Ritchie Blackmore says he’s open to playing a final show with Deep Purple if it could be arranged.
He left the band in 1993, and although a reunion seems unlikely, Blackmore now says it’s something he’d consider under the right circumstances.
The guitar icon tells Germany’s Rock N Roll Reporter, “I think if they were interested and our dates didn’t clash, I would perform a single show-for old times.
But I don’t believe that Deep Purple would be interested. They have their niche and wouldn’t do it. We’re friends and I have been doing my music for 20 years, while they have been doing it for 20 years. It’s probably not likely to happen.”
He adds, “Their management wouldn’t like it – even if it was just for a single show. Their management wouldn’t allow it, I’m sure.”
Blackmore was one of the members of Deep Purple that was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2016. However, hopes of a temporary reunion were quashed, after the guitarist said he had been stopped from attending by Purple’s long-time manager Bruce Payne.
In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Ian Gillan said it would be “unconscionable” to think of bringing Blackmore back into the fold, while drummer Ian Paice recently reported there would be “no point” considering any sort of reunion.
He said (via Blabbermouth), “We have a wonderful feeling within the band, everybody’s very friendly and all we have to do is go on stage and make the music – there’s no other considerations to worry about.
I think Ritchie’s life doesn’t work like that. I think it’s a little more complex. And at this stage of my life, I don’t need cloudy areas. I like it to be clear and crystal and know that it’s gonna be fun.
I love Ritchie to death, but I can’t guarantee every day with him is gonna be fun.”
In May this year, Blackmore’s reactivated Rainbow released their first new studio material in 22 years in the shape of a re-working of 1981 hit I Surrender and a cover of Edward Elgar’s Land Of Hope And Glory.
Last November, Eagle Rock Entertainment released Rainbow’s Memories In Rock: Live In Germany on DVD and Blu-ray, and Live In Birmingham 2016 on June 9th.
additional source: Classic Rock via teamrock.com
7 Responses
Nostalgia may want Ritchie to play with Deep Purple again. But I think it’s best if they don’t play together. The band has been successful for well over 20 years without him and appear to be very happy with the present situation. Also, based on Ritchie’s uninspired rock performances with his recent shows branded as Rainbow performances, I don’t think Ritchie’s heart is into performing rock music.
Ritchie made great rock albums with both Purple and Rainbow, and he has been very influential to many guitar players. Ritchie’s legacy as rock musician is intact based on his great contributions, so I don’t think there is anything to be gained by performing with Purple again….rather, an uninspired performance could be bad for all.
I agree, Rattlehead. From what I have seen, Ritchie’s performances with Rainbow were not great. Not sure if it was because he really wasn’t enjoying himself, or just that he is getting older. His playing was still awesome, but he didn’t look like he had any energy. We all have to remember that these guys are all approaching 70 years old. They are not going to jump around the stage like the used to 20 or 30 years ago! Both Ritchie and the other guys in Deep Purple have already cemented their legacies, so why run the risk of sullying them with, what probably would amount to money grab? Especially when both parties are not 100% enthusiastic about the possibility of playing together?
These guys can’t do just ONE show with Ritchie? That’s all he asked, not a full Tour! Why can’t these guys at their age just let it go and grow up, shameful
I think the insults between Blackmore and Gillan got very personal. All these people are over 70; why boost their blood pressures even more?
I have mixed feelings on this. Why the sudden change of heart to play with purple again? The coolest move he could have made in my eyes was to do the one time performance at the r&r hall of fame induction. That in my eyes would have been the best closure to the Blackmore era of purple. It would have been the classy thing to do for the fans and you never know where it could lead. Or at the very least show that you care about the purple legacy and show up for it. It is a shame though. I`ve seen alot of concerts since the 80’s and my favorite show is still is deep purple from the perfect strangers tour at the cow palace in san francisco. Amazing musicians and
I have mixed feelings on this. Why the sudden change of heart to play with purple again? The coolest move he could have made in my eyes was to do the one time performance at the r&r hall of fame induction. That in my eyes would have been the best closure to the Blackmore era of purple. It would have been the classy thing to do for the fans and you never know where it could lead. Or at the very least show that you care about the purple legacy and show up for it. It is a shame though. I`ve seen alot of concerts since the 80’s and my favorite show is still deep purple from the perfect strangers tour at the cow palace in san francisco. Amazing musicians and Ians voice was incredible(unlike today). I think they should do a tour with all the guys meaning lets get Glenn and David as well. Everybody can do there own songs, I know ya right but it would be awesome.