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Sounds like he’s not showing up
Blackmore’s management circulated the following message today:
Please note Ritchie has no involvement in the particular organization that is putting on an event at the Royal Albert Hall. Mourning is very personal – He would rather express himself in the instrumental he wrote for Jon – Carry on Jon.
The ‘event at the Royal Alber Hall’ we presume to be this one.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
He should even if he goes up for just one song to show respect for Jon.
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:00Open your eyes Ritchie, come on…
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:02The old spoiler.
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:02Each to their own. He wants to do it his way and you have to respect his choice whether we like it or not..
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:09It’s just too fraught with conflict and complications. You think Ritchie wants to run into Ian backstage or vice versa?
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:11If he were to do it there wouldn’t need to be any announcement for an already hot ticket anyway.
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:14what a surprise.Oh the song he “borrowed’ from some other guitar player.
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:17if it’s true (and I have no reason to doubt the statement) then it’s a shame…
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:26Please, your black majesty, put your repulsion aside and play for Jon once for Jesus Christ sake! Put on a pair, I’m begging you! Is it worth to live in hatred for your whole life?! Show some dignity of soul, man, before it’s over!
Come on!
Cheers,
October 23rd, 2013 at 22:54Tommy
I don’t for a minute doubt big Ian’s sense of decorum at such an event in honor of Jon -fears of brawl-ins with Ritchie should be unfounded. We’re talking of grown, no, of old men who should know better.
October 23rd, 2013 at 23:19Im starting a new fbook page INDUCT RITCHIE BLACKMORE INTO YHE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF SHAME. Now back to the day job as Sun headline writer
October 23rd, 2013 at 23:28Oh well.
October 23rd, 2013 at 23:35I guess the hate for some is stronger than the love for one. It’s a dam shame it could not be put on the back burner at least for one night. I think Ritchie at some point will regret it. C’mon Ritchie, you said it yourself there would not have been Deep Purple if it wasn’t for Jon. Maybe you would have never had a successful career if it wasn’t for Jon. Think about it.
October 23rd, 2013 at 23:44On second thought maybe it’s for the best that Ritchie does not show up. At this point most of the people involved with the event probably hate him anyway and he probably hates them. Let’s face it, no one likes to go anywhere when there not wanted. I guess it’s for the best. I still say he will regret it someday but it’s better he stay home. The last thing you want at an event like this is for it to turn into a circus.
October 23rd, 2013 at 23:59Blackmore WILL NOT go on stage with Gillan FULL STOP
October 24th, 2013 at 00:02That “particular organisation” is The Sunflower Jam’s amazing team that does a great job! He of course knows who TSJ are…
Shame, shame and shame again!
When a blind man is a blind man….
October 24th, 2013 at 00:23Its better the silence
October 24th, 2013 at 02:07Gee what a surprise and yes, quite a shame. Ritchie could contribute towards the event by playing his tune ‘the Loner’….oh, sorry I meant ‘Carry on Jon’ live on stage. Though the ghost of Gary Moore might show up and smash his guitar onto his little pointy hat on his head…..
Hey Jon, no worries. Deep Purple will be there for ya. AMEN.
!Ch-BeerZ?
October 24th, 2013 at 03:26that’s obvious because he can’t play anymore and he can’t think as well.
October 24th, 2013 at 05:08I suppose we will get certain people commenting here, as we can see already, thinking that you have to go to something like this to ‘show respect’! What a load of cobblers, people have different ways of showing ‘respect’! You don’t HAVE to go to a funeral to ‘show respect’, so why should someone ‘have to’ attend a memorial concert to show respect?
October 24th, 2013 at 06:06It is up to the individual & that also may include the possibility of not being able to attend, due to other commitments in ones own life at that time! Life goes on for us all, at least for a little while longer! Cheers.
I can’t see Gillans name in the program too so Blackers shouldn’t worry about meeting him in a back alley – with a club – or a plank of wood with a nail!
October 24th, 2013 at 07:35Extreme pride let the man so little! What a sadness !!! I think so even if the man is Ritchie the best guitarplayer of all times.
October 24th, 2013 at 08:27He should do that, he should do this…Cmon, he can do anything he want to. He never ever performed on any events like this, and surely never will. And its not a shame – I believe that Jon would understand him, because Ritchie is Ritchie. Its strange for me that some people thought Blackmore would be there.
October 24th, 2013 at 10:25Didn’t he not attend a similar tribute to Cozy? I’ve read that he tends to shy away from the “big promotions”. I bet he deals with Jon’s passing in his own way. Another angle, someone is going to make a lot of cash at this event,maybe Ritchie doesn’t want to be a part of it for that reason, which I agree with.
October 24th, 2013 at 11:31Partypooper!
October 24th, 2013 at 12:17Keep in mind that Candace Knights’ Mom is a BIG portion of his management team…………
October 24th, 2013 at 14:39Ohh wow,an instrumental for Jon!!!!Ritchie,you’re really the guy…and the crowd yelds Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie Ritchie….
October 24th, 2013 at 14:55I got that mail too. It sounds full of bitterness.
OK, everyone has his own kind of showing condolence to Jon. “Carry On, Jon” is one very fine way.
Well done by Blackmore’s Night and Ritchie especially. No doubt.
But:
Celebrating Jon with other musicians AND FANS and for a charity (sunflower) is another thing. A great thing.
If Ritchie don’t want to contribute is one thing. A pity, but his right.
But to send eMails to fans and telling all, whether they want to know or not, that he will not take part because he has done his own thing – sounds really bitter: Very obviously he don’t want to see the other musicians and he don’t want to see the Deep Purple Fans.
IMHO This is a disrespect against fans and the charity event.
He don’t need to do a medley with the band or the other muscians.
But he had the great chance to celebrate Jon with a special live version of “Carry On, Jon” or a Blackmore’s Night Version of “Bouree”.
Pure Fiction, but a great idea would have been a little guitar duet with Steve and Ritchie – with a NON-Deep Purple Song. E.g. an Artwoods Song.
October 24th, 2013 at 15:54Ritchie has a right to remember Jon in whatever way he chooses, as we all do.
I am sure he does too as he has previously commented that he felt closer to Jon than the other members of the band.
Not attending a memorial show is not being disrespectful, its just not in his nature. His attendance might even overshadow the event.
Ritchie has always been his own man and will not worry if he receives criticism for not attending.
October 24th, 2013 at 16:22@ 9 isn’t already one on facebook ?
October 24th, 2013 at 16:53My opinion (and that’s all it is) is that it’s perfectly legitimate for Ritchie to decide not to participate. I just wonder why he felt the need to put out a statement that he would not be there when nobody has yet claimed he will, in fact, be there. Why deny what hasn’t been suggested?
October 24th, 2013 at 17:06deep purple were a supergroup of 70s,
October 24th, 2013 at 17:29different personality clashes ,destroyed
that.still throwing toys outta the pram !.
grown men .hello !
No surprise here. RB always has been very private. He has his right to mourn for his friend in any manner that he wishes.
October 24th, 2013 at 18:48Bad news. I hope he will be there with David and Glenn…
October 24th, 2013 at 19:26As much as i’d love Ritchie to be there you have to look at it from his point of view. Why would he go and play a show with people who don’t actually want him to be there? Shame
October 24th, 2013 at 20:10RItchie expresses himself but not in having written a farewell tune to Jon. LIsten to Cozy Powells – Over The Top album, listen to Gary Moores – Wild Frontier: The song is called ¨The Loner¨, and Ritchie is talking about the blizzard that brought him back into the studio to write his ¨Carry On Jon¨. There is nothing more to say, Ritchie is still living in a world of his own …
October 24th, 2013 at 20:17he is a poor sad man..and now musically boring.
October 24th, 2013 at 20:57Shame on.
What a shame. Unfortunately, not in the least surprising. Bury the hatchet you daft sod.
October 24th, 2013 at 22:41It’s probably a fair guess that Ritchie’s management and website is getting bombarded with questions about, and requests for him to show up at the Royal Albert tribute show, hence the posted message.
It would indeed be a fitting tribute to Jon, for them to bury the hatchet and let it be about the music instead the drama. Perhaps a little ‘Difficult To Cure’ reunion, or a Smoke on the Water ‘finale surprise’.
However, Ritchie returning would overshadow the real meaning for the show (Jon), and this would also require himself, Ian Gillan, Bruce Payne, and Carole Stevens to all be on the same page. Highly unlikely that will ever happen.
Like many others, I too have always hoped for Ritchie to come back just one time, but I know that bridge burnt down a long, long time ago…
October 24th, 2013 at 23:17Agree with Duncan. Don’t confuse no showing up as not caring. Personally I’m grateful for all the great music and memories Jon & Ritchie gave us. 🙂
October 25th, 2013 at 05:26Instead of Ritchie, I´ll be there!
October 25th, 2013 at 06:23It´s sad, Ritchie lives in the past and is obviously unable to show respect to a longtime companion.
Even the song “Carry on Jon” is a copy of The Loner from Gary Moore. Should it push the sellings? Maybe or maybe not.
I hoped with the age comes the wisdom. Fault!
Is he invited in the first place??
October 25th, 2013 at 07:03Eric says:
Is he invited in the first place??
THIS.
October 25th, 2013 at 11:09Tracy @ 11- I doubt that Gary Moore’s ‘ghost’ would care at all, as we know, it isn’t Gary Moore’s tune. He copied it also, but still called it the same!
October 25th, 2013 at 11:27Joe Tyson @ 26- regarding the same comment as above! It is a Max Middleton tune from Cozy Powell’s Over The Top album, Clem Clempson is the original guitar player of that ‘tune’ or melody if you like, Gary Moore copied it also! Cheers.
It is nice to read many comments understanding & also supporting Blackmore not being at this concert! Good to read some people also understand that it is not an ‘issue’ at all with Blackmore not being at this gig! I can understand Blackmore releasing a statement to say he will not be there, it is to kill off any potential ‘rumours’ so to speak! As soon as Deep Purple & Jon Lord are mentioned in the same sentence, some people jump to a false conclusion! Also, some people have totally unrealistic expectations, meaning “a reunion, finally at last” & other similar sort of crap statements!
October 25th, 2013 at 11:43Blackmore & Lord go way back before any of the others & respected each other immensely, more than any of us commenting here would ever know! Certain people commenting here in the negative, should really “get a life! Stop trying to criticise or judge someone on something you know absolutely NOTHING about! Respect! Cheers.
He always tell he abandoned DP because tired to play SMOKE on… and other pieces but he continues to play DP’s and Rainbow’s with his stupid band..what a smallness of man..capricious and childish..
October 25th, 2013 at 12:59When Dio passed he limited himself to say “a good singer of rock and roll”.
He is an egoist who does not know how to relate with people..
poor man.
sad man
Candice … Tell him,…. please
October 25th, 2013 at 13:04What´s new here ? Ritchie not appearing to an important event ? Nothing new my friends, HE never promoted the band !
Love his playing to death but that is life. He chose to be that way, far from the real world.
October 25th, 2013 at 13:28Selfish git!
October 25th, 2013 at 16:18I’m not normally a defender of Blackmore but I think he is entitled to mourn in whatever manner he wishes. He also is fully entitled to not be at this memorial gig.
October 25th, 2013 at 17:07However, by releasing this statement, his management makes him sound both callous and superior. They could have said nothing and he could have stayed away without risking insulting anyone or any organisation (the particular organisation).
I think that is the crux of the matter; the need for this press release, its indifferent content and not whether a particular musician is going to perform at a benefit concert.
Yes, Ritchie can mourn his own way. Yes he has the right to do what he wants. We all do under the eyes of the LORD as long as it is proper and decent in nature. But then there are also certain issues that come around from time to time that require us to act on sometimes which we don’t really want to, but out of responsibility, nobility and being an adult we must. Whether or not Ritchie was asked to attend or not isn’t the issue. He should have stepped up and took charge and offered to take part as soon as he got wind of the event being planned. That would have been the Manly and Noble thing to do rather than rip off a song and say you wrote it for your passing friend and then sit back and hopefully capitalize from the event from the sidelines like a vulture hovering around waiting for the sick animal to die before he flies down and devours it….. Quite a disappointment indeed Mr. Pointy Hat.
!Ch-BeerZ?
October 25th, 2013 at 19:53Since Mark II there has been nothing but “drama” with Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore’s Night, Mark III, Mark IV…the “Soap Opera” keeps things fresh, keeps people talking, keeps people tuning in to next week’s episode…Remember where Blackmore came from….Screaming Lord Sutch….read his unauthorized biography…a prankster, someone who loves practical jokes…Drama, theater, acting – are all as important as the music itself. And Ritchie loves to play the “Bad Guy”.
20% of the “drama” with Deep Purple I believe…the rest in my opinion is all theater! Blackmore hates Gillan…ok, if you say so…again, great acting…If you look at the circle of no-named musicians who became something after playing with Ritchie Blackmore, it’s an impressive list of Rock and Rollers…but none of them seemed to leave on good terms…
To me, the Deep Purple drama has played on for all these years, and a lot of people have made a lot of money off of it – much more than it was simply a band or group of musicians who just died out. People love drama, controversy, and offering opinions on those who they think they know.
How old is Ritchie?? He and Candice Stevens are married – perhaps?? Ritchie is having newborns at his age??? Maybe. Nice story, great drama…truth???? That’s for the reader or the listener to decide.
October 25th, 2013 at 19:59Brad, Karl-Heinz and BobLawrinz nails it. Ritchie can feel free to do anything he wants in eny way he wants. But the people handling his publicity should think twice before they send out a message like this, which raises more questions than answers.
October 25th, 2013 at 21:44Ritchie should have been there. And Jon would have appreciated if Ritchie was there. Isn’t that what matters at a memorial gig like this? But I guess he was not invited.
Ritchie would not need to play with any of the DP guys even. He could f.x have played some acoustic stuff solo or with Candice. And maybe Soldier of Fortune with DC! Would be great.
October 25th, 2013 at 22:06Tracy @ 51- your comment seems to be full of bitterness, resentment & other negative ‘feelings’ towards Blackmore. Why?
October 25th, 2013 at 23:07Jon Lord’s unfortunate passing is sad indeed, especially for his family & relatives & friends. Less so for fans of a rock band from 4 decades past who didn’t personally know him, but each to their own with their feelings towards this. But to be so pissed off, because of what? Cheers.
KlausVonScribe@52- An interesting analogy indeed, I like it. But the word ‘hate’ probably isn’t the word to use regarding Blackmore & Gillan’s personalities clashing. They have ‘respect’ for each other musically no doubt, they just don’t get on with each other. They agree to disagree & don’t associate with each other. They have moved on with their respective lives. It’s all good. Cheers.
October 25th, 2013 at 23:16Everyone mourns in their own way…agreed…but like Tracy said sometimes you have to do things you really don’t want to, its takes ‘character’. Ritchie is an awesome talent, perhaps the biggest driving force in MKII, he won’t show but he could or should with a little ‘character’.
October 26th, 2013 at 00:12I think the reaction on here has more to do with the fact that people feel they are missing out on seeing a reformed DP with RB than an evening about Jon. Leave the bloke alone, it’s his life not yours.
October 26th, 2013 at 06:06George Martin @ 13 & 14 – your negative comments say a lot indeed & it really makes people wonder as to why you waffle on about rubbish hatred comments! Hate, hate & more hate! Yes, that is what is happening! NOT!
October 26th, 2013 at 08:49Jon Lord would be appalled at ridiculous comments like yours! Or maybe he would have a good laugh! What utter trype!
You have absolutely NO idea about Blackmore & Lord’s relationship, you know absolutely NOTHING about those individuals!
In a world with so much ‘hatred’ & violence, it leaves some people wondering as to why certain people say things, like both your comments? Why? There isn’t any “hate’ with those musicians involved in this concert, the concert is about the love for Lord & honour & respect & friendship! Everything that is the opposite of your comments!
This hatred thing that a few others have mentioned also, is a worry indeed! Why do people swing towards such negative sayings, when it isn’t a negative situation at all? Maybe certain people need to have a look at how they comment here on this ‘issue’ or even better, what they are thinking with this hate crap? Cheers Lovers!
It’s a shame that he decided not to attend this event.
October 26th, 2013 at 10:17If he doesn’t want to perform with DP or Gillan he could have performed alone, with for instance Wakeman or his own band.
The statement from his management (Carole Stevens) wasn’t a smart think to do. But mrss Stevens made Some odd/bad choices before.
After all Jon tributed a lot to his career. Maybe with out Jon he would have ended up as just as a sessionplayer.
Svante @ 53 – I don’t agree, it is pretty straight forward, Blackmore has no involvement in the event at The Royal Albert Hall. Sure the name of the organization & the event are not mentioned, but anyone who follows Deep Purple or Ritchie Blackmore or indeed Jon Lord, would know exactly what this statement means!
October 26th, 2013 at 12:25There is always speculation & there has been since this event was announced. Some people need to realise that it is released (the managements message) to cease the innuendo, false rumours, misleading information or any other non truths in regards to Blackmore & the concert that may have arisen recently!
Anyone who is familiar with Blackmore’s non appearance’s at any of these sort of events (award ceremonies, guest appearances, tribute concerts etc) over the decades, will never be surprised.
He doesn’t do them, just like some musicains don’t sign autographs, some don’t give interviews etc, etc!
It has nothing to do with what other people think Blackmore should do, absolutely nothing at all. I would imagine that he & Lord would have talked after Lord was diagnosed with cancer. There would have been moments between them no doubt. Personal moments, nothing to do with attending a concert later on. There is no need for that, it is what it is! Certain people want a reunion of sorts & they are pissed off because it isn’t going to happen!
Now in regards to some people’s comments being rather bitter, vindictive, nasty, spiteful & petulant etc, it is plainly obvious that they haven’t received what they wanted, so as we know in human behaviour at times, they resort to the above comments! It is sad for some, but that is their problem.
It is actually very comedic in a way also, as some of the comments are exactly the behaviour that they accuse Blackmore of, now that is hilarious! Time for some people to take a cold shower maybe! Cheers.
Ian Gillans Pants @ 58 – excellent comment!
BobLawrinz @ 50 – how does his management make him sound callous & superior? Just wondering?
MacGregor – I think that Blackmore and Gillian are fine with each other. I think they’re all fine with each other. I think it’s all in the “Deep Purple” brand. Sorry but I just don’t buy “the rift” if you will.
I mean even the smallest idiosyncrasies… Blackmore starts using Engl amps, then all of a sudden Morse starts using Engl amps – I haven’t seen a lot of big touring bands using Engl amps…
Don Airey leaves Rainbow, plays with Black Sabbath, Dio, becomes the substitute for Jon Lord in Deep Purple, Gillian leaves Deep Purple…plays with Black Sabbath, Glover winds up in Rainbow after he was fired by Deep Purple – largely at the insistence of Blackmore, prior to joining Rainbow he has a hand in producing some Rainbow work….
Blackmore doesn’t just quit Deep Purple the second time around – he needs to destroy it completely…Blackmore once said about Malmsteen…every time he plays a Deep Purple or Rainbow song, he gets a royalty…so he’s going to destroy and bury the continuously working Deep Purple and lose all that money…he waits for the cameras to be rolling, starts throwing glasses of water…and then the after-story…tries to destroy Deep Purple – end the band as it exists – and then….Joe Satriani becomes the savior – out of nowhere….Blackmore is again confirmed as the “Man in Black”, the “Evil Doer”, “the Blackness”…
Watch the DVD of the “Making of Machine Head”…there’s Paice and Gillian sitting together talking about Smoke on the Water sitting in a bar…”Ritchie picked that up from Bulgarian radio signals…” then they switch to Blackmore sitting in a castle and he agrees…”I think I was in Bulgaria…short wave radio…”
The entire DVD is cordial – talking about the music and each other….complementing each other…after a horrendous breakup where one tries to destroy the band, and the careers of the fellow band-mates there isn’t even the hint of animosity??
Sorry…but to me this is ONE BIG CORPORATION (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore’s Night, etc.) with charter members like Black Sabbath. Did Blackmore contribute to DP’s new album?? He especially likes ghosts…Airey and Roger contributing keyboards and bass on Blackmore’s Night?? Or does Ritchie take the church organist who plays live with the band into the studio????
For me, it’s just all too “Perfect” – it all fits together too neatly…just my opinion, just my observation.
October 26th, 2013 at 18:50@ Mc Gregor 59
you re absolutely right dude! no reason for such language and usage of word “hate ” and else.I guess every one is untitled to their opinion and it is more an emotional reaction than logical.We all know that Ritchie was not going to show up anyway,Deep Purple are doing fine on their own and he is more than ok on his own terms.Both parts moved on long time ago and we fans have to accept that.I think people in here are more pissed off of his management than Ritchie.Either way,whoever wants to shop up will show up and it is going to be a great event dedicated to one of the best musician/man of all time.
Meantime I am still waiting for those North American tour dates in 2014 !
cheers
October 26th, 2013 at 22:32@ 59
October 27th, 2013 at 00:02In my mind when two people say they never want to have anything to do with or see each other again for the rest of there life, I pretty much consider that hate. In recent interviews I’ve seen with Blackmore and Gillan they make it clear that they are done. I really don’t think what I wrote was so bad. At first I thought Ritchie should do out of respect for Jon then after thinking more about it I realized it’s probably better Blackmore’s not there. Quite frankly I don’t know why you went so crazy when you read what I wrote. To go off the way you did is a little extreme. I respect everyone’s opinion even if I disagree with it. To say Jon would be appalled by my comment, well how would you know. In every interview I have heard from Jon about Ian and Ritchie he has always stated there dislike for one another. He once said they should not be in the same city forget about being in the same band. Lighten up!
MacGregor@ various……
You for some reason wish to play referee for this blog…. fine.
I will make one remark in rebuttal. In simple terms as was stated in the ‘Spiderman’ comics in the first issue when Peter Parker held his dying uncle as he passed away. Uncle Ben told Peter…”With Great Power, comes Great Responsibility”.
So, to answer your question regarding HATE. No hate here. Sorry bro. Just an observation of total neglect towards a person whom shared the stage, creativity, and much of his life. Let’s put the ‘pointy little shoe on the other foot’. Had the situation been reversed, and TMIB been the one whom kicked the bucket, Jon Lord would have been there for him. GUARANTEED! The substance of a man is in what he does. TMIB shows a huge lack of it. Yeah, he is a great player. I love his playing. Have since I first heard HUSH back in 1968. Been a Purple fan ever since. Long enough to care about the individual players. In doing so, I have certain convictions regarding them. TMIB has shown his true colors here…. ‘Transparent’. After this display of disrespect toward such a stalwart and upstanding individual as Jon Lord whom played such a huge part in forming his successful future, I hope and prey that the rest of Purple NEVER set foot on stage with him again.
As for the Gary Moore crap you are spewing…. Yeah, I know he covered the song. He did so properly and made it his own. He didn’t claim it as HIS. He didn’t say he wrote it for somebody else, so please don’t confuse the issue. TMIB took that song and lied about the fact that he wrote it for Jon. PERIOD. He has become a despicable little dwarf from the fairy tale world of his own mind.
!Ch-BeerZ?
October 27th, 2013 at 02:26@60 ……..and maybe without RB, this latest incarnation of DP wouldn’t have anything to play either.
October 27th, 2013 at 06:18That’s not Ritchie speaking. That’s a woman whose daughter sings with Ritchie speaking just in case her offspring isn’t invited to attend.
October 27th, 2013 at 10:27Relax Fellow Fans,
Ritchie’s management has been bombarded with emails asking if he’d be appearing at the sunflower jam. A statement has been released simply to answer all the inquiries and let everyone know he’s not attending.
Do yourselves a favour and try not to get too worked up and furious about it
I am enjoying listening to Now What and Dancer and the Moon, finding many cool musical movements on both albums.
October 27th, 2013 at 15:36Klaus @62:
i can assure you it’s pure coincidence — steve had no idea. his guitar tech recommended them, and they turned out to be great amps. when he was told about this peculiar coincidence, the look on his face was priceless 😉
you’d be surprised
October 27th, 2013 at 17:08@59 seriously Mc Gregor would you want to have a RB kind of type around you ? I mean I know you like to be Devil’s advocate lol(just messing with you bro) but Tracy is right,if reversed Jon would have totally been there,but hey every one is different.He can continue play his crappy poppy so called New renaissance crap,repeating himself over and over,I know some people would love it some people would not love it( I’m not going to use the word hate lol)but the ego on this man wow! I read an interview in French and he doesn’t care what the his former band mates dedicated his album to and such.I don’t get how people losely use the term genius about him! I mean I’m really asking whey is he genius :for taking other’s people music and folk in the Eastern Europe and making his own arrangements ? is it so hard to do that ? then again to each his own,but I won’t spend a penny on so called album. Keep playing rock Deep Purple !@ 60 and because he is responsible for that music they have no right to play it anymore ? I mean they are responsible as much as him bro ! @ 65 Tracy Thank God he is not showing up cause the poor Camera guy would get all the bucket of water over his head and get all the abuse throughout the show ! lol
October 27th, 2013 at 17:38Cheers Al
Now What?! 😉
October 27th, 2013 at 20:43George Martin @ 64- I didn’t go off with any extreme rave, I was calm actually. I was just stating my opinion as to you presuming Blackmore would be possibly not welcome because of hatred from the others & him possibly hating them????? I am not annoyed about Blackmore not showing for this concert at all! Just some peoples comments using strong & incorrect words of emotion, that they wouldn’t know about in regards to the musicians at this event! Dislike is a better word, yes that is much better in regards to Blackmore & Gillan not getting on! But I doubt it extends to any one else at this concert! Cheers.
October 27th, 2013 at 20:56Tracy @ 65 – I didn’t use the word hate with the comments towards you, I recall using resentment & bitterness as I read your comment & you seemed rather annoyed at Blackmore for some reason! I can understand some fans being disappointed at him not appearing. But being so ‘annoyed’ to put it mildy, that is uncalled for in my book!
October 27th, 2013 at 21:12Regarding the Gary Moore rave, I just wish people would say in regards to The Loner when accusing Blackmore, or comparing the tune or whatever, to mention the original composer & not someone else who also copied it. It sort of looks like The Loner was a Gary Moore track only, when as we know it wasn’t. Sure he probably made it more ‘known’ & recorded his ‘version’ of it, but it is a Middleton tune & Clem Clempson was the guitarist that everyone copies with that melody! I never said Moore claimed it as his song, I am not confused at all with this tune. Maybe people should say something like, ‘Blackmore has ripped off the track The Loner with his tribute to Lord” or ” That instrumental ‘Carry On Jon’ sounds an aweful lot like that track from Cozy Powell’s ‘Over The Top’ album The Loner, the track Gary Moore also covered! Therefore there is no possible confusion. Cheers.
@64
O.K. dislike is fine.
October 27th, 2013 at 23:49Carol and Candice will not let go. Ritchie will stay at home practicing and playing the mandolin. Otherwise, very angry mom Carol will hit to bad kid in the tail
October 28th, 2013 at 03:35How sad to see turned Richie into a pathetic puppet!
Well what can you do, the relationship i guess is like a marriage and we all have read in the past and present when Ritchie left Deep Purple almost 30 years ago, what ever the differences were professionally wise, or on a personal level with any band member of Deep Purple & Rainbow, the one thing that will always remain is the “MUSIC”.
October 28th, 2013 at 03:59How many times have we read online or in a magazine the internal conflicts that were at a “breaking” point in various line ups of “Purple & “Rainbow”. As suggested above the body of music they left and with Ritchie happy doing his own projects, big deal. The chances of a reunion are a big fat zilch, “let the music do the talking”. Tracey are you ready for this great news just found out, details are a little “unknown” at the moment, i am hoping they will cover all 3 vocalists from “Rainbow” J.L.T. G.B, & R.J.D, The Rainbow Box Set will be released on the 11th February 2014,
entitled “Rainbow Singles Box Set” from Polydor records it will include 19 discs!!!! Feedback is welcomed!!! That’s all i can tell you at the moment!!!
@MacGregor: You´re correct. Gary Moore covered the riff.
BUT! The following interview mentioned on this homepage leaves a poor taste.
“Ritchie: We were snowed in, in that blizzard (on Feb. 8). The engineer and myself, the producer, we had nothing to do. I said, ‘I have an instrumental that I’ve vaguely finished. Do you want to try it?’
I wrote it on the spur of the moment. I had a very melancholy kind of tune. Then I started thinking about Jon. I thought maybe we should do an organ part at the end, as a tip of the hat to Jon. Pat Regan is an accomplished organist. We put the organ sound on, and off he went. I guided him on a few things, like riffs and how Jon played syncopation with his right hand.
So it was a throwaway idea that turned into something. It was something to Jon, a way of saying thanks for the years. It’s hard to talk about, when someone says, ‘What did you think of Jon?’ I’d rather play a tune. We wouldn’t have put it on if we hadn’t been snowed in. Maybe Jon caused the blizzard.”
For me, it is totaly different to Gary Moore. Mourning is a personal thing. Agreed. But why do he release a mostly copied song or important riff from Clem Cempson and dedicate it to Jon, don´t mention it and say that it was written for Jon? THIS is business. Blackmore mourns surely in a personal way. And that he don´t want to take part of a charity event (not a funeral) is okay, but sad. It would had been a good oportunity to take the bitterness and anger out of the scene. In case these things exists at all. We don´t know the feelings and personal contact. End of the discussion.
October 28th, 2013 at 09:58All!….I see great passion from many of you in this particular debate. As we see here, nothing Ritchie Blackmore does or doesn’t do, leaves anyone indifferent. He is an enigmatic character who evokes strong feelings with his music and his comportment. His decision not to attend the upcoming event is not surprising in the least. Some see it as unfortunate, others see it as ignorant, some others see it as disrespectful, and yet others see it as his own choice for whatever reason. Blackmore is his own man, always has been. That is unlikely to ever change. He will show up only if he feels like it. If he doesn’t, don’t be surprised. If he does, don’t be surprised. Anything is possible, nothing is impossible, but with him everything is highly unlikely but not necessarily impossible. Wait and see!
October 28th, 2013 at 15:21OK MacGregor, I will go ahead and rephrase my statement just for you….
Ritchie Blackmore misled his fans when he stated he was inspired and composed the song ‘Carry On Jon’. He actually stole the song ‘The Loner’ by Max Middleton which originally was played by Clem Clemson on the Cozy Powell album ‘Over the Top’, later to be covered by Gary Moore on his album ‘Wild Frontier’ (giving full credit to the original composer). Gary’s version far exceeded the original though due to his heartfelt expression which exuded from it. Especially ‘live’, and would be much more suited as a tribute to the ‘Uncommon Man’ than the typical all ‘too common’ Blackmore riff-off. Clear enough?
Ironically on that note, Deep Purple’s first and biggest hit while Blackmore was the ‘leader’ was HUSH. Most folks probably think he wrote and composed that too. He would more than likely allow you to believe that. Carry On Ritchie…..
Now to get back to my being ‘annoyed’ as you put it… Hell Yeah I’m annoyed. He fakes a song for his dead compadre, and then he doesn’t make any effort towards contributing something to his Tribute Concert Celebration. Sorry bro, but it hit a nerve. The ‘Man’ in Black? Nah, more like The ‘Weasel’ in Tights. Anybody whom hides behind the cop-out term ‘anybody can mourn how they please’ is an insult to decency and has his same character short coming. There are things one just has to do. It’s called being an adult and being responsible. I just can’t imagine of all people to not take part. He and Jon Lord were the battling duo on stage that made Purple what it was and of course gave them each a well known name. Forget waiting to be invited. He should have been the first to volunteer. How can there be a conscience in that head under that pointy little hat? The answer is simple….
!Ch-BeerZ?
October 28th, 2013 at 15:38Amusing to see how much reactions The Man again generates.
October 28th, 2013 at 19:22Yes priest, and most of it BAD…. Same as when his ‘Hair Club for Men’ boy opens his mouth…(you know who I mean)
October 29th, 2013 at 00:06People can say and think what they will regarding the concert and if Blackmore will attend or not. I just think that people shouldn’t judge a man and call him things when none (I assume) of you know the man personally. Maybe he isn”t welcome to the concert in the first place. Who are we to know the politics behind all this?
And regarding the song dedicated to Jon. What’s the problem here really?
So, he borrowed a thing or two from an old tune, big deal!
Haven’t seen many people complaining about Black Night, Speed King and Lazy just to name a few..
Please keep the comments coming, This is the best topic for a long long time 🙂
October 29th, 2013 at 05:44Tracy @ 79 – Just for anyone who thinks The Loner is from someone else.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrxYisrICKI
Each to their own as to which version they like the best, but really Moore’s version with its electric drums & cheesy keyboards (it was the 80’s after all) is ok, but not that great! Gary Moore did cover some good songs very well indeed, Shape Of Things, Wishing Well, Friday On My Mind, they are really good versions.
The Blackmore comment regarding the song Hush is lame indeed! Many people are familiar with the hit song Hush & no doubt there are people who presume it is a Deep Purple composition, but NOT a Blackmore one! Poor Blackers, being singled out always it seems!
October 29th, 2013 at 07:49What a sad career he has had. If only he had done things different & wasn’t the character that he is. Hang on, there would be NO Deep Purple Or Rainbow! Sheesh, imagine that! It would be good if someone could ask Blackmore if he has ever heard The Loner, previous to his ‘version’, & if he replied with a truthful answer, it would be very interesting indeed! Cheers.
Ritchie has always been in the thrall of strong willed women.It seems when he doesn’t have control of a situation he relinquishes it to this kind of woman (no pun intended).But lets face it he has nothing to prove to anyone , he is still possibly the best ( rock ) guitarist that’s trod the boards and unlike many other so called legends who rest on their laurels and remaster their back catalogue every given chance ( JP ) Ritchie is still out there touring and writing pretty good material . Most of us have been around listening to him for decades , since 1974 myself , I just wish he would sometimes remember who the fans are and what we might like not what the mother in law says. But saying that does Ritchie find out about any of the solo requests that he gets ?………….
October 29th, 2013 at 09:27I know this is a forum but I dont really ‘get’ the apparent resentment towards Ritchie. It seems anything he does / doesn’t do attracts mainly negative comments about him/his music and his character. Maybe if people look at their own personality and behaviour first before making comments about someone they dont even know
October 29th, 2013 at 10:33@76
The info on the box set is very interesting but I would prefer the remaining remastered albums to be releasd…..only been waiting since Sept 2009 after all.
Back to this thread. We all know Ritchie will not attend. His has his reasons which I respect as should we all. There is no right or wrong about this, simply a personal choice.
Alan.
October 29th, 2013 at 14:47I read somewhere RB is getting on better these days with David Coverdale. They should do a couple of numbers together. No need then to share the stage with Gillan.
October 29th, 2013 at 16:13Right back atcha MacGregor…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdfKhHUnUAU
NO COMPARISON!
The Gary Moore version you refer to isn’t the one that matters (though I still have to state it too is a better version than the Clem Clempson version on Over the Top). There are 2 studio versions. The extended version isn’t done the way you describe. Yes, even with ‘Empty Rooms’ he had a ‘cheesy electronic version’. That was the 80’s. He tried it all. But his live playing and true studio band recordings set it all straight. Say what you will, his version of ‘The Loner’ is by far above what anybody else has done. Plus, he called it..’The Loner’. He didn’t steal it. He gave credit where it was due. Ritchie on the other hand stole it, renamed it and called it his own. Not just a few notes. The whole friggin’ song. That in itself is shitty. But to compound it by also stating he composed it due to being inspired by JON’s passing??? Sorry boys, but you can drink all the Blackmore Kool-aid you want, but it will always taste bitter in the end if you are honest. Like Listerine. Nice and fresh at first, but after you swish it around a little and get the whole effect…..YUCK! You have to spit it out! I Love his guitar work. I Always will. He is a great historical player and showman. With out a doubt, one of the best on the planet. That is what it’s all about. Musicianship. The man who holds the guitar is the problem. As with JLT. Stop speaking. Shut up and Sing or Play. That’s who we love. The Player/Singer. Not the spokesmen. Some can do both. Not these two. When they step out of their talent zone and utter words of stupidity, their human factor overtakes their reason we enjoy them. In a nutshell, “Their Alligator Mouth overloads their Hummingbird Asshole”. And then sometimes their public display is also a problem. Such as this issue regarding his concerns with the Jon Lord Tribute. Really? His Mother-in-Law/Manager has to put out a ‘notice to all’ that Ritchie isn’t participating???? Clearly Quite Absurd!!!!!
Man in Black? Man in Tights? ‘Old Man in a Diaper’ is more suited. And the Diaper changer is in charge. Sad really. I’m pretty sure JON LORD was worthy of a little more effort from your part Mr. Plagiarizer/No Show.
Ritchie Blackmore, my second favorite guitarist (next to Gary Moore). Yet not in the least even close to being my favorite human being. It’s an integrity issue. He lacks it.
Oh and I’m not a ‘hater’. Just Keepin’ it Real. As the song title on the Slave’s and Masters album reads…. ‘Truth Hurts’.
!Ch-BeerZ?
October 30th, 2013 at 01:16Have to laugh at the perceived nicking of riff thing credited to Ritchie and knocked by the Blackmore haters here, didn’t Jon nick the keyboard intro to Child in Time from Bombay Calling and freely admitted to it !!!!!
And for Tracy you say first hit when Blackmore was “leader” was Hush, when band started Jon was seen as group leader and spokesman .
Jon and Ritchie kept in touch the old fashioned way by letter, I remember Jon saying in interview and further went on to say they met occasionally for dinner alternating between paying for meal or wine. There was obviously still friendship there and the warm way Ritchie spoke of Jon on radio after his passing proved that. This is a charity event coming up to remember Jon not to mourn him, Ritchie will not attend and that is his choice so please respect it.
The only slightly critical thing is I thought the wording of his managements announcement was a little remote.
October 30th, 2013 at 13:07Ritchie who ???????
October 30th, 2013 at 13:19John @ 89 – excellent comments indeed regarding the Lord & Blackmore relationship & also The ‘Hush’ comment as well.
October 31st, 2013 at 05:58I know I am repeating myself here again but, I will add to those very real comments with the interview with Jon Lord not that long ago. In that interview he was determined to record with Blackmore again ‘before I shake off this mortal coil” I think were his words.
Massive respect & friendship there, oh what a shame indeed for that recording to never happen! RIP the maestro Lord, the ONLY Lord! Cheers.
Tracy @ 88 – Each to their own as myself & others say. Gary Moore is a very good guitar player & I have his early 80’s material & other things he has recorded in his early career. But really, there is not a lot of warmth in any of his ‘Loner’ versions, any warmth that is there is in the tune already. Gary Moore knows where the notes are that matter is quality guitar playing, that is why I admire him as a fine player indeed!
But Clem Clempson has the Les Paul humming, with Cozy on drums, Jack Bruce on bass & Max Middleton on keys. Forget the ‘other’ versions by other players, there ok, but not in the same league to my ears!
Regarding the ‘truth’ comments you state, they may stand up in a ‘kangaroo court’ as they were known here in Oz, or even in some of the courts over in the US in years gone by & even The Inquisition courts, but they would never last in the real world of ‘truths’, but they may in ‘fiction’!
We have been here before with this rave & there is no need for me to repeat my statements again. I forget what comments section they are in, but the moderator here may cringe if I ask for a link to that section, just so we can annoy any one who wants to be bored reading any of it!
No good ranting about Blackmore unless you can actually ‘prove’ it. A few notes here & there do not make the tune.
As for ‘the man who holds the guitar is the problem’ comment, that is who you have supported financially over the years by purchasing music that he is connected with & attending concerts etc! Does that ‘hurt’? I would believe it may do, as you seem really annoyed by that man!
I don’t recall Blackmore doing a lot of speaking over the years & please don’t mention him in the same sentence as JLT regarding the supposed mouthing off. Blackmore has always talked with his music, unlike Turner!
As I stated earlier, Jon Lord & Ritchie Blackmore have known each other for eons! You & others who attempt to judge & criticise Blackmore’s respect to Lord is actually WHAT is very disrespectful, comical & embarrassing!
October 31st, 2013 at 07:25You can rant all you like about that, but you KNOW that you don’t KNOW anything about those two individuals & their respect & friendship for each other!
As for his ‘mother-in-law/manager’ issuing a statement, I cannot get my head around the idea that some people have a problem with that? It would have been released to stomp on any rumours or the like that would be circulating up until that time, about Blackmore being at the tribute/memorial concert! That is all it is, there isn’t anything else in that press release or whatever you want to call it! It is not disrespectful at all!
Where can I get some of the Blackmore Kool Aid from? I need some & I need it NOW! Cheers.
Well Chris ,Ritchie may be getting on well with David Coverdale but why would Ritchie want to share a stage with him again?. His voice is knackered and there is always the chance DC might suggest Gleenn Hughes as a bass player, the guy who will play with anyone to satisfy his ego. , I,m disappointed he wont be at The Albert Hall but as I said previously did he get the message ? , was he asked ?. But if he did turn up I,d like to see him play with someone who can still sing and do justice to Ronnie James Dio,s Rainbow era songs …………………Doogie White
October 31st, 2013 at 08:37Tracy @ 88 ( and others)
You appear to be quite venomous in you comments which is sad. Ritchie and Jon were quite good friends and I’m sure Jon would have fully understood Ritchie’s reasons for not attending. If he did attend and there was an unpleasant scene are the type who would have then criticised him for attending ?
John @ 89
Well said
October 31st, 2013 at 13:28Great news though in regards to Rainbow, on the 25th November “The Singles Box Set 1975-1986 will
October 31st, 2013 at 22:34be ready to order a huge 19cd singles box set!!!!!
MacGregor and others whom support his side….
You’ve actually made my point for me. The fact that as you state: Jon and Ritchie’s relationship goes way back and that they remained good friends through the thick and thin up until Jon’s death and stayed in touch is precisely why I am so ramped up. One expects to be ditched by an acquaintance or a stranger. That doesn’t hurt near as much as when a family member or true friend ditches you. It’s common sense really. The facts that as you yourself state, that they were such respective close friends is the issue to how preposterous it is for Ritchie not to be banging the door down of the event organizers in order to be a part of this charity event and play his ‘heart felt song homage to Jon’. You say Jon would understand. I believe you are correct there. One thing for sure is that Jon Lord was full aware of Ritchie’s lack of regard for others. He may understand, but I’ll bet ‘the Cut Runs Deep’. And as for Gary Moore’s versions of ‘The Loner’ not being played with warmth, and you actually listened to the version posted, it’s quite evident that there is more to this issue than just ‘Blackmore Kool-aid’.
!Ch-BeerZ?
November 1st, 2013 at 00:27I know it is difficult to understand but…………
3 years ago my father died.
We had a difficult relationship and I did not attend his funeral.
WHY?
I did not have the lust to be confronted with people I hated, people that also would be there.
It is not black & white or strange.
Before my father died we met several times, something most of the people that went to the funeral did not.
My sister held a speech but my father was very sad about her because she almost never came to visit him before he died.
And when she did she was often a bitch, as she used to act as long as I can remember.
Towards others she was the shiny, outgoing, smiling etc person, but not towards my Dad and me.
Sp please, dont think you know how to judge people you never see on a daily basis, etc.
November 12th, 2013 at 16:45PP@ 97;
Sorry to read your story regarding your Father’s passing and what it encompassed. I too have a similar situation regarding my elderly mother whenever she passes. But I will be there and face the drama. As heart felt as it is, it doesn’t relate to the Blackmore/Lord issue. These are professional musicians with a LOOONG history of historic levels. Both virtuosos of their own craft on an equal level. Both, whom without each other more than likely wouldn’t have reached the level of notoriety they achieved. There would be no confrontations of hate as that you were expecting. That is the difference between bitter feelings in family history compared to professional musician families. Their family values are more like a fraternal membership than a blood relationship. All would have been joyous emotionally bonding, whereas the festering past of blood family seems to be at its worst during funeral celebrations…..
Ritchie should attend and the song he wrote for his fallen comrade should have been original. Sorry, it just is what it is…
!Ch-BeerZ?
November 13th, 2013 at 04:04I suggested a comparison because I went to see my dad several times just before he died.
So did Ritchie with Jon.
It is a personal choice and right to act differently in these matters, IMHO.
Ofcourse many Ritchie fans would love to see the man come on stage at the mentioned festival but I dont think Jon feels less if he stays at home 🙂
November 14th, 2013 at 12:11I get the impression that a lot of us think Ritchie does not have feelings that can be hurt.
Whatever the image and the behaviour, the man has made music with buckets full of feel.
I think it s not unimaginable that he does not like to go back into whatever nostalgiatrip because he still HURTS.
November 23rd, 2013 at 13:20@101′
You may have playing with ‘feeling’ and playing with ‘expression’ confused. I wouldn’t describe TMIB’s playing as one of deep feeling, though I do believe he truly expresses his style and ability in a manor that gives it his own signature. As with the late Jimi Hendrix. Amazing and totally recognizably attached to the individual. They are so good at what they do that their fluidity and almost effortless ability to project through their fingers is why they are so iconic. As with any extremely talented person in any field. I’ll go out on a limb here and relate it to a well known singer by the name of ‘Steve Perry’. He holds such an amazing ability to sing at such high levels and does so with absolutely no effort. Truly a voice of purity and totally recognizable. Very few singers can do what he did. What it amounts to though is that it is his natural range and voice. He didn’t train for it. It’s not like he developed a voice of type that he thought would make Journey such a good band. It was his voice period and Journey was lucky to be the band that he wound up being a part of. He ‘expresses’ himself effortlessly through the talent of his given voice. The late Gary Moore on the other hand definitely exuded ‘feeling’ in his playing which is what lead him to the direction of the Blues in his later days… Great bluesmen play with feeling, and there are few bluesmen that play or played with more feeling than Gary Moore. BB King and Albert King both expressed that about him.
!Ch-BeerZ?
November 29th, 2013 at 15:16Tracy @ 102- purplepriest1965 @ 101 has it correct with Blackmore’s feeling in his playing. I think you need to let go of the anti Blackmore (possibly brought on by The Loner/Carry On Jon) thing! I actually am rather surprised at your comment there actually. TMIB is one of the masters of very melodic ‘deep’ feeling in his guitar soloing. How many times have I heard other rock music fans mention Blackmore as one of the most incredible lead players ever in rock or blues music. Even people who are not into Deep Purple or Rainbow that have heard enough of it over the decades, comment about his wonderful lead playing & his ability to hit ‘those’ notes. Feeling & expression is a fine line no doubt for some people, some would say it is the same thing & it very well may be!
November 30th, 2013 at 09:02Jimi Hendrix had incredible feeling in his lead playing, the Band Of Gypsys album side one track 1 Who Knows & track 2 Machine Gun say enough!
David Gilmour is the supreme ‘feel’ player, Robin Trower is another, Blackmore of course, Gary Moore also as you mentioned. Gary Moore was playing the blues feel in his music well before he did the ‘blues’ albums in the early 90’s. They are all blues players from their early playing days.
The list goes on & I could mention other great ‘feel’ players, but you will notice that it is the white British or Irish ‘blues’ players that have mastered it big time! Rory Gallagher is another classic ‘feel’ player, all these guys were influenced by the original blues players, 2 of which you mentioned. The original Black blues players have the blues feel no doubt, but they don’t push it to the levels of the players I have mentioned. This is where the crossover of blues & Rock comes into it!
The Rock/Blues players have the gear to take it to another level, the guitar & the amp setup to really soar to a sonic level never attained by the original blues players to my ears & many others I know! Cheers.
103:
Yes obviously there is some feeling in TMIB’s playing. And yes many folks praise his playing (myself included). His guitar work was my first attraction to Deep Purple. That doesn’t mean he plays mainly with feeling. The ability to have the fluidity, ear and dexterity that he has are quite a combination for an individual to develop the signature sound as he has. His ability to express himself works hand in hand with those attributes. Those older Bluesmen may not have the Blues/shred thing going, but they know a fellow true player whom plays with ‘feel’ more than just ability when they see one.
!Ch-BeerZ?
December 2nd, 2013 at 03:31Obviously I meant my last entry for 102…..
December 3rd, 2013 at 03:15This is very disappointing 🙁
I’m not naive enough to expect Ritchie to jump on stage with Ian and the gang (and I dont think Ritchie is being disrespectful) but Jon and Ritchie were such an important part of each other’s music for so many years that its sad that we wont get to hear a salute to the hammond-strat axis that made live musical magic. Miss you Jon!
December 18th, 2013 at 17:09