Ritchie Blackmore reunited with Deep Purple on stage for the first time in 33 years, performing “Smoke on the Water” during a concert at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, according to reports from Radiobeat.cz and Novinky.cz. The 81-year-old guitarist reached out to Ian Gillan before the North American tour to propose the guest spot, which brought together four members of the classic MKII lineup.
The 33-Year Reunion at Jones Beach Theater
According to Radiobeat.cz, Blackmore appeared on stage on Wednesday, August 12, during the encore at the Jones Beach Theater. He joined singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, and drummer Ian Paice, marking their first live performance together since Blackmore left the band in November 1993 during a tour stop in Helsinki. Current guitarist Simon McBride stepped aside to let Blackmore take the lead on the track he famously defined. Novinky.cz notes that Blackmore wore his traditional black outfit with a white Fender Stratocaster.
Did you know? Ritchie Blackmore is the architect behind the iconic “Smoke on the Water” riff, which celebrates over half a century since its creation. Despite decades of strained relations—including Blackmore’s absence from the band’s 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction—the reunion happened without a lengthy public rollout.
How the Unexpected Collaboration Came Together
According to Novinky.cz, Blackmore lives nearby on Long Island and no longer flies to Europe, which made the nearby tour stop an ideal opportunity for a meetup. Blackmore revealed the plan a day before the show on an Instagram live stream with his wife, Candice Night, stating he contacted Gillan to ask if he could join for a single track without disrupting the current setlist. Gillan told the audience after the performance, according to Novinky.cz, “It was an absolute pleasure to have back on stage a founding member, a great legend, the immortal Ritchie Blackmore.” Gillan also joked on stage that a local youngster had messaged him asking to sit in, before Blackmore quipped about Gillan’s height.
Health Challenges and Musical Shift
Radiobeat.cz reports that Blackmore’s guest appearance required physical preparation due to long-standing health issues, including arthritis, gout, back pain, four herniated discs, and a bout of dizziness late last year. He received an injection for his lumbar spine so he could play the electric guitar while standing, though a stool was kept ready. While Blackmore claimed before the event that he had not played rock in 25 years—spending most of that time performing Renaissance folk music with Blackmore’s Night—Radiobeat.cz notes that he did briefly revive the band Rainbow for tour dates in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ritchie Blackmore leave Deep Purple?
Blackmore left Deep Purple in November 1993 mid-tour, after which the band finished dates with Joe Satriani before hiring Steve Morse in 1994, according to Radiobeat.cz.
Who performed “Smoke on the Water” at the New York concert?
Ritchie Blackmore joined classic-era bandmates Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, alongside current keyboardist Don Airey and current guitarist Simon McBride, as reported by the source material.
Will Blackmore tour permanently with Deep Purple again?
None of the participants have indicated that the reunion will extend beyond this single guest appearance in New York, according to Radiobeat.cz.
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