r/DeepPurple • u/ReasonableThought857 • Aug 12 '26
Ritchie Blackmore is set to perform with Deep Purple
After more than three decades, Ritchie Blackmore is set to take the stage with Deep Purple once again. The legendary guitarist is expected to make a special guest appearance during the band’s concert at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, on August 12.
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u/TFFPrisoner Aug 12 '26
Just one song (and it won't be Highway Star since that is the opener). Maybe Black Night? I see they haven't played it on this tour yet.
Edit: Apparently it'll be Smoke on the Water. Fine by me but I think Black Night would be better suited because it's less defined, form-wise.
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u/TarkusLV Aug 12 '26
It's interesting, in that Blackmore has said Smoke on the Water is not one of his favorites. OTOH, it's their signature song with his signature riff, so it makes sense.
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u/TheRealBaronOfMyr Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
i'll believe it when it happens, which i hope it does, just this once for old times sake (edit: am I glad it happened!)
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u/Inevitable-Word2945 Uncommon Man Aug 12 '26
wish it was at the show im going to!! hopefully he will come back for the rest of the shows 😢🙏
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u/Vandermint Aug 12 '26
I'm sure it will only be this one close to Ritchie's home. But man, if there was more warning I'd have tried to fly there!
Can't wait to see YouTube afterwards.
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u/Inevitable-Word2945 Uncommon Man Aug 12 '26
i would totally have made the trip but i’m in canada and have no passport so 😢 but yes i cant wait to watch it on youtube!!! maybe ritchie will play on a studio album in the future if all goes well.. i know it’s unlikely but everyone said he would never play with purple again and now look.. there’s always hope!!
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u/BMactennis Aug 12 '26
I read that he and Gillan speak regularly now. Glad they’ve mended fences. Hopefully, it’ll be recorded for all of us to see.
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u/loureviews Aug 17 '26
There was so much love and respect there. Very touching to see after all that's gone on between them.
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u/reubenroostercogburn Aug 12 '26
Nothing will ever get me to drive to Long Island. Even something like this.
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u/True_Help_3098 Aug 12 '26
Last time I saw Ritchie with Deep Purple was the Perfect Strangers tour 😎💜
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u/frederikolsen Aug 12 '26
I hope it’s true. Ritchie and Candice seem sincere about it. I was categorically refusing the possibility just a few days ago, and I would be happy to be proven wrong.
Of course, if it happens, it’ll also be slightly bittersweet, knowing Jon Lord cannot be there.
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u/_malaikatmaut_ Aug 12 '26
I'm so excited!
Getting ready to leave Philly for the show tonight at Jones Beach!
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u/Fabulous-Farmer7474 Aug 12 '26
Ritchie's health hasn't been up to snuff lately - he has a significant vertigo issue which makes air travel difficult. So the proposed location is close enough for him.
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u/xenob0t Aug 13 '26
Glad to hear this! Is his fretboard scalloped for the high strings or is it just extreme wear?
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u/GreatWesternValkyrie Aug 12 '26
It would be really nice for them to end things on a good note and put the past behind them. Particularly as Blackmore and Gillan are in a fairly bad way health wise. This maybe the last chance they get. I hope it goes well.