Author and journalist, Neil Daniels recently conducted an email interview with drummer Bobby Rondinelli (OVER THE RAINBOW, ex-BLUE OYSTER CULT, ex-BLACK SABBATH). The following is an excerpt:

Q: Can you tell me about the genesis of Over The Rainbow?

Rondinelli: "Well, I got a call from Joe and he asked me what I thought about starting a band with Jürgen (Blackmore - guitars), I said I thought it was a great idea as long as he can play. I searched the web and found some clips that sounded really good, so we did a three way call with Jürgen, Joe (Lynn Turner - vocals), and me, and asked JR if he was interested. He thought about it for about a week and then said he would do it."??

Q: What were your initial thoughts on the project?

Rondinelli: "I liked the idea from the start."??

Q: How have the gigs gone so far? ?

Rondinelli: "The gigs have gone great; the fans seem to love the band."

??Q: Have any gigs from any particular countries stuck out for whatever reasons?

Rondinelli: "Sweden Rock was a real highlight; people said we stole the show."??

Q: Was it a headache trying to nail down the set-list when you first started out? ?

Rondinelli: "Yes the set-list was very difficult, too many great songs to chose from." ??

Q: What was the feedback you got from DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW fans when the band’s line-up was first announced?

Rondinelli: "I don't know their reaction in the beginning but I think we won them over, the response has been great."

Head to this location to read the interview in its entirety.