Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride recently honored former guitarist Ritchie Blackmore following a special reunion on stage, sharing his thoughts and a photo on Instagram.
The post came after Blackmore joined Deep Purple on stage during their August 12th show, marking the first time he performed with the band in more than three decades. McBride expressed his excitement and respect for the legendary guitarist.
“My absolute pleasure to share the stage with this legend, such a great guy and an inspiration to all,” McBride said.
This special appearance has sparked significant excitement among fans of the band.
The moment carried added weight as both a live surprise and a major piece of Deep Purple history, reconnecting the band with one of its most influential figures.
Blackmore reunited with Deep Purple for the first time in 33 years and played “Smoke on the Water” with the band. The reunion took place on August 12 at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, during the band’s headline show.
Blackmore joined Deep Purple at the end of the concert and performed his signature guitar work on “Smoke on the Water.” Ian Gillan introduced the moment by saying it was “an absolute pleasure” to have the founding member back on stage.
Blackmore’s return also carried a strong sense of history. He left Deep Purple in the 1990s and last appeared with the group in 1993 before this reunion. That long gap made the August 12 appearance especially notable for longtime fans.
Blackmore was one of Deep Purple’s founding members in 1968 and later formed Rainbow after leaving the band, building another major chapter in his career. His work with Deep Purple helped define classic rock guitar, while Rainbow extended his influence through the late 1970s and 1980s.
