Interview with: Greg Smith from OVER THE RAINBOW

The idea has been around for quite some time as we've all been asked about when or if there will be a RAINBOW re-union. The answer was always never because Ritchie wants nothing to do with it It was then remembered that there is another Blackmore who plays guitar! Joe met up with him in Germany and he was excited about the idea. From then the lineup came quickly. I had been playing with Joe for a long time and he knew my enthusiasm for a RAINBOW reunion, Bobby also knew my interest and since we all live close to one another and are friends that part of it came easily.

THIS IS NOT A TRIBUTE BAND! We are ALL members of RAINBOW, and the only one who wasn't has the name Blackmore and has Ritchie's blood flowing in him! What about most bands out there going by the original name with maybe one or 2 original members! Are they considered Tribute Bands? We have a right to play this music and to take RAINBOW to the next step!

I think RAINBOW's contribution is great. RAINBOW had a big influence on lots of currently successful bands and musicians.

It feels great playing all this great music again and to be playing it with such great musicians. The fans' reactions everywhere have been amazing! Clearly they are loving it just as much as we do!

Well you'll have to get the specifics from Jurgen but I know he consulted Ritchie before agreeing to do this. Ritchie gave him his blessing.

This is not true about the surname. Here is a link (click here to read) to the article where Classic Rock Magazine sets the record straight (makes a correction).

Well there is a ton of great music to choose from and it was very hard. We all came up with songs we thought would be great and chose from that. Rehearsing was another story. Before our first shows in Russia, we only had 4 rehearsals to get it all together!

Probably Spotlight Kid. I am a finger player and that song is VERY fast!

There's still lot of time to do all the greats. We are still a new band and there will be many more tours!

Of course! That is what we will be working on over the winter.

No plans as of yet.

Possibly in the future along with some of our new material.

It depends on the country. In America it seems like the Rock scene is fairly dead, however in a country like Russia, or Bulgaria it is great!

I have not heard too much new music that I really like. There are a few bands but not many.

A high energy Rock show and great music!