RAINBOW stone cold MK195

Rainbow – Ethereal Blue Wax: ‘Stone Cold’ US 12" Promo (MK 195)

Today’s entry features a highly striking and rare promotional 12-inch single for Rainbow’s 1982 hit “Stone Cold.” Released on the Mercury label (Polygram) with the catalog number MK 195, this record is pressed on a beautiful, translucent blue color vinyl.

The Melodic Peak of the Joe Lynn Turner Era

Taken from the album Straight Between the Eyes, “Stone Cold” represents the perfect fusion of Ritchie Blackmore’s melodic guitar work and Joe Lynn Turner’s soulful, expressive vocals. The track became a major hit, reaching #1 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and defining the polished, AOR-influenced sound of 80s Rainbow. Produced by Roger Glover, the track expertly balances melancholic atmosphere with a radio-ready hook.

Rare Promotional Specifications

This specific 12-inch was manufactured for radio play and industry promotion, making it a prized item for collectors due to its unique features:

- Blue Wax Vinyl: Unlike the standard black vinyl retail releases, this promo is pressed on vibrant blue wax, making it a stunning visual piece for any collection.
- Double-Sided Promo: To facilitate easy use by radio DJs, the record features the same 5:15 track (“Stone Cold”) on both Side A and Side B.
- High Fidelity: Cut at 33 ⅓ RPM on a 12-inch disc, this format allows for deeper grooves and superior audio dynamics compared to a standard 7-inch single.

It is a definitive document of Ritchie Blackmore’s commercial and musical peak in the 1980s, presented in one of the most visually impressive formats ever produced for the band.