Dio ex Jimmy Bain reported dead at 68

Dio, Rainbow and Last In Line bassist Jimmy Bain has died at the age of 68, it’s been reported by close friends.

He was gearing up for the launch of Last In Line’s debut album later this month, and the band were taking part in Def Leppard’s cruising festival in the Caribbean.

No official statement has yet been made.

Bain played on Rainbow’s second album, Rising, in 1976, before being fired a year later. He went on to guest with Thin Lizzy and worked in frontman Phil Lynott’s solo band, before forming Wild Horses with ex-Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson.

He appeared on Gary Moore’s 1983 album Dirty Fingers before signing up for Dio and playing on seven albums with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, from 1983 debut Holy Diver to 2002’s Killing The Dragon.

The original Dio lineup – including Def Leppard’s Viv Campbell, Vinny Appice and Claude Schnell – reformed in 2012 under the name Last In Line. Their debut record Heavy Crown, featuring singer Andrew Freeman but without keyboardist Schnell, is to be released on February 20.

Motorhead’s Phil Campbell has paid tribute, saying: “Jimmy Bain was a true musician and songwriter. He was involved and wrote more than you probably imagine.”

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine says: “I’m saddened by the loss of my friend. Godspeed!” Former Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich says: “Jimmy Bain was a sweet soul. God Bless him. Rest now, brother.”

Among other early tributes to Bain were those from Thin Lizzy, Neil Murray and Simon Wright.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.