Jimmy Bain, the former Rainbow and Dio bassist who co-wrote the classic Phil Lynott song Old Town, has died. He was 68.
At the time of his death Bain was on tour with his current band Last in Line on Def Leppard's Hysteria on the High Seas music cruise around the Bahamas.
His passing was announced by numerous friends and associates in the music business via social media and was later confirmed in a statement by his Last in Line and Dio bandmate, Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell. A cause of death has yet to be announced.
Paying tribute, Campbell said: "It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted. Jimmy's struggles with his demons were well documented through the years, but over the last 18 months, he had finally won that battle and he was bright and lucid and motivated throughout the writing and recording of the new record. He leaves behind him a rich legacy of work from Rainbow, through Wild Horses, Dio, and finally, Last in Line."
"Jimmy was immensely proud of our new album and his input to it was immeasurable," continued Campbell. "He was a very kind and gentle and generous soul and our lives were greatly enriched for having known him. We will continue to celebrate his life through his music."
He concluded: "On behalf of Vinny [Appice, Last in Line drummer] and Andrew [Freeman, Last in Line singer] our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult of times. Rest in peace, dear friend."
Scotsman Bain's career in rock spanned five decades. As a member of Rainbow he played on the classic 1976 album Rising, while his time with the late Ronnie James Dio in his solo band Dio included 1983's seminal Holy Diver.
He appeared and co-wrote on both of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott's solo albums and played on the band's Black Rose record. Bain teamed up with former Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson for two albums as Wild Horses and, in another Lizzy link, also played on Gary Moore's Dirty Fingers album.
Since 2013, Bain had been playing with his former Dio bandmates Campbell and Appice in Last in Line. The band's debut, Heavy Crown, is due for release next month.
Together with Campbell and singer Dio, Bain helped to put together the 1985 Hear 'n Aid project, which brought together many of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal to raise money for famine relief in Africa.
Jimmy Bain has passed away. I'm saddened by the loss of my friend. David & I were very close with Jimmy. Godspeed! pic.twitter.com/dDO9M7nvcg
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 24, 2016
We've lost another great Rock N Roller #rip #jimmybain #dio #rainbow pic.twitter.com/CcFyqUxnDd
— matt sorum (@mattsorum) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain you will be missed. #Dio #Rainbow #LastInLine #JimmyBain #rip @LastInLineRocks pic.twitter.com/QqG2RJDSdz
— Michael Schenker (@MW_Schenker) January 24, 2016
Played with Jimmy Bain at Bospop in 2003 when he was in Dio. RIP Jimmy Bain, bass legend. — Danko Jones (@dankojones) January 24, 2016
