Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio and AC/DC with Bon Scott played the Paladium theater and we were looking forward to a big night of heavy metal mayhem.
AC/DC played a rousing set and the stage was set for the headliner Rainbow to take the crowd to the next level.
Rainbow came out beneath a giant overhead neon rainbow and the music was loud. About halfway through the first song the band walked off stage for some reason unknown to the crowd. After a pretty significant delay, it was announced that due to technical difficulties the concert was being canceled and that refunds could be obtained at the point of purchase.
Ritchie Blackmore, lead guitar and band leader, is known to be a perfectionist and a bit eccentric. Apparently Blackmore heard a buzz in one of the speakers and refused to continue when it could not be corrected.to his satisfaction.
This concert was the only show that I have attended where the tickets were refunded after the show was already half completed and the event was never rescheduled.
It was the first and only time that I would see Rainbow or Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple fame.
However, I would have the opportunity to see Ronnie James Dio again with Black Sabbath and later on with Heaven and Hell.
Long Live Rock and Roll
GQ