Ritchie Blackmore reunites with Deep Purple for surprise performance

Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore recently reunited with Deep Purple on stage for the first time since 1993. The surprise appearance took place on August 12 at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, where Blackmore joined the band to perform the classic song ‘Smoke On The Water’.

Blackmore revealed that the idea for the appearance was spontaneous. After discussing the possibility with his wife, Candice Night, an email was sent to vocalist Ian Gillan to request permission to play a single song. Gillan and the rest of the band agreed to the guest appearance.

Reflecting on the intense crowd reaction, the 81-year-old musician noted that the reception was overwhelming, stating, ‘I played my three or four minutes of Smoke On The Water, and it was received as if I had just invented the cure for cancer.’ Blackmore described the experience as playing with ‘old friends’ and noted that the brief appearance even contributed to an increase in ticket sales.