Rock and metal fans have something truly special on the horizon. A massive new tribute album, Ride the Rainbow: The Ultimate Tribute to Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, is set to arrive on June 19, 2026 — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious homage projects in recent memory.
This isn’t just another tribute record. It’s a full-scale celebration of the legacy of Ritchie Blackmore and his legendary band Rainbow, bringing together an all-star lineup that spans generations of rock and metal. Available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats, the album aims to reintroduce Rainbow’s timeless sound while honoring the spirit that made them iconic.
What makes Ride the Rainbow especially compelling is its deep connection to the band’s roots. Several former Rainbow members are directly involved, including Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Bob Daisley, Doogie White, and Ronnie Romero. Their involvement adds authenticity and emotional weight, bridging the past and present in a way few tribute albums achieve.
But the project doesn’t stop there. Expanding beyond Rainbow’s original circle, the album features an impressive roster of rock and metal heavyweights. Artists like Sebastian Bach, Steve Morse, Rick Wakeman, Marty Friedman, and Candice Night bring their own distinct styles into the mix, ensuring that each track offers something fresh while staying true to the originals.
The tracklist reads like a greatest hits collection of Rainbow’s most powerful work. Fans can expect reimagined versions of classics such as Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll, Man on the Silver Mountain, Stargazer, Since You Been Gone, Kill the King, and Catch the Rainbow. Each song is performed by a unique lineup of musicians, giving the album a dynamic, ever-evolving feel.
Adding depth to the experience, the album also includes liner notes by Jason Myers, offering insight into Rainbow’s enduring influence and the significance of the songs being revisited.
At its core, Ride the Rainbow is more than just a tribute — it’s a celebration of legacy, influence, and the timeless power of rock music. By uniting original members with modern icons, the album highlights just how far Rainbow’s music continues to reach, decades after its original era.
For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic journey. For new listeners, it’s a gateway into one of rock’s most influential catalogs. Either way, this is one ride worth taking.