Former Rainbow keyboard player Tony Carey has told Classic Rock that he can never see a reunion of the band.

Carey, who played on the classic Rising and On Stage albums, believes the time has now passed for this to happen:

“I’d love the chance to get on stage again with Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Dio and Jimmy Bain. We could have Bonny Rondinelli or Greg Smith on drums, replacing Cozy Powell. But I tell you right now, it will never happen.

“Ronnie needs the aggravation of working again with Ritchie like he needs a new asshole. And Ritchie is so into his renaissance music, with Blackmore’s Night, that I doubt he even thinks about getting Rainbow back together. So, anyone who is holding out the hope of a reunion? Forget it.”

Carey, who co-founded Over The Rainbow with vocalist Joe Lynn Turner and Rondinell, is currently talking to vocalist Doogie White (who was in the last Rainbow line-up in 1994) about a new project, and is also working on a new solo album.

“I had to quit Over The Rainbow, because I was seriously ill earlier in the year – to the point where I was only given a 10 per cent chance of living – and just cannot commit to their touring schedule (Paul Morris has taken over). But hopefully, this new band with Doogie will happen, and I can get back to playing the loudest Hammond organ in the world!”

For further info, go to www.truebeliever.de