Bassist Jimmy Bain Dead At 68

MIAMI (CelebrityAccess) — Jimmy Bain, a Scottish bassist, best known for his work with Ronnie James Dio and Rainbow, has died at the age of 68. He was scheduled to be on board Def Leppard's Hysteria on the High Seas cruise, performing with his new group Last in Line, but it was unclear if he was aboard the ship when he died.

His death was confirmed via a post the Facebook page of his bandmate Vivian Campbell, who was in the band Last in Line with Bain. A cause of death was not disclosed.

"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. It was Jimmy who gave me my first big break in the music industry and for that I am forever indebted.

"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.

"On behalf of Vinny and Andrew, our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult of times."

A native of Scotland, Bain performed with several local acts before moving to Vancouver and then London, where he joined the band Harlot in 1974.

He later joined the band Rainbow and performed on their first album before being let go in 1977.

In 1978 he formed the band Wild Horses with former Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, drummer Clive Edwards and guitarist Neil Carter, recording several albums with the group before the band split in 1981.

In 1983, Bain found a long-term home as the bassist for Dio, co-writing with Ronnie James Dio some of their best known hits, including "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark."

Other groups Bain collaborated with include Mandy Lion, 3 Legged Dogg, World War III, Thin Lizzie and The Scorpions. – Staff Writers