Ritchie Blackmore shared the stage with Deep Purple once again on August 12, 2026, something fans had not seen since 1993.
The guitarist joined the band at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, for just one song, which was Smoke on the Water. He had contacted Ian Gillan a few days earlier and asked if he could sit in for a number. Gillan checked with the others, and the band agreed.
That was the whole plan. No reunion announcement, no extended set.
Blackmore, now 81 years old, has spoken about his health problems that limit his playing these days, including vertigo, gout, arthritis, back trouble and an earlier heart condition. He said before the show that one song was probably all he could manage.
So when he appeared with his Stratocaster, the reaction was immediate. He played the opening riff, stayed through the song, and added lead guitar parts as the band worked around him. There were smiles onstage, and Gillan thanked him once the song ended, calling him a founding member of Deep Purple and a rock legend.
Blackmore helped form Deep Purple in 1968. He left in 1975, returned for the band’s 1984 reunion, and left again in 1993.
The history between Blackmore and Deep Purple has been difficult at times, which is why this mattered. Nothing dramatic happened. They simply played a song together again. After 33 years, that was more than enough. For an audience that had long stopped expecting it, the sight alone made the night unusual.
Also read: Neil Peart Documentary No One’s Disciple Set for Toronto Premiere
