2016 is rapidly becoming know as The Year Of The Reaper as death has apparently taken another rock-n-roll great. Multiple reports are surfacing that former RAINBOW and DIO bassist Jimmy Bain has died at 68 years of age.
Those who knew Jimmy continue to post the news on social media, including KNAC.COM Rock Goddess Diana Deville, who posted the following on Instagram, along with a photo of the two of them:
"I am in shock to hear that another one of our Rock friends has passed on. RIP Jimmy Bain. You will be missed. #grimreapersucksagain #heartbroken"
MEGADETH' Dave Mustaine also posted this message:
"Jimmy Bain has passed away. I'm saddened by the loss of my friend. David & I were very close with Jimmy. Godspeed!"
Jimmy played with RAINBOW in the mid-70s and joined former BLACK SABBATH vocalist Ronnie James Dio in his new band DIO in the early 80's, playing on albums through Dream Evil (1987). He rejoined the band for the 2000 Magica album and remained until Dio's death in 2010. Most recently, Bain was a member of LAST IN LINE, a new band that featured former DIO bandmates Vivian Campbell and Vinny Appice. The band's debut album, Heavy Crown, is due out in less than a month and at the time of his death, the band was taking part in the DEF LEPPARD cruise, "Hysteria On The High Seas", which was set to return tomorrow, January 25th.
The band and family have yet to make an official statement on his death, so stay tuned. RIP Jimmy....
UPDATED: Band mate Vivian Campbell Confirms:
"It's with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and LAST IN LINE band-mate, Jimmy Bain. It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted.
Jimmy's struggles with his demons were well documented through the years, but over the last 18 months he had finally won that battle and he was bright and lucid and motivated throughout the writing and recording of the new record. He leaves behind him a rich legacy of work from RAINBOW, through WILD HORSES, DIO, and finally, LAST IN LINE. Jimmy was immensely proud of our new album and his input to it was immeasurable.
He was a very kind and gentle and generous soul and our lives were greatly enriched for having known him. We will continue to celebrate his life through his music.
On behalf of Vinny and Andrew, our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult of times.
Rest in peace, dear friend."
