Chris Charlesworth Report: Fun Fact – Christopher Cross Once Filled In for Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple
In the world of rock music, unexpected moments of history often shape the narratives that fans love to share. One such fascinating piece of rock trivia comes from the time when Christopher Cross, the smooth rock and pop legend, unexpectedly found himself filling in for none other than Ritchie Blackmore, the iconic guitarist of Deep Purple. While it may sound improbable, this curious chapter of rock history sheds light on the intertwined nature of the music industry and the unique moments that define an artist’s career.
A Surprising Twist: Christopher Cross Joins Deep Purple
Christopher Cross, best known for his mellow hits like “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” was not exactly the first name you’d associate with hard rock giants Deep Purple. Yet, in a peculiar turn of events during the 1970s, he found himself stepping into the shoes of Ritchie Blackmore, one of the genre’s most legendary guitarists.
The story dates back to 1975 when Deep Purple was in the midst of their Come Taste the Band tour. Blackmore, who was known for his fiery personality and demanding performance style, had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the direction Deep Purple was taking. Tensions within the band had reached a boiling point, and Blackmore, feeling creatively stifled, chose to leave the group temporarily.
At that moment, Deep Purple’s management scrambled to find a suitable replacement for Blackmore’s legendary guitar work. Christopher Cross, who at the time had been a session guitarist in Los Angeles, was not a stranger to the band. Cross had known members of Deep Purple and had previously worked on various musical projects in the industry, making him a surprising yet intriguing candidate to temporarily fill in for Blackmore during the European leg of their tour.
A Brief, but Memorable, Collaboration
While Christopher Cross was primarily known for his smooth, melodic rock style, his ability to play multiple instruments and his background in session work meant he wasn’t entirely out of his depth when it came to stepping into the role of a hard rock guitarist. Cross’s time with Deep Purple was brief—just a few shows—but it left a lasting impression. He brought a more laid-back, polished approach to the band’s performances, which contrasted sharply with Blackmore’s fiery and intense style. Despite the challenge of stepping into such big shoes, Cross reportedly blended well with the band, helping to keep the tour running smoothly during a period of uncertainty.
Cross himself has said little about his brief stint with Deep Purple over the years, perhaps reflecting the unusual nature of the experience. But those who witnessed it were treated to a rare and unexpected moment in rock history—a glimpse of what might have been had circumstances aligned differently. Deep Purple eventually found a permanent replacement in Tommy Bolin, whose guitar work appeared on Come Taste the Band, marking a distinct new chapter in the band’s history.
The Aftermath: Christopher Cross’s Legacy
For Christopher Cross, his time with Deep Purple didn’t have any lasting impact on his own career. His focus remained on his solo music, which would soon soar to international acclaim with his self-titled debut album. The success of “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme” cemented Cross as one of the leading artists of the soft rock movement of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
However, the brief interlude with Deep Purple added an interesting footnote to Cross’s career. It reminded music fans that rock and roll is often a world of unexpected collaborations, where artists from entirely different genres can come together and create something unique, if only for a short time.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Return and the Impact on Deep Purple
As for Ritchie Blackmore, his departure from Deep Purple was ultimately followed by his return in the late 1980s, when he rejoined the band for their Perfect Strangers album. Blackmore would go on to have a highly successful career with his band Rainbow, and his unique guitar playing continued to influence countless musicians for decades. Despite the brief disruption, Deep Purple carried on, ultimately becoming one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history.
A Fun Fact for Music Lovers
So, while the idea of Christopher Cross stepping into the role of Deep Purple’s guitarist for a brief period may seem strange to some, it’s a reminder of how the music industry works in mysterious ways. In the fast-moving world of rock ‘n’ roll, even the most unlikely individuals can play pivotal roles in shaping the course of a band’s history. For those who appreciate the quirky side of rock history, this little-known fact about Christopher Cross and Deep Purple serves as a delightful reminder of how connected the world of music truly is.
In the end, while Christopher Cross’s role as a temporary guitarist for Deep Purple may have been a fleeting moment in the grand scope of rock music, it’s a moment that reminds us of the unpredictable, often surprising nature of the music world—and one fun fact that will continue to captivate rock fans for years to come.
