Since You Been Gone (or Since You’ve Been Gone) was a major hit for Rainbow (Ritchie Blackmore) in 1979. But the song had had a short history already and would go on to be recorded a number of times by various acts. Since You Been Gone was penned by former Argent singer/songwriter/guitarist Russ Ballard. Ballard made a huge name for himself as a songwriter, despite just the classics he wrote for Argent and his solo career, many rock fans may have heard the name for the numerous covers of his songs that have been hits for other artists – Ace Frehley, Kiss, Head East, America, Uriah Heep, Santana, Steve Windwood, Chuck Negron, Roger Daltrey, Jorn Lande, and dozens of others.

The song “Since You Been Gone” was originally recorded and released as a single in 1975, and featured on Russ Ballard’s 1976 solo album Winning – which also included the title song (which was covered numerous times). Winning also included such gems as “Halloween”, “Cuckoo”, and “Just A Dream Away” – all of which would be covered by other artists. Most recently Ballard has re-recorded the song for his upcoming double album Songs From The Warehouse and The Hits Re-Wired.

Below is a list of the rock versions of “Since You’ve Been Gone”. If there’s more, leave them in the comments. There is a few non-rock versions as well (see Michael Ball 🙂 )

Head East – 1978

Recorded by Illinois band Head East for their 1978 self-titled 4th album. Head East would be the band’s highest charting album, likely helped with there version of this song. It would be the band’s 2nd (and highest placing) charted single – in the US and Canada.

Clout – 1978

The 2nd single from the all-female South African band. The follow up to their big hit “Substitute” (The Righteous Brothers cover). They had a few other hits, including a cover of “Oohwatanite” by Canada’s April Wine.

Rainbow – 1979

The biggest hit version of this song, and one most people recognize. Great vocal from Graham Bonnet (Rainbow’s new singer at the time). Rainbow would later cover Ballard’s “I Surrender” as well.

Cherie & Marie Currie – 1979

Another really good take of this song, was a minor hit in the US. Cherie was in The Runaways and Marie was married to Steve Lukather. This was from their album Messin’ With The Boys (1980), which featured guitarists Lukather, Waddy Wachtel, (Canadian) Trevor Veitch (acoustic guitar), and other members of Toto. I like the keyboards on this version too, played by producer Jai Winding.

Taiska – 1980

From Finnish singer Taiska’s 3rd album Villi Vapaudenkaipuu. Sung in Finnish, and musically well played. The opening riff is played pretty heavier, well produced.

Alcatrazz – 1984

Another (of a few) featuring Graham Bonnet! This one from Alcatrazz’ Live Sentence (No Parole From Rock n Roll). Killer performance, and guitar from Yngwie Malmsteen.

Impellitteri – 1988

Another version sang by Graham Bonnet, this time for the debut album Stand In Line, by Impellitteri (guitarist Chris Impelliteri). The line up also featured Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), Pat Torpey (Mr Big), and keyboard player Phil Wolfe.

Brian May Band – 1993

From Brian May’s excellent Live At Brixton Academy album. May plays this so well. The female backing singers are a nice add. His band featured Neil Murray, Spike Edney (keyboards), and Cozy Powell (the Rainbow connection). I thought May was a fine vocalist as well, a shame he didn’t continue with his own band instead of resurrecting another version of Queen.

Hi-Standard (1995)

A very different version from Japanese punk-rock trio Hi-Standard, from their 2nd full length album Growing Up.

The Company Of Snakes – 2001

From the band featuring former members of Whitesnake. This from their first release Here They Go Again, a great set of Whitesnake classics, and features the excellent vocals of Swedish singer Stefan Berggren. I imagine this was also in the set as Don Airey was in the band.

Crash Kelly – 2003

From Canadian band Crash Kelly’s debut album Penny Pills. Another cool version. Features guitarist / vocalist Sean Kelly (who went on to play with numerous Canuck acts, notably Lee Aaron and Coney Hatch). Penny Pills also includes a cover of Cheap Trick’s “Elo Kiddies”.

Pentti Hietanen – 2005

This one from Finnish singer’s album On The Rocks. This is a really good rockin’ version, good vocals, cool guitar sound, and piano. The album features covers of songs by Deep Purple, CCR, Procol Harum, Bad Company, etc…

Livesay – 2016

An ’80s influenced metal version from New York band. Kinda interesting with the added keyboard intro, and the Hammond organ in it, big guitar sound (cool solo take). From Livesay’s 4th album Frozen Hell.

Don Airey & Friends – 2017

From former Rainbow (Deep Purple) member’s 2018 release One Of A Kind. This is from the bonus live tracks Live At Fabrik, Hamburg 2017. A great version with Airey adding piano, and a band that includes Simon McBride (now of Deep Purple) and singer Carl Sentance (Nazareth).

Benji Webbe – 2020

Welsh singer who plays reggae or reggae-metal (w/ his band Skindred). This is from his collection of classic rock covers Isolation Project (Classic Rock To Rocksteady Covers). Webbe actually rewords this as “Isolation”.

Graham Bonnet & Marty Friedman – 2024

This newer version of the song was done with guitarist Marty Friedman (ex Megadeth) last year. Bonnet still sounds great!

Russ Ballard – 2025

Russ Ballard’s new version, from his new album!

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