Rainbow/IL, USA 1976

From the US tour accompanying “RISING” in 1976, the Agora Ballroom performance in Chicago will be released on June 25th as a high-quality audience recording and complete recording disc that assures master quality. The difference between Gene and the previously released version is obvious from the vivid sound check sound in the intro, and the overall sound quality is completely superior to the previously released version. Maniacs will be delighted with Over The Rainbow’s direct and clear sound. The fresh performance unique to the early days of the RISING tour is truly fresh and full of lively listening spots. In the early version of Kill The King, Ronnie’s vocals, which are reminiscent of hard rock, are the best, and the aggressive performance, which is completely different from the fixed singing in the latter half of 1976, is wonderful. Richie’s energetic solo is also impressive. At this time, the six-part arrangement of the ending did not appear. Mistreated’s rather simple guitar intro also sounds fresh. Ronnie’s vocals are overwhelming in this song, and you can listen to a wonderful performance combined with Cozy’s emotional drumming. Following Ronnie’s vocal improvisation in the interlude only at this time, Richie’s solo with a unique classical taste is worth listening to. The signal just before the guitar part at this time was Koji’s snare hit. The approach and dialogue between Ronnie and Richie in the second half of the song is also original and unique to this period, making it very enjoyable to listen to. The two successive performances of Stargazer and A Light In The Black in the second half of the show are a masterpiece. In Stargazer, where you can listen to a tight performance, Ronnie’s roar and Koji’s iron-clad rhythm play are the best. The spectacular performance of A Light In The Black played in a medley is a must-listen for all Rainbow fans! The exciting long solo that Richie plays freely in the second half is probably the biggest listening point. Cozy was in great shape on this day, and even in the drum solo you can hear his powerful play. The guitar crash explodes in Do You Close Your Eyes, a passionate performance that lasts over 10 minutes. Live at Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL. USA 25th June 1976 TRULY AMAZING SOUND Disc 1 1. Intro. 2. Over The Rainbow 3. Kill The King 4. Mistreated 5. Sixteenth Century Greensleeves 6. Catch The Rainbow 7. Man On The Silver Mountain Disc 2 1. Tony Carey Keyboard Solo 2. Stargazer 3. A Light In The Black 4. Still I’m Sad incl. Keyboard Solo 5. Cozy Powell Drum Solo 6. Still I’m Sad 7. Do You Close Your Eyes incl. Guitar Crash 8. Over The Rainbow Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar Ronnie James Dio – Vocal Cozy Powell – Drums Jimmy Bain – Bass Tony Carey – Keyboards