Deep Purple/Blackmore Reunion 2026-08-16 by John Marinakis CONTRIBUTOR | 1 Comments | Ritchie Blackmore reunited with Deep Purple onstage for the first time in 33 years during the band’s August 12 concert at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York.
The 81-year-old founding guitarist appeared for the closing performance of “Smoke on the Water,” sharing the stage with vocalist Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and current guitarist Simon McBride. Blackmore had not performed with Deep Purple since leaving the group during its 1993 European tour.
Speaking after the reunion, Blackmore explained that he approached Gillan shortly before the concert and suggested joining the band for a single song. Despite their well-documented disagreements in the past, the proposal was warmly received by Gillan and the remaining members.
Blackmore described the occasion as an emotional opportunity to reconnect with old friends rather than a display of technical musicianship. He added that the musicians’ advancing age made them aware that it could potentially be the last time they would all meet. Gillan likewise welcomed him warmly, introducing Blackmore to the audience as a founding member and “the great legend, the immortal Ritchie Blackmore.”
Footage of the reunion can be viewed below:
Source: https://www.guitarplayer.com/guitarists/exclusive-ritchie-blackmore-reveals-the-story-behind-his-emotional-deep-purple-reunion-i-think-we-realized-it-could-be-the-last-time-we-see-each-other
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Tagged: Deep Purple
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I'm so glad they did this little reunion. Ritchie doesn't look like he's in the best of health, though. I really hope he's okay.
Legendary band, legendary discography. They really needed to bury the hatchet. They've got such a great legacy together.
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