Ritchie Blackmore Reveals Why He Finally Returned To Deep Purple After 33 Years Of Bitter Feuds

Ritchie Blackmore Reveals Why He Finally Returned To Deep Purple After 33 Years Of Bitter Feuds

What began as a simple guest appearance brought an unexpected admission from the guitarist For the first time in almost 33 years, Ritchie Blackmore was back onstage with Deep Purple. Beside him stood Ian Gillan, the singer he had clashed with for decades, singing “Smoke on the Water” with a hand on Blackmore’s shoulder. The moment came at Jones Beach in New York on August 12, 2026. Blackmore, 81, had not played with the band since walking out mi…