Cause Of Death Revealed For Former RAINBOW/DIO Bassist JIMMY BAIN

The surviving members of LAST IN LINE have released a statement saying that the official cause of death of their bassist, Jimmy Bain, is lung cancer.

Bain died on January 23 aboard DEF LEPPARD's inaugural "Hysteria On The High Seas" cruise. He was 68 years old.

Bain, along with drummer Vinny Appice and guitarist Vivian Campbell, was part of the original DIO lineup, which reunited in 2012 alongside singer Andrew Freeman to form LAST IN LINE.

Said Vinny: "Jimmy didn't know he had lung cancer, but he did know he had pneumonia and was receiving treatment for it. This didn't stop him or slow him down.

"We had four rehearsals four hours a day, then a flight to Miami for the DEF LEPPARD rock cruise. A pre-sail gig and soundcheck was scheduled for the following day. At the gig, Jimmy played great and even sang that night while holding a heavy bass guitar on his back, never complaining or asking for help. Next day, we preceded to board the cruise ship for a five-day voyage of which we were scheduled to play Sunday, the fourth day. That gig never happened, as Jimmy passed away in his cabin the night before. We were devastated.

"Jimmy was a trooper. He gave his all to the band he loved, the music he loved and the fans. He didn't want to let anyone down.

"I don't know anyone that would have attempted this schedule while being this sick and not feeling well. A trooper.

"He was so happy and proud of the new album we recorded. It so unfortunate and sad he didn't live to see it released.

"We were all looking forward to being on the road and playing together again. There was such a magic between us.

"Our prayers go out to his family and so many friends and fans who will miss the amazing person that was Jimmy Bain."

LAST IN LINE's debut album, "Heavy Crown", will be released on February 19 via Frontiers Music Srl. The CD was recorded at a Southern California studio with producer Jeff Pilson, a veteran bassist who has played with DIO, FOREIGNER, DOKKEN and T&N, among others.

Born in Scotland on December 19, 1947, Bain joined RAINBOW in time to appear on the band's second album, 1976's "Rising". He was fired a year later and went on to guest with THIN LIZZY and work in THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott's solo band, before forming WILD HORSES with ex-THIN LIZZY guitarist Brian Robertson. He appeared on Gary Moore's 1983 album "Dirty Fingers" before joining DIO and playing on seven DIO albums with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, from 1983 debut "Holy Diver" to 2002's "Killing The Dragon".