Larry Reinhardt, American guitarist (b. 1948)

Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt, born on July 7, 1948, and passing on January 2, 2012, was a highly influential American rock guitarist. Renowned for his distinctive style and powerful riffs, Reinhardt left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music through his pivotal roles in two significant bands: Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond. At various points in his career, Reinhardt was also known by the evocative nicknames "El Rhino" and "Ryno," reflecting his formidable presence and impact as a musician.

Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt's Impact with Iron Butterfly

Reinhardt joined the pioneering psychedelic and hard rock band Iron Butterfly in 1970, following the immense international success of their iconic 1968 album, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. His arrival marked a new chapter for the group, contributing his unique guitar prowess to their evolving sound. He was featured prominently on their 1970 album, Metamorphosis, which showcased a more hard rock-oriented direction, blending elements of blues and progressive rock. Reinhardt's contributions helped shape this phase of Iron Butterfly, solidifying their status as influential figures in the early hard rock scene and demonstrating their continued musical exploration beyond their initial breakthrough success.

Founding Member of Captain Beyond: A Progressive Rock Supergroup

Perhaps even more significantly for his enduring legacy among rock aficionados, Larry Reinhardt was a co-founding member of the acclaimed progressive rock supergroup, Captain Beyond. Formed in 1971, this powerhouse quartet boasted an impressive lineup, including former Deep Purple vocalist Rod Evans, Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman (Reinhardt's bandmate from Iron Butterfly), and Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell. Captain Beyond forged a truly unique sound that seamlessly blended hard rock, progressive rock, and early heavy metal elements, distinguished by complex song structures, intricate musicianship, and powerful vocals.

Reinhardt's dynamic guitar work was central to Captain Beyond's innovative sound, evident on their critically acclaimed debut self-titled album, Captain Beyond (1972), and its equally compelling follow-up, Sufficiently Breathless (1973). These albums are celebrated for their adventurous compositions and showcase Reinhardt’s ability to weave compelling melodies with powerful, driving riffs. Despite their relatively short initial run, Captain Beyond earned a dedicated cult following and cemented their status as a significant, albeit often overlooked, force in early 1970s rock, influencing a generation of musicians with their daring musical approach.

The Enduring Nicknames: "Rhino," "El Rhino," and "Ryno"

Throughout his illustrious career, Larry Reinhardt was affectionately known by several enduring nicknames, most notably "Rhino." This moniker likely reflected his powerful, unyielding guitar style, characterized by a formidable stage presence and a propensity for strong, impactful riffs that could metaphorically "charge" through the music. He was also known as "El Rhino" and "Ryno," variations that further emphasized his distinctive musical personality and left an unforgettable mark on fans and fellow musicians alike. These nicknames became synonymous with his potent guitar artistry.

Legacy of a Rock Guitar Legend

Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt's legacy is that of a gifted and groundbreaking guitarist who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of 1970s rock. His work with both Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond demonstrated a versatility and power that influenced countless musicians across the psychedelic, hard rock, and progressive rock genres. While perhaps not a household name to the broader public, his contributions to the development of these musical styles are widely recognized and celebrated by connoisseurs of classic rock, cementing his place as an important figure in the annals of rock history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt

Who was Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt?

Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (July 7, 1948 – January 2, 2012) was a highly influential American rock guitarist. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to the legendary bands Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond, helping to define the sounds of psychedelic, hard rock, and progressive rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Which major bands did Larry Reinhardt play with?

Reinhardt was a prominent guitarist for Iron Butterfly, joining them in 1970 and contributing to their album Metamorphosis. He then co-founded the progressive rock supergroup Captain Beyond in 1971, where his guitar work was central to their critically acclaimed albums, Captain Beyond and Sufficiently Breathless.

Why was Larry Reinhardt known by the nickname "Rhino"?

The nickname "Rhino," along with "El Rhino" and "Ryno," was likely given to Larry Reinhardt due to his powerful, impactful, and often formidable guitar playing style. His riffs were known for their strength and driving force, creating a memorable and distinctive presence in the rock music landscape.

What made Captain Beyond a unique band?

Captain Beyond was unique because it was a supergroup comprised of highly talented musicians from prominent bands, including Rod Evans (Deep Purple), Lee Dorman (Iron Butterfly), and Bobby Caldwell (Johnny Winter). Their sound was a groundbreaking fusion of hard rock, progressive rock, and early heavy metal, characterized by intricate compositions, seamless transitions, and exceptional musicianship.