Former RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, AND YNGWIE MALMSTEEN vocalist JOE LYNN TURNER spoke to Metal Asylum in New Jersey a little about his upcoming project called Over The Rainbow which will play some shows without guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and features members from the legendary band’s various lineups. also commented on the possibility of working again with Yngwie Malmsteen.

Metal Asylum: I'm sure you get asked this question all the time but I have to ask. Chances of a Rainbow reunion?

JLT: "Well...amazing that you ask this because as I am doing this interview we are just starting to get inquiries about Over the Rainbow which is a Rainbow "union" between several ex-members, including myself, and Ritchie Blackmore's son, Jurgen.

Over The Rainbow is:

Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow 1980-1984)

Keyboards: Tony Carey (Rainbow 1975-1978)

Drums: Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow 1980-1983)

Bass: Greg Smith (Rainbow 1994-1997)

Guitar: Jurgen ("J.R.") Blackmore

We have been overloaded with requests for Rainbow to reunite so we decided to do this. Of course, it would have been great to have Ritchie along for a Rainbow reunion but he seems to be totally committed to Blackmore's Night which has been very successful for him and his wife Candice. I always wish them both well and I know that for many years it was Ritchie's dream to make the type of music that Blackmore's Night is making ...but we have the bloodline here!...Should be interesting!"

Metal Asylum: Do you feel your solo work gets the recognition it deserves or find it gets lost in the shadows of your work with Yngwie, Rainbow, and Purple?

JLT: "Since I have had more than 10 solo albums out after Rainbow, there is now enough of a history. As I said, the big thing I keep hearing is how fans are now wanting more of the solo material incorporated into my live shows. There's enough of it that there is a lot to draw from. As for recognition, it amazes me how people (including the media) tend to really emphasize the past. I wish that wasn't the case but it is what it is. In order to attract attention to the new material my past associations need to be mentioned. Some people have short memories....but Im starting to get the acceptance as a solo artist!....and that's a good thing!"

Metal Asylum: What songs do you think are your strongest from your solo albums?

JLT: "They are all like children...it's hard to pick the strongest. I would rather leave that decision up to the fans that attend the concerts and radio people that choose to play the songs. I think they are all strong in their own way but some come off better, live, than others. A song can sound great on the radio but not get a great reaction at a show. ...there are some songs that stand out...”Blood Red Sky” is one that comes to mind!"

Metal Asylum: Ever perform songs from the Yngwie Malmsteen album "Odyssey"? If no, why not?

JLT: "I did recently perform a couple with Yngwie in Russia at a private show for the Prime Minister, Mikel Fradkov and his cabinet!! It was great!...we played for about an hour and did lots of 'Odyssey' !...And this summer I toured Brazil and played a few songs in the set list....I would like to add some of those songs on a regular basis!"

Metal Asylum: Would you ever collaborate with Yngwie again?

JLT: "If the timing and situation was right, absolutely! I told him in Russia that I'd love to do it!"

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