In a thrilling development for classic rock fans everywhere, guitar virtuoso Steve Morse of Deep Purple, Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain, longtime Dio and AC/DC drummer Simon Wright, and current Rainbow vocalist Ronnie Romero have joined forces to breathe powerful new life into one of Rainbow's most beloved tracks. Their fresh take on "The Temple of the King" offers a tantalizing preview of the upcoming star-studded tribute album "Ride The Rainbow - The Ultimate Tribute To Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow," set for release on June 19 via Cleopatra Records.
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This isn't just another cover — it's a bold, sonics-packed reinvention that honors the imaginative spirit of Rainbow's groundbreaking 1975 debut album while pushing the song into exciting new territory. Fans have long celebrated "The Temple of the King" as a standout cut that helped define Rainbow's unique blend of melodic hard rock and atmospheric storytelling, even inspiring the title of a recent Rainbow box set. Now, this all-star lineup elevates the track with masterful performances that spark curiosity about how these rock titans have reinterpreted the original.
The lineup for this specific track features:
- Ronnie Romero on vocals
- Steve Morse on guitar
- Jonathan Cain on keyboards
- Simon Wright on drums
- Phil Soussan on bass
- Kevin James Morse on guitar
Romero, who has performed the song live with Ritchie Blackmore himself, shared his deep personal connection: "Being part of the Rainbow legacy... to record this song it means the world to me. I would never be grateful enough for the chance of being part of this legendary band, so here is a humble way to pay tribute to one of my favorite songs and my all-time favorite band."
Morse recalled being impressed by Rainbow's live prowess during his early days with the Dixie Dregs, while Cain expressed excitement about contributing his signature keyboard sound to a project celebrating the melodic metal magic of Rainbow featuring the late Ronnie James Dio.
The full album "Ride The Rainbow" assembles an incredible roster of Rainbow alumni and rock heavyweights across its 14 tracks, creating what many are calling the ultimate homage to Ritchie Blackmore's visionary band. Here's the complete track listing with performers:
- Long Live Rock 'N' Roll - Bob Daisley, Graham Bonnet, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Carmine Appice, Don Airey
- Man On The Silver Mountain - Sebastian Bach, Doug Aldrich, Bob Daisley, Carmine Appice, Mick Box, Jonathan Cain
- Stargazer - Derek Sherinian, Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Jürgen Engler, Joe Bouchard, Ronnie Romero
- Lady Of The Lake - ANGEL
- Rainbow Eyes - Mike Tramp
- Since You Been Gone - Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Graham Bonnet, Jürgen Engler
- Kill The King - Rick Wakeman, Bob Daisley, Vinnie Moore, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler
- The Temple Of The King - Steve Morse, Phil Soussan, Ronnie Romero, Simon Wright, Jonathan Cain, Kevin James Morse
- Jealous Lover - George Lynch, Vinny Appice, Andrew Freeman, David Ellefson, Jonathan Cain
- I Surrender - Eric Gales, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phil Soussan, Don Airey, Chris Adler
- Catch The Rainbow - Doogie White, Derek Sherinian, Chris Poland, Vinny Appice, Bob Daisley
- Street Of Dreams - Paul Shortino, Joel Hoekstra, Joe Bouchard, Fred Aching, Jonathan Cain
- Stone Cold - Vivian Campbell, Joe Lynn Turner
- I Surrender - Marcus Nand, Candice Night
This project celebrates Rainbow's rich legacy, from the fiery creativity of their early years through their chart-topping hits of the 1970s and 1980s. With contributions from legends like Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Bob Daisley, Joe Lynn Turner, Doogie White, and more — including Blackmore's wife Candice Night — the album promises to be a must-listen for anyone who cherishes the golden era of melodic hard rock.
What makes this version of "The Temple of the King" stand out? Will it become the new definitive take for a new generation of fans? As anticipation builds toward the June 19 release, rock enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the full album to experience more of these inspired reinterpretations. One thing is certain: this tribute captures the adventurous essence that made Rainbow truly legendary.
