Ritchie Blackmore says he will join Deep Purple on stage in New York on 12 August, marking his first performance with the band since 1993. The planned encore would reunite the guitarist with the group he helped found after more than three decades and is significant for fans of the band’s classic line-up.

Blackmore, 81, said he contacted singer Ian Gillan, who discussed the idea with the rest of Deep Purple and received approval. He expects to play one song rather than “Highway Star”, which the band is reportedly using to open the show, and has prepared a smaller amplifier and his Stratocaster. He also described ongoing health difficulties, including vertigo, gout, arthritis and spinal problems, but said a recent steroid injection should help him perform.