Photo: WENN
Jimmy Bain, who played bass in Dio, Rainbow and Last In Line, has passed away at the age of 68.
Def Leppard guitarist, Vivian Campbell, who performed with Bain in Dio and Last In Line confirmed the news on Facebook, writing, "It's with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and Last In Line band mate, Jimmy Bain. 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,” Campbell continued.
It's with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and Last In Line...
Posted by Vivian Campbell on Sunday, 24 January 2016
The cause of death remains undisclosed for now. Bain, who was born in Scotland, was recruited by former Deep Purple star, Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow in the seventies. Bain remained with Rainbow for one year, recoding one studio album, 1976’s Rising and 1977’s live LP On Stage.
Bain has performed with John Cale, Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott, Scorpions, Gary Moore and even started his own group, Wild Horses.
Bain appeared on Dio’s first four albums as well as their 1986 live album, Intermission, before leaving the band in 1989. He re-joined the band for 2000’s Magica and 2002’s Killing The Dragon.
Motorhead’s former guitarist Phil Campbell was one of the first to pay tribute to Dio: "Jimmy Bain was a true musician and songwriter. He was involved and wrote more than you probably imagine."
