A massive new tribute album celebrating the legacy of Rainbow is on the way, bringing together an all-star lineup of rock and metal musicians for a project titled Ride the Rainbow: The Ultimate Tribute to Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
The album is officially set for release on June 19, 2026, and will be available across multiple formats including CD, vinyl and digital.
Designed as a full-scale tribute to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his iconic band, the record features a mix of classic Rainbow songs reimagined by a wide range of legendary performers — including several musicians who were actually part of Rainbow itself.
Among the standout contributors are former Rainbow members Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Bob Daisley, Doogie White and Ronnie Romero, giving the album a direct connection to the band’s original legacy.
The project also expands far beyond the band’s own history, featuring appearances from major names across rock and metal, including Sebastian Bach, Steve Morse, Rick Wakeman, Marty Friedman and Candice Night, among many others.
Across its tracklist, the album revisits some of Rainbow’s most iconic songs, including “Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Man on the Silver Mountain,” “Stargazer,” “Since You Been Gone,” “Kill the King,” and “Catch the Rainbow.” Each track is performed by a different lineup of musicians, creating fresh interpretations while preserving the spirit of the originals.
The project also includes liner notes written by Jason Myers, adding deeper context to Rainbow’s influence and the significance of the songs being revisited.
Overall, Ride the Rainbow stands as both a celebration and a reintroduction — bringing together generations of artists to honor one of rock’s most influential bands. With contributions from past members and modern icons alike, the album aims to highlight just how far Rainbow’s music continues to reach decades after its original era.
