Jimmy Bain, Scottish bassist (b. 1947)

James Stewart Bain, born on December 19, 1947, in Newtonmore, Scotland, and who sadly passed away on January 23, 2016, was an extraordinarily influential Scottish musician. Renowned primarily for his dynamic and melodic bass guitar work, Bain left an indelible mark on the landscape of hard rock and heavy metal. He is best known for his pivotal roles in two of the genre's most iconic bands, Rainbow and Dio, where his bass lines formed the bedrock of their legendary sound. Beyond his significant contributions as a performer, Bain also showcased his versatility and collaborative spirit through his extensive work with Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, co-writing material for Lynott's acclaimed solo albums.

The Bass Maestro: James Stewart Bain's Illustrious Career

James Stewart Bain's career spanned decades, marking him as a cornerstone of the hard rock and heavy metal movements. His unique blend of technical proficiency and melodic sensibility on the bass guitar made him a sought-after collaborator and an indispensable member of the groups he joined. Bain's influence extended beyond his instrument; he was also a prolific songwriter, contributing significantly to the creative output of the bands and artists he worked with.

Defining Eras: Rainbow and Dio

Bain's most celebrated periods were undoubtedly his tenures with Rainbow and Dio, where he helped define the sound of an era.

• Rainbow: Laying the Foundations (1975-1977)

  Jimmy Bain joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow in 1975, becoming part of the lineup that forged some of hard rock's most enduring albums. His driving bass lines are prominently featured on the critically acclaimed album Rising (1976), which includes seminal tracks like "Stargazer" and "A Light in the Black." He also contributed to the early stages of the follow-up, Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978). Bain's powerful yet fluid bass playing was crucial to Rainbow's evolving, epic sound.

• Dio: A Co-Founding Force (1982-1987, 1999-2004)

  In 1982, Bain reunited with former Rainbow bandmate Ronnie James Dio to co-found the band Dio. As a founding member and key songwriter, Jimmy Bain's contributions were instrumental in shaping the band's iconic heavy metal sound. He co-wrote many of Dio's most beloved anthems, including "Rainbow in the Dark," "Holy Diver," and "The Last in Line." His bass work provided the rhythmic and melodic backbone for essential albums such as Holy Diver (1983), The Last in Line (1984), Sacred Heart (1985), and Dream Evil (1987). Bain later rejoined Dio for albums like Magica (2000) and Killing the Dragon (2002), further solidifying his enduring partnership with Ronnie James Dio.

Beyond Bands: Collaborative Songwriting with Phil Lynott

Jimmy Bain's talent extended beyond band settings into significant collaborative projects. His partnership with Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott showcased his versatility as a songwriter and musician.

• The Solo Albums: Bain co-wrote several tracks on Lynott's critically acclaimed solo albums, Solo in Soho (1980) and The Philip Lynott Album (1982). Notable co-written songs include "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" and "King's Call," demonstrating a synergy that enriched both artists' discographies. Their collaboration highlighted Bain's ability to craft engaging melodies and lyrics beyond the heavy metal realm.

Other Notable Contributions

Throughout his career, Bain was also involved in various other musical endeavors, further cementing his reputation as a respected and prolific musician. These included his early work with the band Harlot, and later forming Wild Horses with Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, releasing two albums in the early 1980s. Towards the end of his life, he was a vital part of Last in Line, a supergroup formed with former Dio members, celebrating the early Dio material and adding new recordings.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Jimmy Bain's passing on January 23, 2016, left a void in the rock and metal community. He was a musician's musician, admired by peers and fans alike for his unmistakable bass playing and significant songwriting contributions. His work with Rainbow and Dio, in particular, continues to inspire generations of musicians and remains a cornerstone of hard rock and heavy metal history. Bain's legacy is defined by his profound musicality, his collaborative spirit, and the unforgettable bass lines that drove some of the most iconic songs in rock.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Stewart Bain

Who was James Stewart Bain?

James Stewart Bain (December 19, 1947 – January 23, 2016) was a highly influential Scottish musician, songwriter, and bassist. He is best known for his pivotal roles in the legendary hard rock and heavy metal bands Rainbow and Dio.

What bands did Jimmy Bain play in?

Jimmy Bain was primarily known for playing bass guitar in Rainbow and Dio. He was also a member of Wild Horses with Brian Robertson and was part of Last in Line, a band featuring former Dio members. Early in his career, he played in Harlot.

What was Jimmy Bain's role in Dio?

Jimmy Bain was a co-founding member of the band Dio alongside Ronnie James Dio. He was the bassist and a primary songwriter, contributing to many of the band's most iconic songs and albums, including "Holy Diver," "Rainbow in the Dark," and "The Last in Line."

Did Jimmy Bain write songs with Phil Lynott?

Yes, Jimmy Bain collaborated extensively with Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, co-writing several songs for Lynott's solo albums, Solo in Soho (1980) and The Philip Lynott Album (1982). Their co-written tracks include "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" and "King's Call."

What albums did Jimmy Bain record with Rainbow?

Jimmy Bain's most prominent work with Rainbow is on the album Rising (1976), considered a classic of the genre. He also contributed to the early sessions for Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978).

What was Jimmy Bain's playing style like?

Jimmy Bain was celebrated for his dynamic and melodic bass playing. His style combined a powerful, driving rhythm with intricate melodic lines that often complemented or counterpointed the guitar and vocal parts, making his bass work a distinctive element of the bands he played with.