Announced in June 2008 PURPLE RAINBOW is a collective of US musicians citing association with classic acts DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW. The quartet was fronted by singer JOE LYNN TURNER, known for his work with RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and FANDANGO, drummer Bobby Rondinelli, of RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT repute, keyboard player Tony Carey, of RAINBOW and the PLANET P. PROJECT, plus guitarist Craig Goldy, associated with DIO, GIUFFRIA and BUDGIE.

In a press release, Tony Carey justified the band by explaining "Now the members of PURPLE RAINBOW have fulfilled a personal and professional dream and stepped into the spotlight to present the music that is our passion. Driven by our love of performing and their desire to revive the golden years of hard rock, we're staging a return to authentic music that comes from the heart and soul."

In November Turner, Rondinelli and Carey announced yet another RAINBOW related endeavour entitled OVER THE RAINBOW, this in alliance with former RAINBOW bassist Greg Smith and on guitar the son of Ritchie Blackmore, Jurgen Blackmore. Plans revealed touring in Russia commencing February 2009.