Ritchie Blackmore on Deep Purple Reunion: “It Could Be the Last Time We See Each Other”

Ritchie Blackmore, co-founder of Deep Purple, recently reunited with the band for a performance at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York on August 12th. The performance featured the classic song "Smoke on the Water". In an interview with Guitar Player, Blackmore shared that the reunion was a deeply emotional experience, stating, "It was very moving because I went on very quickly and had to play immediately.

I couldn’t warm up, but I wasn’t there to be playing correct notes. I was there to see old friends I hadn’t seen 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 explained that his decision to perform that night was influenced by his desire to show that there were no lingering tensions between them, saying, "I woke up one morning thinking, the day before their show, ‘You know it would be good for the fans if I just got up for one song, probably ‘Smoke’ and just show that were not at each other’s throats and don’t hate each other."

The reunion featured Blackmore playing alongside classic Deep Purple members Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, and Roger Glover, with Blackmore acknowledging the emotional nature of the moment, saying, "It was tricky; I didn’t play anything too technical, as I felt I should stick to the rudiments of being simple. 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."

The performance also marked Blackmore's first appearance with keyboardist Don Airey in 44 years, following Airey's departure from Rainbow in 1982. Blackmore revealed that earlier conflicts with Gillan, which led to his departure from the group in 1993, had since been resolved, stating, "We’re two alpha guys. I’m used to running a band, and I think he’s used to running a band. So we clashed in the old days. But all that changed."

Blackmore also discussed his choice of a yellow Stratocaster for the performance, sharing that it was a guitar he used to play in the 1980s, which he had recently restrung and practiced with. He explained, "I haven’t played a Strat properly for 30 years; I’ve done the occasional solo but I usually play acoustics around the house.

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 are currently on a North American tour supporting their latest album, SPLAT!, with tickets available for the show.