RAINBOW ARCHIVE TOUR DATES

RAINBOW MK IV (a)

DECEMBER 1978 - MARCH 1979

RITCHIE BLACKMORE - GUITAR

COZY POWELL - DRUMS

DON AIREY - KEYBOARDS

CLIVE CHAMAN - BASS

plus others

After the Long live Rock 'n' Roll tour Blackmore once again dispensed with the services of the bassist and keyboard player, but the most crucial turning point in the bands career was the departure of original singer Ronnie James Dio.

That left just Blackmore and Cozy Powell to start building a new group.

First to join was Don Airey, who was briefly followed by Powell's former colleague from his days with Jeff Beck, Clive Chaman.

Roger Glover had been drafted in to produce the next album, but the group had difficulties in finalising the line-up. Chaman didn't last long and for a while Jack Green was tried out on bass.

The choice of singer was proving to be even more difficult. 

A guy called Ralph Thompson almost got the job and several others were auditioned, including Pete Goalby & Mark Storace.

They recording of the album started with just Blackmore, Powell & Airey, as the search for a bassist and vocalist continued.

Needless to say no live performances were done during this time period.