Ritchie Blackmore Reunites with Deep Purple After 33 Years, Performs “Smoke on the Water”
An on-stage reunion more than three decades in the making. Ritchie Blackmore Reunites with Deep Purple After 33 Years, Performs “Smoke on the Water” Alex Young
Ritchie Blackmore returned to Deep Purple onstage after a 33-year hiatus at a performance in Wantagh, New York. The legendary guitarist reunited with his former bandmates for a passionate rendition of their iconic song, "Smoke on the Water." Blackmore co-founded Deep Purple in 1968, but had not performed with the band since leaving in 1993.
An Instagram video released before the event revealed Blackmore's intentions to join Deep Purple for the first time in decades, marking his first rock performance in 25 years since a brief reunion with Rainbow in 2016. "I haven't played rock in 25 years," Blackmore revealed, "and I think we'll all be on crutches and wheelchairs, although I think the rest of them are okay."
Singer Ian Gillan later explained that Blackmore himself had sparked the reunion. Deep Purple are currently touring North America in support of their latest album, SPLAT!, featuring Kansas. While fans were thrilled by Blackmore's return, it is unlikely he will join the band frequently during their current tour due to his health challenges.
Blackmore disclosed in the video that he had a specialized injection to help him stand onstage, as he suffers from four herniated discs. Despite the difficulties, Blackmore made a memorable appearance with Deep Purple.
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