The world has lost another rock n’ roll icon in Jimmy Bain.
Though not exactly a household name, fans of Ronny James Dio will know the musician from his days manning the bass guitar for both monster metal acts Dio and Rainbow.
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, who performed with Bain in both Dio and the pair’s new band, Last in Line, confirmed the news of his bandmate’s death via Facebook.
“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,” Campbell wrote. “It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted.”
Though Campbell did not indicate the cause of the 68-year-old’s death, he added: “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.”
As Rolling Stone points out, Bain was on board with Dio for four albums, including 1983’s landmark debut Holy Diver, and helped pen some of the band’s biggest hits including Rainbow In The Dark.
Several members of the metal community have already paid tribute to Bain on social media following the news of his passing, including Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine and Motörhead’s Phil Campbell (below).
His death follows the loss of fellow rock stars Glenn Frey, David Bowie, Lemmy Kilmister, Stevie Wright and Scott Weiland over the past few months.
RIP to another legend.
Watch: Dio – Rainbow In The Dark Live 1983
Jimmy Bain has passed away. I'm saddened by the loss of my friend. David & I were very close with Jimmy. Godspeed! pic.twitter.com/dDO9M7nvcg
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain was a true musician and songwriter. He was involved and wrote more than u probably imagine.
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) January 24, 2016
Jimmy Bain–wonderful guy, dear friend, awesome bassist. Rest in peace, old friend.
— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) January 24, 2016
http://twitter.com/LZZYHALE/status/691376843455348737
We are saddened to hear about the passing of a true legend, Jimmy Bain. Please keep his family in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/fDnJ6H2wRA
— Metal Allegiance (@metalallegiance) January 24, 2016
It's with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend & band-mate #JimmyBain https://t.co/DTHHfBVwCT
— Last In Line (@lastinline) January 24, 2016
Played with Jimmy Bain at Bospop in 2003 when he was in Dio. RIP Jimmy Bain, bass legend.
— Danko Jones (@dankojones) January 24, 2016
We've lost another great Rock N Roller#rip #jimmybain #dio #rainbow pic.twitter.com/CcFyqUxnDd
— matt sorum (@mattsorum) January 24, 2016
