Joe Lynn Turner: Ritchie Blackmore's new band isn't Rainbow

Joe Lynn Turner says that the latest incarnation of Rainbow aren’t worthy of the name unless they record an album and tour.

The 64-year-old rocker, who fronted the ever-evolving band from 1980 to 1984, slammed Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow as a “cover band” back in February and it seems his views haven’t softened.

Alongside lynchpin Ritchie Blackmore, the band features Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, Blackmore's Night drummer David Keith & bassist Bob Nouveau and new singer Ronnie Romero.

Claiming that fellow ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White is of the exact same opinion, Turner said: “I think Doogie said it best to me. He said, ‘You know Joe, it’s not Rainbow unless they do an album and a tour.’ I said, ‘I have to agree with you.’

"Because until you can write the songs, make some sense out of it all, add to the name Rainbow – our legacy, whether it’s Ronnie James Dio, or Graham Bonnet, or myself, or even Doogie, our legacy comes down in stature. Because, then anybody can be in Rainbow like this. So I don’t agree with it.”

Elsewhere in the interview with Rockpages, Turner said he tried to instigate what he calls an “authentic” Rainbow reunion, however Blackmore allegedly quashed the idea.

“To my surprise, and to my shock, I found out (Blackmore) didn't wanna do it,” he said. “Why? I'll never know. I have my suspicions, and I've read a lot of fan comments on their suspicions, and some of them, I think, are correct. But I really don't know why.

“It's a shame. Because I believe the fans deserve it. I believe Rainbow deserves it. I wanted to do something like an extravaganza — you know, sing Dio songs, Bonnet songs… you know, everybody. Get Bob Daisley on bass… And I talked to people. And they were all into it. So I don't know. It's a shame, really."

Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow play a sold out show at Birmingham’s Genting Arena on Saturday 25th June.