IAN GILLAN: 'I Don't Think RITCHIE BLACKMORE's Playing Great These Days'

[E-Z]

When it comes to Ritchie Blackmore I always thought it was a big mistake when he disbanded Rainbow back in 1984 to participate in the reformed 1980s version of Deep Purple (I believe the money on the table to reform was just to much to turn down) which was a shame cos the last three albums with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals I thought were good albums and still do enjoy listening to them.

It took me nearly 20 years to listen to Blackmore's Night Shadow Of The Moon album from 1997 which I didn't like plus only recently after 20+ years I brought myself to listen to the Steve Morse version of Deep Purple which I also didn't like, he plays Smoke On The Water like a guy who's just learning to play guitar!!!.

As regards to Ritchie as a rock guitarist personally I believe he was at his absolute peak as a guitarist probably around the 1982-1987 era.

 

[Nai Noswad]

...Never saw the cracks appearing, and Bernie was a true musician[RIP],saw them live over four times- ....watching this confirms my weariness about meeting one of your idols...seemed Gillan fleeced this great band.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

I always thought Steve Morse was a great guitarist in the Steve Morse Band and the Dixie Dregs, and to a lesser extent the two Kansas albums he played on.

His work with DP was OK, but nothing spectacular. The last DP album =1 with Simon McBride was a lot more retro sounding, but very few guitarists are as great and innovative as Blackmore was, so a lot of us would still love to see a reunion and find out if there's anything left in the tank.

For me, Blackmore was at his best in the 70's with Deep Purple and early Rainbow before they got Roger Glover involved. While still really good, Rainbow's sound was too "polished" after that. Plus Dio.....

 

[Magic]

I have no complaints with any of Blackmore’s recent playing.
Well maybe I do have a really bad complaint, Why in the hell did Blackmore ever team up with William Shatner? JFC. Career kill!