VIVIAN CAMPBELL On JIMMY BAIN: ‘We Will Continue To Celebrate His Life Through His Music’

DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell has released the following statement:

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I must confirm the news of the passing of our dear friend and LAST IN LINE bandmate 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.

“Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Back in 2012, Bain made headlines when he was arrested in Burbank, California on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

Since 2013, Bain has been a member of LAST IN LINE, also featuring his Campbell and fellow ex-DIO bandmate Vinny Appice, along with singer Andrew Freeman.

LAST IN LINE performed in Miami, Florida on January 20 and is currently taking part in DEF LEPPARD’s inaugural “Hysteria On The High Seas” cruise.

The surviving members of LAST IN LINE paid tribute to their fallen bandmate during the cruise. Check out photos below.

Born in Scotland on December 19, 1947, Bain joined RAINBOW in time to appear on the band’s second album, 1976’s “Rising”. He was fired a year later and went on to guest with THIN LIZZY and work in THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott’s solo band, before forming WILD HORSES with ex-THIN LIZZY guitarist Brian Robertson. He appeared on Gary Moore’s 1983 album “Dirty Fingers” before joining DIO and playing on seven DIO albums with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, from 1983 debut “Holy Diver” to 2002’s “Killing The Dragon”.

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Source: Blabbermouth