The world of rock music is filled with iconic songs, and sometimes, a song’s journey takes unexpected turns. Take "Since You Been Gone," for example. While many associate it with the powerhouse vocals of Rainbow, the song actually originated with the American heartland rock band, Head East. This raises a fascinating question: how did a song by a relatively lesser-known band become a hit for a rock giant like Rainbow? Let’s delve into the story of "Since You Been Gone," exploring both the Head East original and the more famous Rainbow rendition, and understand why this song sparked debate among music fans.
Head East’s Original "Since You Been Gone": A Midwest Gem
Head East, hailing from Southern Illinois, carved out a solid fanbase in the American Midwest during the 1970s. Known for their energetic live performances and a blend of hard rock and Southern rock influences, they released "Since You Been Gone" in 1978. For fans familiar with Head East Songs, this track is a prime example of their sound – raw, guitar-driven rock with the distinctive vocals of John Schlitt. While the song garnered regional airplay and became a staple for Head East enthusiasts, it didn’t achieve widespread national recognition at the time.
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Alt text: Classic rock album cover art, possibly related to Journey, in a forum post discussing Head East and Rainbow.
Rainbow’s Cover Version: Taking "Since You Been Gone" to a Global Audience
Fast forward to 1979, and British rock supergroup Rainbow, led by guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, released their version of "Since You Been Gone." Rainbow, already enjoying international fame with a string of successful albums and singles, brought a different approach to the song. Featuring the powerful vocals of Graham Bonnet, Rainbow’s rendition was more polished and commercially oriented, aligning with Blackmore’s desire to steer the band towards a more mainstream sound. This version, backed by the marketing muscle of a major label and a music video, propelled "Since You Been Gone" into the global charts, becoming one of Rainbow’s signature hits. Radio stations even played both versions for a while, exposing a wider audience to the Head East original.
The Songwriter and the "Rip-Off" Debate
The original forum post author questioned whether Rainbow "ripped off" Head East. However, the reality is less about theft and more about the common practice of recording cover songs. "Since You Been Gone" was written by Russ Ballard, a prolific songwriter who penned hits for various artists. Rainbow, seeking commercially viable material, simply recorded a song that was available to them, likely unaware of the Head East version’s limited success. This situation highlights the often complex dynamics of the music industry, where songwriters can offer their compositions to multiple artists, and bigger bands with wider reach can elevate a song’s popularity significantly.
Fan Perspectives: Head East vs. Rainbow – Which Version Reigns Supreme?
The forum discussion reveals a clear divide in preference, often along fan lines. Many Head East fans express a strong allegiance to the original, appreciating its raw energy and John Schlitt’s vocal delivery. They see the Rainbow version as a watered-down, overproduced imitation. As forum user Maui Tom succinctly put it, "never been any reason to NOT like the Head East version better…"
Conversely, Rainbow fans often favor their band’s version, praising Graham Bonnet’s vocals and the more polished production. Some, like forum user Since 78, found the Head East version "annoying" due to its keyboard sound, preferring Rainbow’s take. Carla777 echoed this sentiment, stating, "agree here…RAINBOW!! all the way!"
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Alt text: Image related to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, appearing in a music forum post, potentially as a user’s signature or unrelated image.
Ultimately, the "better" version is subjective and often tied to personal taste and band loyalty. StoneCold, despite having a Rainbow-associated username, admitted preferring John Schlitt’s vocals, showcasing the nuanced opinions within the fanbase.
Beyond "Since You Been Gone": Exploring More Head East Songs
While "Since You Been Gone" might be the Head East song most often discussed due to the Rainbow cover, their catalog boasts other notable tracks. StoneCold in the forum thread also mentions "Never Been Any Reason," another popular Head East song that exemplifies their signature sound. Exploring their discography reveals a band with a consistent output of solid heartland rock, worthy of discovery for fans of the genre.
Conclusion: Celebrating Both Versions
The story of "Since You Been Gone" is a testament to how a song can take different paths to reach audiences. While Head East laid the foundation with their original recording, Rainbow’s cover propelled the song to international stardom. Instead of viewing it as a rivalry, perhaps it’s best to appreciate both versions for their unique qualities. The Head East version offers a raw, authentic rock experience, while Rainbow’s rendition provides a polished, arena-ready anthem. Ultimately, listeners can decide which version resonates more, or simply enjoy both interpretations of this enduring rock song. Why not listen to both the Head East original (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJKZL1EKpdY) and the Rainbow cover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtdW5bD-7Q) and form your own opinion?
