Guys reluctant to perform song initially due to poppy sound
a more commercial, radio-friendly sound. The lead single, Since You Been Gone, was the furthest thing from Dio’s sword-and-sorcery lyrics and instead boasted catchy hooks and a sing-along chorus.
Bonnet described the experience of recording the song as transformative. He mentioned that some band members had reservations about the song initially, dismissing it as too poppy, but Bonnet recognized the potential greatness of the track. Little did he know that Since You Been Gone would become the band’s signature tune.
Despite the success of the track, tensions within the band persisted. Blackmore’s desire for a more contemporary sound clashed with Bonnet’s preference for straightforward hard rock. Coupled with management struggles and creative differences, the lineup of Rainbow was in constant flux.
Bonnet’s tenure with Rainbow was short-lived, lasting for just one album. Internal conflicts and personal challenges contributed to his departure from the band. His foray into Rainbow came after a tumultuous but varied career in the music industry. From top 40 hits as one half of The Marbles to MOR crooning, Bonnet’s eclectic background made him an unexpected but intriguing addition to Rainbow.
The enigmatic guitarist Blackmore recognized Bonnet’s vocal power and offered him the coveted spot in Rainbow after a convincing audition. Despite initial doubts about the band’s direction, Bonnet’s leap of faith paid off with the success of Since You Been Gone and Down To Earth.
In hindsight, Bonnet reflected on his time with Rainbow as a transformational period in his career. The legacy of Since You Been Gone endures as a defining moment for both him and the band. It was a song that defied expectations and propelled Rainbow into a new era of rock music.
Ultimately, Bonnet’s time with Rainbow was marked by a collision of musical styles and personalities, culminating in a brief but impactful chapter in the band’s history. The divergent paths of Blackmore and Bonnet ultimately led to the end of their collaboration, but the mark they left on rock music remains indelible.
In the annals of music history, Since You Been Gone stands as a testament to the enduring power of a hit song that defied genres and expectations. Despite the initial skepticism from some band members, the track became an anthem that solidified Rainbow’s place in the rock pantheon.Bonnet’s journey with Rainbow may have been short-lived, but his contribution to the band’s legacy is lasting.