In 1982, Rainbow made waves in the music scene with their hit song “Stone Cold,” which broke into the Top 40. The track, penned by Deep Purple legends Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover, along with singer Joe Lynn Turner, captured the essence of heartbreak and was featured on the band’s album “Straight Between the Eyes.” Climbing to No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 19, 1982, “Stone Cold” became the band’s sole U.S. Top 40 hit.
According to Metal Talk, “Stone Cold” has earned its place among Rainbow’s greatest hits, with some even suggesting it may have set the stage for the power ballad genre. The song prominently showcased Turner’s vocal talent, who was the band’s third lead singer following Ronnie James Dio and Graham Bonnet. Its success was further boosted by extensive airplay on MTV, driven by a captivating music video featuring Turner navigating a maze of mirrors and mannequins.
In a revealing passage from the book “The Other Side of the Rainbow,” Turner confessed that the band was somewhat unsure of their creative direction while making the music video for “Stone Cold.” Despite feeling a bit out of their element, the video’s quirky visuals resonated with fans and contributed to the song’s popularity.
Ritchie Blackmore, the mastermind behind Rainbow, aimed for a chart-topping hit with the band. Blackmore, known for his work with Deep Purple, sought greater commercial success and formed Rainbow as a platform for exploring a more accessible sound. This desire for mainstream recognition led to the creation of “Stone Cold” during Rainbow’s early touring days.
Turner shed light on the inspiration behind “Stone Cold,” recounting a poignant moment with Roger Glover amidst personal turmoil. The emotional lyrics of the song stemmed from Glover’s heartache after a breakup, providing the raw material for Turner to craft a soul-stirring ballad that resonated with audiences.
In the unpredictable world of rock music, Rainbow’s journey to mainstream success through “Stone Cold” reflects the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve creatively. Through this iconic track, Rainbow solidified their place in music history and left an indelible mark on the rock genre.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.