As previously reported, founding Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, has announced that he will be playing three rock shows in Europe under the name of Ricthie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
Blackmore has finally revealed who will his bandmates. Sharing the stage with the legendary guitarist will be Lords of Black singer Ronnie Romero, Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, Blackmore’s Night drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau.
While some fans may be underwhelmed by the news, this lineup will keep the focus on Blackmore, which is what the tour is all about.
Blackmore is particularly excited about introducing Romero to a larger audience.
“The singer I found is very exciting,” Blackmore told Billboard in September, before he announced the lineup. “He’s a cross between [former Rainbow frontman Ronnie James] Dio meets Freddie Mercury. So, this will mean exposing a new singer to the masses, and I’m sure he’ll become pretty famous because of his voice.”
Listen to Romero cover of Deep Purple’s Stormbringer in the video below.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and guests are scheduled to play at two Monsters Of Rock festivals in Germany on June 17th and 18th and one UK show on June 25 in England at Birmingham Genting Arena. More dates are expected to be announced. Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow will perform “the classic rock anthems of Rainbow and Deep Purple,” according to show announcements. Blackmore reportedly plans to film and record the performances for future release.
[Dana’s note: Thank you to Todd, for passing this news along.]
additional source: guitarplayer.com
31 Responses
All jokes aside that very unpleasant man may be the best hard rock guitarist ever so this is great news. CONFESSION: I like BLACKMORE’S NIGHT. It is a nice change of pace from rock and metal.
who’s in that lineup? no juan!
Good Juan Elliot!
Ritchie’s playing that strat close to the fireplace. it’s gonna “burn.”
“Burn,” another good Juan Elliot!
the tour is being sponsored by white castle.
Damn Elliot, you’re making me hungry again, now I’m in the mood for some cheeseburgers! 😉
Cheers Elliot, this cheeseburger is for you!
thank you doug r. for bringing the jimmy buffett/david lee roth vibes.
I’ll have a “Hot Dog And A Shake,” and a “Cheeseburger In Paradise!” 😉
“You Crack Me Up” Elliot, (Huey Lewis Vibe) thank you, and goodnight!
Spot on Elliot!
thanks, taint no big deal.
Despite having a name that sounds like a character from “Rock of Ages” (is “Ronnie Romero” actually his real name?!?!?), he certainly sounds like he’s got the ability to handle any Dio- or Coverdale-era Rainbow songs. I just wonder if he’ll be able to convincingly turn it down a few notches for the Joe Lynn Turner-era stuff.
Could be his real (last) name since he is Spanish.