Deep Purple fans are still processing the band’s shocking reunion with founding guitarist Ritchie Blackmore at Jones Beach in Long Island, New York, on August 12. And in a new interview with Guitar Player, Blackmore reveals it was an equally intense experience for himself. I was there to see old friends.
I hadn’t seen [them] in 40 years and we’re all getting older. I think we realized it could be the last time we see each other, maybe.” Blackmore hadn’t played with Deep Purple since November 1993 when he left the band acrimoniously and the band shot down any chance of a reunion in subsequent years. I’ve been in touch with Ritchie recently and everything’s cool, so there’s no bitter, personal problem.
We’re too old for that and everything’s in the past, but no. That would be out of the question.” Gillan and the other members of Deep Purple remained steadfast in this position even when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two years later, and Blackmore hoped to play at least one song with them at the ceremony. Their choice is final.” Blackmore wound up sitting out the entire Hall of Fame ceremony when he learned the band wouldn’t perform with him, and there wasn’t even a hint their position had changed over the past decade.
That’s why it was so shocking when Blackmore announced via Instagram on August 11 that he’d be playing with Deep Purple the following evening. And even though Deep Purple played many Blackmore-era songs at Jones Beach, he only came out for “Smoke on the Water.” “I had my misgivings at first, as I didn’t know if I would be heard or too quiet or whatever,” he said. I still lost my place at one point, but it’s not why I was there.
I was there to heal any wounds — but there weren’t any wounds. Everyone was like, we were in the army, all along the Western front and we were all getting together again. Very emotional moment.” Trending Stories Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ Star, Dead at 36 Hayden Panettiere’s Death Under Investigation After Apparent Overdose A GoFundMe for Lindsay Clancy’s Parents Raises Over $700,000 Amid Murder Trial Why Was It So Hard for Sam Cooke’s Grandkids to Drop a Soul Album?
He played a Strat that he hadn’t touched since the Eighties. I use my right and for finger picking with long nails, but playing the Strat I have to play with a plectrum and have very short nails. A whole different technique.” Deep Purple fans are surely hoping this will lead to a reunion tour, though it’s most likely a one-off event.
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