Breaking News: Ritchie Blackmore Defends Deep Purple Against Misconceptions in the Press
May 5, 2025 – London, UK
Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has spoken out in defense of his former band, Deep Purple, pushing back against what he called “longstanding misconceptions” perpetuated by members of the press and music critics.
In a rare and candid interview released Monday, Blackmore addressed what he believes are misrepresentations of the band’s legacy, internal dynamics, and his own departure from the group — sparking renewed interest in one of rock’s most iconic acts.
“People have written their own version of Deep Purple’s history,” Blackmore said. “But much of it is exaggerated, misunderstood, or just flat-out wrong.”
Clearing the Air
Blackmore, known both for his fiery guitar work and equally fiery personality, emphasized that despite past tensions, he maintains respect for what Deep Purple achieved — both during and after his time in the band. He dismissed media portrayals of the group as constantly feuding or dysfunctional.
“Sure, we had our moments — what band doesn’t? But Deep Purple wasn’t chaos. It was creativity, chemistry, and yes, sometimes conflict. But the press often turned it into soap opera, and that’s not fair to the legacy.”
The guitarist specifically called out narratives suggesting that his exit in 1993 was solely due to personal clashes.
“It wasn’t just arguments. It was artistic direction. I wanted to explore new ground — more melodic, more classical. That’s why I moved on to form Blackmore’s Night.”
A Complex Legacy
Deep Purple, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, remains a cornerstone of hard rock and heavy metal, thanks in part to Blackmore’s unforgettable riffs on songs like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Child in Time.” Yet even decades after his departure, Blackmore’s relationship with the band remains a topic of fascination — and controversy.
In recent years, both fans and critics have speculated about possible reunions or reconciliations, with occasional barbed comments surfacing in interviews from various members. Blackmore’s latest remarks, while assertive, also carried a tone of closure.
“I’ve said what needed to be said. The music stands. People can believe what they want — or they can just listen to the albums.”
Reaction from the Rock Community
Early reaction to Blackmore’s comments has been mixed. Some fans welcomed the clarification and praised him for defending the band’s legacy. Others reignited debates over old grudges and what could have been if the classic lineup had stayed together longer.
So far, no official response has come from current Deep Purple members, though longtime drummer Ian Paice has previously stated that “time has its own way of healing or forgetting.”
Whether this latest statement brings more reflection or more controversy, one thing is clear: Ritchie Blackmore remains as outspoken and unapologetically honest as ever — a trait that helped define not just his playing, but the very spirit of Deep Purple.
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