Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ritchie Blackmore Rejoins Deep Purple After 25 Years!
Ritchie Blackmore Rejoins Deep Purple After 25 Years!
13 Aug
Summary
- Ritchie Blackmore reunited with Deep Purple on stage after 23 years.
- Blackmore had not played rock music in 25 years prior to the show.
- The legendary guitarist joined for a rendition of 'Smoke on the Water'.
Deep Purple fans were stunned Wednesday night as founding guitarist Ritchie Blackmore made a surprise appearance on stage with the band in New York. This marked the first time Blackmore had performed with his former bandmates in 23 years, ending a significant estrangement.
Blackmore, now 81, joined the group for an encore performance of their most famous song, 'Smoke on the Water.' He had previously hinted at the reunion during a livestream with his wife the night before, wanting to give fans a chance to attend.
The legendary guitarist had a severe falling out with Deep Purple in 1993, leading to his departure. He notably missed the band's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016 due to ongoing animosity.
Blackmore revealed he hadn't played rock music in 25 years, focusing instead on folk-rock. He even underwent a medical procedure to manage pain from herniated discs to facilitate his performance on stage.
