The singer previously called Blackmore's lineup a "cover band" but later said he was "humbled" when the guitarist said he should have been given an award for his contribution to Deep Purple's 1990 album Slaves And Masters in light of Purple's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

But the singer says that he and fellow Rainbow ex Doogie White have been talking - and both agree that Blackmore, vocalist Ronnie Romero, keyboardist Jens Johansson, drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau, need to hit the studio or the group's name will be tarnished.

Turner tells Rock Pages: "I think Doogie said it best to me. He said, 'You know Joe, it's not Rainbow unless they do an album and a tour.' I said, 'I have to agree with you.'