Deep Purple founding member Ritchie Blackmore returns for an encore

Ritchie Blackmore, one of the founding members of the legendary rock band Deep Purple, made a surprise return to the stage during a concert in Wantagh, Long Island, on July 12. The performance took place at the Jones Beach Theater as part of Deep Purple’s ongoing world tour through North America. Blackmore, who had not performed with the band since 1993, joined the group for an encore, playing the iconic opening riff of “Smoke on the Water,” which he originally composed in 1971 after witnessing a fire at the Montreux Casino near Lake Geneva. His appearance was met with enthusiastic applause from fans, marking a rare moment of unity among former bandmates. Blackmore left Deep Purple in the mid-1970s amid creative differences and later founded his own band, Rainbow. He reunited with the classic lineup of Deep Purple, including keyboardist Jon Lord, drummer Ian Paice, singer Ian Gillan, and bassist Roger Glover, in 1984. However, tensions resurfaced, leading to Gillan’s dismissal in 1989. After being reinstated against Blackmore’s wishes in 1992, the guitarist finally quit the band permanently in 1993 during a European tour. Since then, Deep Purple has continued its legacy, releasing several albums that have found success particularly in Germany. Notable figures such as Japan’s former Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have been known to support the band. During their recent tour, Deep Purple played in North America, and singer Ian Gillan revealed that they received an unexpected message from Blackmore. The guitarist, who has lived on Long Island in New York State for years, reached out to ask if the band would consider jamming together. Blackmore had already shared his plans on social media, announcing that this would be his first time performing with Deep Purple in nearly 33 years. Expressing excitement, he noted that he hadn’t played rock music in over 25 years and was eager to reconnect with the band. The concert footage shows Blackmore confidently stepping onto the stage for the encore, effortlessly playing the famous riff of “Smoke on the Water.” As the rest of the band gradually joined him, the audience erupted in cheers. At the end of the performance, Gillan and Blackmore stood side by side, embracing the moment. Gillan praised Blackmore’s return, calling him a “legend” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reunite. He concluded with a friendly toast: “Thank you, Ritchie! We’ll see each other at the bar!” Despite this nostalgic reunion, there is little indication that Blackmore will make a permanent comeback to Deep Purple. The guitarist has long struggled with health issues, including severe vertigo, which led to the cancellation of his band Blackmore’s Night’s 2025 tour. While his brief return was a heartwarming gesture, it seems unlikely that he will take on a regular role within the band moving forward. For now, however, the moment remains a cherished memory for fans and a symbol of the enduring bond between the musicians who helped shape the sound of classic rock.