Rainbow

United Kingdom, 1975–now

Band formed in 1975 by ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, with Ronnie James Dio on early albums. Rising Storm-era classics ('Man on the Silver Mountain', 'Stargazer') fused hard rock with classical grandeur, a template for later metal.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Rainbow and 1 artist Rainbow influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Rainbow?

• Deep Purple — Rainbow was founded by Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore — Purple's heavy, organ-and-guitar hard rock is Rainbow's direct root.
• Led Zeppelin — Led Zeppelin's mythic, heavy blues-rock informs the grand, medieval-tinged epics of Rainbow's Dio era.

Which artists did Rainbow influence?

• Europe — One of the bands the members watched at Stockholm's Ice Stadium before forming Europe.