Rainbow - Live In Germany 1976 (Eagle Records)

When this release first came out back in the early 90s it was a big deal. Around the same time Ronnie James Dio was back with Black Sabbath and Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple for the final time. This set is a compilation of various live recording from Rainbow's first German tour. Since then many of these shows were released individually as limited editions or so. Nothing however will diminish the powerful energy of these performances. Rainbow was a band on fire, eager to prove a point, and compiled of individuals who inspired each other on stage. Many consider this line up as the best rock line up of the 70s, and rightfully so. Even some 30 years later hardly anyone comes close to the musical onslaught presented on stage by the first incarnation of Rainbow. As good as the studio albums were, the true magic of that line up was on stage. That's why just about every show from this line up had been bootlegged, and such releases are more than welcomed by the fan base. One of most powerful live bands doing what they do best, accept no substitutes!

Mark Kadzielawa