The New Year has become even more unforgiving with the death yesterday of Jimmy Bain, the 68-year-old Scottish bassist who played on both Phil Lynott solo albums and co-authored 'Old Town'. He also took care of keyboard duties when Philo toured.
The Irish connections don't end there, with Bain also playing with Vivian Campbell in Dio and Last In Line.
"It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted," notes Campbell. "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," the Def Leppard man continues. "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. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult of times. Rest in peace, dear friend."
Bain was a member of Rainbow during the '70s; also played on Thin Lizzy's Black Rose; joined forces with one of their former guitarists, Brian Robertson, under the Wild Horses banner, and appeared on Kate Bush's 1982 album, The Dreaming.
"I'm very saddened by the loss of my friend," says Dave Mustaine. "We were very close. Godspeed."