Ritchie Blackmore plans Deep Purple New York encore reunion
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Ritchie Blackmore has said he plans to join Deep Purple on stage in New York, potentially ending a 33-year gap since his last performance with the band. If it happens, the appearance would mark a notable reunion between the founding guitarist and a group central to the development of hard rock.
Blackmore last played with Deep Purple on 17 November 1993 in Helsinki during the tour for The Battle Rages On…. He said he asked singer Ian Gillan about appearing for one encore “for old time’s sake”, adding that the band had reportedly approved the idea; Blackmore is 81.
- Blackmore says he plans a one-song Deep Purple reunion.
- It would be his first appearance with the band since 1993.
- The proposed performance is in Wantagh, New York.
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Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in 1968, best known for songs including Smoke on the Water and Highway Star. Along with bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are often seen as an important influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
Ritchie Blackmore was Deep Purple’s original guitarist and helped shape the band’s sound with prominent riffs and fast, classically influenced playing. He was part of the group during several of its best-known periods, but left after disputes during a tour in 1993.
Ian Gillan is Deep Purple’s long-serving lead singer, while the current line-up has continued to record and tour without Blackmore for decades. A guest appearance by a former member can be significant for fans because it brings together musicians associated with the band’s most famous era.
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Originally published by Far Out as “Ritchie Blackmore to reunite with Deep Purple on stage for first time in 33 years: “For old time’s sake””.