, with prices ranging from €19.13 to €30.90.

Where can I find European pressings of Rainbow live albums?

European pressings of live albums like Live In Birmingham 2016 and Live In Japan are available on Ear Music Classics label.

What is the significance of the album Black Masquarade in Rainbow's discography?

Black Masquarade showcases a black metal influence, distinct from Rainbow's classic hard rock roots, released in 2013 on vinyl.

Are there vinyl releases featuring Rainbow's live performances in Germany?

Yes, Memories In Rock: Live In Germany has original and reissue vinyl pressings from 2016 and 2020 at moderate prices, capturing performances in Germany.

How many tracks are featured in the Live In Japan album on vinyl?

The Live In Japan vinyl contains 22 tracks including solos and extended live renditions.

Which labels issued Rainbow vinyl in Europe recently?

Labels like Ear Music Classics, Minstrel Hall Music, and Eagle Records have released recent Rainbow vinyl in Europe.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026