Ritchie Blackmore made a surprise return to the stage with DEEP PURPLE for the first time in over 30 years, joining the band during their headlining concert on Wednesday night (August 12) at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York.
The 81-year-old guitarist, who last performed with DEEP PURPLE in 1993, joined the band for a rendition of their iconic classic “Smoke On The Water,” which brought the group’s regular set at the Wantagh concert to a close.
After the “Smoke On The Water” performance, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan told the crowd: “I’ve gotta say something. A couple of days ago, I got a message. A couple of days ago, I got a message from a local lad. I got a letter from this man saying, ‘I only live around the corner. Do you mind if I come and jam with you?’ And I tell you, it was an absolute pleasure to have back on stage the founder member, the great legend, the immortal Ritchie Blackmore.”
Ian added: “Thanks, Ritchie. I have to say it was a great pleasure. I’ll see you in the bar.”
Ritchie revealed his planned guest appearance at the Wantagh show during an Instagram Live session with his wife, Candice Night, on August 11.
