For Deep Purple fans, Ritchie Blackmore’s first appearance with the group in 33 years was a huge cause for celebration. Inviting him onstage to play “Smoke on the Water” was a very public demonstration of the friendship that has developed between Blackmore and vocalist Ian Gillan, but the singer has revealed there’s much more to the story.
Last month, Blackmore revealed that his surprise reunion with Deep Purple was his idea, but Gillan has now suggested the appearance had effectively been in the cards for some time.
“I wasn’t really surprised it happened,” he tells Classic Rock. “I’ve been in touch with Ritchie for quite a long time now, and we’re on very good terms. All the nonsense from the past is now water under the bridge.
“We’re getting on great,” he adds. “So as we were in the area, I wasn’t that surprised [to see him], but I was very pleased.”
Blackmore’s history with Deep Purple has been turbulent. He left the band he co-founded for the first time in 1975 after his relationship with Gillan had broken down, then departed for good in November 1993. He subsequently reformed Rainbow before largely turning his attention to Blackmore’s Night.
Blackmore’s ongoing health issues mean he can only perform at venues within driving distance of his Long Island home, making the band’s stop at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, an ideal opportunity for the reunion. Gillan accepts that, for fans, seeing the two men together onstage provided a clear sign that any animosity between them has long since dissipated.
“But as far as I’m concerned,” he continues, “the closure was years ago. So I hadn’t even thought about it. But definitely it was a public demonstration of friendship, and good memories.”
Naturally, Classic Rock was eager to press Gillan on the possibility of Blackmore making another appearance alongside Deep Purple in the future. He’s not so sure.
“I don’t know,” he says. “The reason we did it there was because Ritchie only lives around the corner. So, I don’t know, but he’s always welcome.”
The band’s current lead guitarist, Simon McBride, has also come to Blackmore’s defense after some criticized the quality of his performance on the night. McBride was perfectly happy to have his spotlight temporarily stolen and enjoyed standing side by side with the band’s founding guitarist.
Blackmore’s cameo has also delighted his former Rainbow and Deep Purple singer, Joe Lynn Turner. Another of his former bandmates, meanwhile, has claimed he isn’t as much of a tough guy as his reputation suggests.
