Ritchie Blackmore says Deep Purple reunion “could be the last time we see each other”

The recent Deep Purple reunion could be the “last time” the bandmates ever see each other, according to Ritchie Blackmore. The founding guitarist of the London rock band joined them on stage last week for the first time in 33 years. Blackmore assisted on a rendition of the group’s 1972 classic song, ‘Smoke On The Water’, at the gig in Wantagh, New York. He has since spoken about the experience in an interview with Guitar Player. “It was very moving because I went on very quickly and had to play immediately. I couldn’t warm up, but I wasn’t there to be playing correct notes,” the musician recalled. “I was there to see old friends I hadn’t seen in 40 years and we’re all getting older. I think we realised it could be the last time we see each other, maybe.” Earlier in the conversation, Blackmore explained: “I woke up one morning thinking, the day before their show [thinking], ‘You know it would be good for the fans if I just got up for one song, probably ‘Smoke’ and just show that were not at each other’s throats and don’t hate each other’.” He then spoke further about the “very emotional” reunion with his fellow classic members Ian Gillan, Ian Paice and Roger Glover, admitting that i...