Despite the violent imagery in this maniacally fast rock song, lead singer Ronnie James Dio claimed it is about a chess game. The song's title refers to the goal of the game, which is to checkmate the king. Here are some of the lyrics that support this interpretation: "Danger, danger the queen's about to kill" "I'm no pawn, so be gone, speed on and on" "Oh no, move me out of harm"
This originally was Rainbow's debut in the UK singles chart, peaking at #44. After the commercial success of "Since You've Been Gone," "All Night Long" and "I Surrender," "Kill the King" was re-released in 1981 this time climbing to #41.
Ritchie Blackmore was inspired to take up the Strat after seeing Jimi Hendrix in concert and he bought a second-hand Fender with a warped neck from Eric Clapton's guitar tech of the time.
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