Deep Purple Guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, to Rejoin the Band After More Than 30 Years

Deep Purple fans are in for a treat, as original guitarist and memberRitchie Blackmore will reunite with the band for a special performance in New York.

Blackmore co-founded the heavy metal band alongside vocalist Rod Evans in 1968, including members Nick Simper, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. Deep Purple are considered pioneers of the heavy metal and modern hard rock scene, which went through a few lineup changes over the years.

In June 1975, Blackmore announced his departure from the band shortly after they released their album, Stormbringer. Blackmore moved on to form Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio. Reports claimed his departure was largely due to musical differences. He would reform Deep Purple in 1984, with his last performance with the band having been in 1993.

According to the guitarist, he will perform with Deep Purple in Wantagh, New York. He revealed in an Instagram talk with his wife that he will likely appear during an encore performance.

“Well, it is a secret and I don’t want anybody to know, but I’m probably get up and do an encore with the band Deep Purple,” said Blackmore, 81. “But you can’t tell anybody, and I know that this is gonna be kept a secret. And will it? I suppose so.”

When it came to performing with the band onstage again, Blackmore adds that he sent a message to current frontman Ian Gillian. While admitting there was “no pressure” to say “yes,” the frontman liked the idea and got a thumbs up from the band.

“I actually called up – I didn’t call him up, I sent my A.I. pigeon to Ian Gillan in Portugal, where he lives at the moment,” Blackmore added. “And I said, ‘How would you feel about if I got up just for an encore? Just one of the songs. I don’t want to intrude.”

With the possible plans to join Deep Purple on stage, the guitarist only hopes he can “compete with the [current Deep Purple] guitar player [Simon McBride].” He admits that McBride is a very good guitar player, as well as former replacement Steve Morse.

His return to the stage will be a welcome treat for fans, with Blackmore having had cancelled shows with Blackmore’s Night, which he co-founded with his wife. The rocker explained to have been going through health issues, including vertigo. After decades away from Deep Purple, Blackmore is excited to reunite with the band members.

“It’ll be good to see the old guys again,” Blackmore concluded. “I think we’ll all be on crutches and wheelchairs and things, although I think the rest of them are okay. But, yes, it’s kind of frightening. … I’ve been playing acoustic guitar for 25 years.”

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