Ex-DIO Bassist Arrested For Driving Under The Influence

According to the online Inmate Information Center of The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, former DIO/RAINBOW bassist Jimmy Bain (full name: James Stewart Bain) was arrested in Hollywood, California on December 16, 2005 — just three days shy of his 58th birthday — on charges of driving while under the influence. Bain was released from jail in the early morning hours of December 17 after posting $5,000 bail. More information is available at this location.

In an interview with The Cutting Edge web magazine believed to have been conducted sometime in 2003, Bain spoke openly about his battle with drug and alcohol abuse and his efforts to get cleaned up. An excerpt from the chat follows:

The Cutting Edge: Not everyone knows you’ve had quite a battled with drug and alcohol abuse yourself. How has your life change since you've cleaned up?

Bain: "The most important thing is that I've got my family back. My mother and father both passed away in the last three years but they were able to see me clean. I have a wonderful woman in my life and my beautiful daughter. I was happy that they were able to see that I could do it. I've come to appreciate life more on a day-to-day basis. Every day that I have, as long as I stay clean, is positive for me. I'm very active now in helping others. I visit hospitals and jails and I do panel discussions to help others recover. Not as a member of DIO but as a guy whose been through it and can shed some light on the recovery. You do it because you want to help people who are in the same position you were at some point."

The Cutting Edge: What was it for you that turned you around?

Bain: "A judge. He saved my life. When you're taking drugs you are spiritually bankrupt. You're like the walking dead. You're not committed to anything accept getting high. Since I got clean I feel I'm a better writer and player now. I can focus. I've recorded over 60 albums and only made two clean. The last two."