Deep Purple dropped a brand-new album, ‘=1,’ in July 2024. This is their ninth record without Ritchie Blackmore since he left the band for good in 1993. With Simon McBride now on guitar, the band is still touring and making music. But while Deep Purple keeps moving forward, what’s Blackmore up to these days?
Why Blackmore Left The Band—Twice
Blackmore first walked away from Deep Purple in 1975. He wasn’t happy with the band’s musical direction, so he started Rainbow, leaning into a more neoclassical hard rock sound. Rainbow did well, but in 1984, he rejoined Deep Purple for a high-profile ‘Mark II’ reunion, which didn’t last long. Old tensions with Ian Gillan, creative differences, and Blackmore’s increasing perfectionism led him to quit again mid-tour in 1993. That was the last time he played with Deep Purple.
Even after leaving, Blackmore didn’t disappear. Rainbow kept going, and later, his project Blackmore’s Night built a loyal, though very different, fanbase.
Did Blackmore Stay As Relevant As Deep Purple?
Deep Purple has been through a lot since Blackmore left. Their lineup changed several times, and while their newer albums haven’t been as massive as their ‘70s classics, they’ve been well-received. Meanwhile, Blackmore focused on two main projects: bringing back Rainbow and exploring folk-rock with Blackmore’s Night.
Rainbow went through several versions, with the most recent lineup popping up in 2016 for a few European shows. Fans hoped for a full comeback, but Blackmore treated it as more of a brief revival. They put out a few singles but no full albums before going quiet again after 2019.
On the other hand, Blackmore’s Night, which he formed with his wife Candice Night in the late ‘90s, became his main creative outlet. Mixing medieval and folk influences with rock, they put out several albums, including their latest, ‘Nature’s Light,’ in 2021. Blackmore stayed active in the studio for a while, even if he wasn’t in the rock spotlight as much anymore.
Where Is Blackmore Now?
These days, Blackmore is keeping a low profile. His last major release was with Blackmore’s Night in 2021, and there’s been no word on any new projects since. Unlike many of his peers who still tour well into their 70s, he’s mostly stepped away from rock music.
One of the few places fans still hear from him is his YouTube channel, where he occasionally posts episodes of ‘Tales from His Tavern.’ In these videos, he shares career stories, reflects on his musical journey, and gives insight into his approach to music. As for new material? Nothing’s confirmed, but he hasn’t officially retired yet, so it’s always possible.
