Ritchie Blackmore meeting Eric Clapton in 1968

[@michaelolz]

He’s one of the most exciting guitarists ever. Very experimental. I love that.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

Candice, all fans are very grateful that you pulled Ritchie in front of the camera. He may like the attention or not, he ís one of the most important guitarists ever. Plus he has truckloads of interesting stories to tell. On top of that he's brutally honest about himself as well. He can be sure that lots of people are listening. There is a website collecting his interviews. In short: Ritchie is an important source for rock history.

[@VidNar]

Well said…!👏

[@Jack-ur4in]

Totally in agreement my friend !🤘

[@giovannicampanaro7165]

Have to admit saw David Coverdale/Hughs era in Watkins Glen ,NY & they were in a dive bar around there all laughing and joking & Ritchie was by himself shitfaced I said hi to the others then split the scene

[@panosxaitagian5817]

INDEED !!!!

[@aaabraxas1]

I think so❤

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

The world is full of awesome guitarists, and Blackmore is one of them..

[@ranjitverdi5702]

Including Mr Tommy Bolin 🙏

[@guillermo3564]

​@@ranjitverdi5702 My deepest respect to anyone who mentions Tommy Bolin. His loss was such a f*cking shame and sadly, there are countless people the world over who have no idea exactly how devastating to music that really was. He had the ability to do anything that he wanted, but, because people are stupid cowards, they let him die. I'll never forget that day.

[@ravenbonanza1522]

Almost 70% of them are from the UK

[@viggogrendahl1]

The world is full of great painters and Rembrandt is one of them :))))))

[@padovaniroland]

@@ranjitverdi5702 Including the great Paul Kossoff more better than Clapton.

[@markbro4427]

I could listen to Ritchie's stories all day.😊

[@paolacolavecchi7423]

Thank you Ritchie Blackmore my favorite guitarrist ❤❤❤

[@jeremywanner4526]

Richie plays some of the best solos ive ever heard

[@sercastamere9853]

"A Light In the Black" and "Stargazer" are as good as it gets. The man is a legend

[@athenianheretic3395]

Ritchie Blackmore is far beyond of a great guitarist, He is and always was a first class composer, and song writer as well as performer. His career is paved with amazing pieces of art and innovation never to be forgotten. As with Jeff Beck these gentlemen are on a class of their own.

[@RandyFricke]

For my money Ritchie was the best of all of the British guys. Nuff said.

[@peterhodgkins6985]

"I forgot to hit record..." ;) She's got a wicked sense of humor!

[@ThinPicks]

She probably got that from Ritchie!😃

[@onsesejoo2605]

Please search for "Lemmy on Rithcie Blackmore". To avoid spoiling I just say it is hilarious !

[@winslowredcross2835]

Ritchie is such an amazing guitarist. Great Clapton story!! Thank you Ritchie!! Thank you Candice!!

[@rolandconnor575]

I met Ritchie a couple of times in 1978, thanks to a long time friendship with Black Sabbath's personnel director, Mark Forster, who knew Rainbow's management. The second time I saw Ritchie (in Nashville) he said he "remembered the face". I wrote a manuscript about it in 1987 and soon after gave part of it to Colin Hart (in St. Louis) to show Ritchie how his unique talents affected my life. In the late 90s, I also sent Candice's Mom a copy of this chapter. I am almost 70 now. It would be so wonderful to say thank you in person one last time. Until then, thank you Sir. Pat Renau

[@Floridafisherman5000]

I met Ritchie too.... It was in the early 80s during the Rainbow years....Ritchie was very nice and signed the first Rainbow album for me in the inside cover. Still have the album and framed it on my wall. Regardless of what the media used to say about him, he was a nice man.... at least to me. 😊

[@simpleman5688]

@@Floridafisherman5000cheers 🎸

[@ommama9723]

aspetta e..spera....

[@Matt-dj4cb]

The drummer from rainbow was maliciously and mistakenly killed in Ithaca NY.He was house-sitting 2 doors down from me.the owner of the house was arrested in Fla.for cocaine.the killer thot the drummer was the owner of house.Tragic.I didn't know who he was until it made the news

[@rolandconnor575]

@@Matt-dj4cb Which drummer? It wasn't Cozy Powell, he died in a car crash. I will google it.

[@carlhaydock1787]

Ritchie, we could listen to you for hours

[@rbnum1fan]

I love Ritchie’s smile, it’s so genuine and he lights up when he smiles

[@paulcooper-n2v]

As ritchie once said in an interview don't get too used to it tho.

[@MarioMaccaferriRules]

Yeah :D like, once every decade :D

[@mdtaxbadger]

Thank you for getting him to do these series of telling storys for us fans Candice! That's a very very nice gift for all the fans around the world! Thank you so much for that!

[@delorangeade]

It's good to have Ritchie's memories on the record.

[@tomwright7418]

Big Jim Sullivan as your guitar teacher from up the road when you’re a kid. What a massive leg up. That’s a true revelation on how Blackmore got so good.

[@johncarlo7395]

So what area was that, because Big Jim lived in Billingshurst near me before he died, I'd often see him about and have a little chat, an absolute Gentleman.

[@PeterFrayne-o4n]

Lovely smile from Ritchie right at the end even though smiling ain’t his thing.

[@kenchristie9214]

I have Ritchie's studio sessions on CD. He is smiling in almost all of the photos.

[@MezzMcGillicuddy1]

A smile on Ritchie is like a mustache on the Mona Lisa! 😂

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Mr. Richard Hugh Blackmore ♈️ Thank You For The Music 🎸🌈🎼 Regards From Norway 🇳🇴

[@christanhartley434]

Thanks Ritchie, for the story, and for the decades of absolutely brilliant playing and bringing us some of the best music of all time.

[@lilizambrano2430]

I respect his choice and the style in which he chooses to deliver his stories, I also really enjoy seeing and listening to him tell them.

[@cmonsterz]

Absolutely great stories! It’s fantastic to listen to Ritchie. Nearly five decades of having Ritchie’s music in my life!

[@chevy4x466]

Due to his responsibilities as band director, he has had to make some tough business decisions for the good of his company. It is clear to see that people and friendships mean more to him than most will ever know. He seems like the type of dude u can trust with ur privacy as well.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

nontalent

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

I love Blackmores Gothic Medieval style and how hes managed to keep the same all these years , Hes a legend and a national treasure to the UK and EU Thank you Blackmore for all the good memories , From someone who was inspired by your guitar work and plays guitar myself God bless you mate.

[@adrianshingler9783]

As a guitarist that was (and still am) inspired by Ritchie in a very big way I second this. A great time to be alive and grow up with his style, technique and tone as a major influence in my life, a true legend 👏👏👍🎸🎶❤️

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

@@adrianshingler9783 yeah 👍 I saw Blackmore when I was 7 years old my late dad was a huge fan of MK2 DP and forced me to go to the NEC Arena gig in 93 I'm glad I went as I witnessed supernatural forces in Blackmore his playing was amazing and his temper was funny , threw a glass of water 🌊 at a camera man it misses and water went all over Ian Gillans wife 😱 whoops , I can't get that out of my head it was crazy 🤣 but the Solo he did that night for Songs like Battle Rages ok , Anya , Child on Time Smoke on the water etc were amazing , There's just something about Ritchie he has it all 🫡

[@Katsem]

Great stories! Richie, you are my favorite guitar player. In my mind, you are the best, not only because of how you play, but also because of what you have composed.

[@JohnFiocchi]

A really funny story about Eric Clapton told by the great Ritchie Blackmore and the story about the guitar strings which Clapton used was rather interesting. I remember hearing Ritchie Blackmore's guitar playing on HUSH when I was a kid and my father was teaching me guitar. His technique was superb . He sounded skilled and he had finesse. As a teenager several guitar players around me , ( New Jersey & Philadelphia), wanted to play like Ritchie Blackmore. In 1976 when I began playing the Rock circuit guitar players acted like they were overwhelmed by him. It seemed like guitar players wanted to be like him! They wanted to dress in black and they struggled to learn his solos! He was a huge inspiration to young guitar players in America. He became legendary! I recall that I liked Paul Kossoff a lot and I recall Ritchie Blackmore stating that he was a good guitarist....years and years ago in Rock magazines. Ritchie Blackmore was very impressionable to young musicians in the U.S. He was really important to the youth. The way he incorporated a Classical influence into Rock was amazing and many guitar players I knew had to practice for hours to even get close to sounding like him. It was a serious situation and kids took him very seriously and devoted their time to his legacy

[@SG-qg3qv]

These stories are pure gold! Please more.

[@marketingmark9992]

Keep pushing Candice, there are millions of people worldwide who are dying to hear Ritchie's story and time is of the essence

[@markgowans]

Yes i would love to read a book penned by Ritchie

[@Scott-ki2ik]

Ritchie needs to continue his dialogue with his long time fans. We who appreciate the genius he is and the memories of enjoying his music. NO one compares to him as far as the type of music he has created in his life. None of these other guitarists comes close to his versatility and talent. When he first came out with the first Rainbow album I thought that album should have earned him a Grammy award for the most inniovative rock album produced during that time. I met him and spent about 2 hours with my best friend after a rainbow concert in Chicago when I was 18 years old. He was such an interesting soft spoken and kind person to us and not at all like what the press made him out to be. I adored him and always will.

[@partickaljamested5146]

I served you a tuna salad bagel at the Quiet corner cafe in Port Jefferson in around 1999. A privilege. You are still one of the absolute greats musically and a fascinating individual who never sold out.

[@jjohnson8977]

Any green pepper in the tuna salad? That gives it great taste and crunch too

[@Scott-ki2ik]

RITCHIE never ever ever settled for the status quo. Always something new and exciting.

[@georgis_gtx]

My idol Ritchie!!! 🎶🎸❤️

[@PaulSteinmayer]

So wonderful to hear these stories from Sir Blackmore! Ritchie has been my favorite guitarist since I was a mere 12 years old... and has always been my greatest inspiration as a guitarist and musician. Although I'll never be as good a guitarist as Ritchie, I try to follow his example and be unique and original! Thank you so much for your stories and your gift of incredible music!!!

[@33ritchie]

I really like Ritchie's smile. So happy to see you smile.

[@andrewmason7392]

Wonderful to hear all these amazing stories! It’s not the stuff of legend, it is legend !!

[@Digibeatle09]

Great to hear Ritchie recounting these types of experience - keep them coming !

[@deathound98]

love your stories Ritchie!!!

[@mikejuchem9639]

Love this !! Thank you Ritchie and Candice! All these stories can be weaved together into an autobiography. Many musicians have done it with a writer assisting them. Please Do it Ritchie. This history needs to be documented for all those who like you and discover your music in the future.

[@martynmurfitt-wrather7555]

Well done for getting this much Candice - we know that Ritchie is the quiet one who always undersells himself, so these precious minutes are pure gold!

[@CB-xr1eg]

It's Candice*

[@frankorobinson1540]

As a child and teenager mr blackmore is one of my guitar heroes, I am a hobby guitarist 59 now started playing about 2 years ago and really enjoyed playing with the purple music 🎵 from the beginnings to the later 80s he definitely has a tone and sound that is top tear amongst the rock gods and yes richie admit it or not you are a rock God 💜 they way he changes singers yet he himself is still true to his roots with the attitude and attack he has on the instrument is truly amazing he just has a way of navigating that fretboard with precision something you don't really hear anymore maybe I am stuck in that mid 60s to very early 90s 🎸 rock n roll 😉 sound love my analog music 🎶 theres not much new stuff that really enlightens the ear anymore these guys from that period were pioneers and I greatly respect them for there contributions to music 😊

[@upyours574]

I got to see him many times with Purple and Rainbow, but the Burn tour was the best for me. I think it was my 3rd concert ever. I can still remember today the power, drama, intensity, and amazing sound coming off of that stage, opening with Burn... damn!The whole band was on fire, pun intended. The only other bands to leave that kind of impression on my 14 yr old brain were the mighty Zeppelin, Queen, and Black Sabbath. It's nice to see that ritchie has mellowed with age. Rock on!

[@RichieRichRangers]

Candice, tell Richie that WE ARE HERE! Keep the stories coming. Thank you

[@PedroGarcia-oz7ci]

This was very funny and I'd love to hear some more stories.

[@johnbarleycorn4592]

The king of speed guitaring with Highway Star. Salute.

[@Fuxerz]

Thank you, Ritchie Blackmore

[@SifuDeanMc]

Hey Ritchie and Candice, thanks for taking the time to do this. I am sure many people would love to hear more stories, I certainly do. Thinking about it, I personally think a little acoustic collaboration with you and Eric would be a huge success, two guitar giants, well I can dream can't I 😂

[@andrewbecker3700]

The ambience in the parlor is quaint, and the Hofbrau is the perfect touch. A most excellent selection. Bless you both. Don't stop telling the stories. They will never get old. Peace.

[@argsigil7208]

Thank you Candice for getting Ritchie to tell us these Great stories they mean so much to us, his Fans !. More please !

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

Over 90,000 people give or take watched this one as of Sept. 1 2024. Successful proof of concept. Ritchie, tell us more

[@alessandroneri8929]

WOW! Just amazing to see and hear From the God himself. Mr. Blackmore is at least for me the number 1. My favorite guitar player. Always has been. Since I was Just 10 Years old and listened to Burn from Made in Europe for the First time. Blackmore is God. Candice, Thank you Very Very much.

[@charalamposantypas953]

Thank you Mr Blackmore for your great music!!!!!!!.....you are the best guitar player in Earth......great job Candice!!!!!!! you are Divine👌👌👌

[@leehambleton9919]

Ritchie is iconic thank you for the music

[@metalheadbill]

We're listening Ritchie, looking forward to more!

[@robertshanks3674]

Love the Ritchie's prank'em stories

[@ГеннадийГвоздев-т2я]

Уважаемый сэр Ричи! Пишу я Вам из России. Мы внимательно следим за Вашем творчеством. Нам нравится то, что творите в музыкальнлм мире. Спасибо Вам за открытость, прямолинейность, трудолюбие, настойчивость в достижениии своей цели. Однозначно Вы вошли в историю музыкального искусства. Для нас русских Вы являетесь гением музыки. У меня 10 летняя дочь стала Вашей фанаткой. Жаль, конечно, что мы не попали на концерт Rainbow и не услышали в живую Ваше выступление, а также не получили автограф. Хочу чтобы Вы прожили очень долго и порадовали своим мастерством в музыкальном мире. Спасибо огромное. 9:35

[@markgowans]

Its amazing to think they've been together 35 years

[@dennisluchesi]

They, Ritchie and Candice, are meant to be together!

[@MattiasKroon]

I like how they value that.A bit of a strong character.

[@dennisluchesi]

Agreed 100%!

[@eivindgjengstjohansen9625]

A child born in 2010

[@12OLDROCKER]

What incredible stories. So interesting hearing about Ritchie & Eric’s first meeting. Wonderful mutual respect & friendship for many decades 🙏 Thanks for convincing Ritchie to share his recollections Candice🙏

[@electrolytics]

Yes we are here listening. And thank you very much!

[@Joseph-j5x]

Cheers Ritchie ! Great story. I love the Marshalls in the hotel story. Laughed 😝. Please share more of these. Thank you Candice for egging him on. 😊

[@hachirouchiyama2093]

Thank you, Ritchie, for sharing!

[@jeffsilverman6104]

I love knowing the back-stories of my favorite music, and Ritchie has the best. He's an iconic musician and personality of my generation.

[@Chris-yv2hi]

I am a guitarist. In the 70s, when I was a young boy, I learned to play the guitar and developed with Ritchie's guitar playing technique. I would go to sleep and wake up with his name. Danke dir Ritchie. Gottes Segen dir. Bleib gesund. ❤

[@rodrigoneves135]

I would love to hear more of Ritchie's stories!

[@stevo7730]

I was surprised to hear RB asking EC about how he gets his sound, to me Blackers pulls the best sound out of a strat I've ever heard ....... untouchable

[@markbrady8146]

Loving these reminesces by Ritchie

[@charleschezhyan2498]

Awesome memory. Thank you for sharing these stories and setting things clear about your relationship with Eric ❤

[@giorgiorinaldi3535]

It would be great if Eric reciprocated and said something nice about Ritchie, but that will never happen.

[@EASYGUITARR]

RITCHIE MADE ME A MUSICIAN. AND A VERY HAPPY MAN. MORE MORE MORE.......!!!!

[@tomycortes1]

Thank you for sharing this. Please more stories!!! Ritchie and Eric are my big ones for me (and a couple more) but is great to know this!

[@roxammon5858]

Ritchie and I have a mutual friend here in Poole, who we call Uncle Bob. Bob comes to the blues jams at the Nelson pub on Poole quay. He often relates stories of the early days with Ritchie and others. It would be brilliant to see Ritchie turn up for a blues jam with all us old hacks !

[@BanalayerPete1972]

That's funny. We lived in rural North Dorset from '73 to '79, and there was (is) a great treehouse, called Uncle Bob's, in an oak - a pretty comfortable place to sit and even sleep! Uncle Bob was the guy who'd built the treehouse, but I never met him. Could be the same guy! 🙂🙃

[@daytripper6975]

Wonderful story, Mr. Blackmore thank you I have a fond memory of seeing you in San Bernardino at the Swing auditorium with Rainbow “78 or “79 and you having a lil moment with your Sunburst Strat I believe it went up over the stage lighting I still have a nice chunk of it, this may have been your triumphant return to San Bernardino County 😊

[@jamesmarquis-n7u]

I’ve been a huge fan of Deep Purple since the very early 1970’s, to hear these personal, private memories from Ritchie Blackmore are truly priceless! I will definitely be keeping a lookout for any more. Thank you Mr B.

[@miguelricardo1028]

Great stories of a lifetime! 😉👌Thank you Ritchie! 🙌🏻😁

[@mysterychannel5954]

Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and your guitar playing were the essence of my youth. Thank you, Mr. Ritchie Blackmore !? With gratitude from Japan...

[@ranjitverdi5702]

@@mysterychannel5954 class!👍

[@trento777]

I listen. 57, and since I was 16 and decided to pick up the guitar because of... yeah.

[@markbirchette8740]

Awesome share, Ritchie! Thanks ever so much. A book of memoirs would be incredible, but I get you not wanting to, as I'm very private myself. My son and friends have been after me to do a book for decades.

[@guitarandblanket]

That was great, we are waiting for more.

[@TSM-908]

Ritchie Blackmore, I once helped a roadie back in the early 1970’s who fell off the back of my motorcycle and did his ankle in. He was drunk and unhappy as he said as a roadie he would lose his job. I had just arrived in the Uk from Rhodesia as a draft dodger. So I filled in for him for a few weeks. I believe DP were rehearsing for a proposed EU tour that never happened. Anyway the soundboard engineer was setting up levels and ask me to pluck a guitar string, I stupidly played a bad smoke on the water riff and Mr Blackmore (potential a little hungover from the previous night’s session), said I was the worst guitarist he’d ever heard. I was a huge DP fan and Rainbow fan and Blackmore’s Night fan. I’m now 68 years old and never played guitar well but ended up as a Computer Scientist and had 2 sons, one a PhD Mathematician and the other with a Master in organic chemistry (with honours). The Maths son is a good guitarist. Took me to see John Mayall at Warwick University the night Stan Lee did a closing set for Mr Mayall. We spoke with John who was impressed with my son’s musical knowledge. On the way out we bought some boogie woogie piano CD from John and Stan Lee was introduced to my son. He asked what he thought of his set. My son said, yeah not bad, over loud and a bit sloppy in places. Mr Mayall laughed, Stan less so. Ritchie was a real prankster, so hearing Candice saying “oops forgot to hit record”, was a got you - and your prankster antics were always great got you pranks. Glad to see you settled with a woman who seems to have your heart and your measure. 🤣🤣. I don’t care if DP reforms, I like just hearing your artistry on guitar. Your one if my teenage guitar icons, I send much love to you, Candice and your family. 🥰🥰😎😎🎸🎸

[@ugaais]

Mr. Blackmoor is so underrated in the pantheon of greats…Deep Purple and Rainbow are amazing bands…

[@petereriksson5012]

Thanks for sharing the story :-)

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

More please

[@chrismoller4272]

Ritchie is a transcendent guitar player. He set the pattern for future players even though he is better than most of yhem.

[@themuleify]

Great story. You should write a book. I of course have and read the Black Knight book by Jerry Bloom, but an autobiography from the one and only is way over due. I shook your hand at the Blackmore's Night show in NJ in 2001 and never washed my hand again😅😂. Thank you for all these years of amazing music and inspiration to me and many many musicians ❤️

[@mixtli583]

Thanks ritchie for this story, I'd love for you to talk about your guitar gear in the early '80s

[@thomasotto8693]

Wow,can´t belive it ,this GUITAR GOD has his own YT-channel and "only"42k subs,but loyal fans I´m sure...!!! Dear Sir ,how ´bout making a LIVESTREAM (with chat!),that would be absolutely AMAZING(imho)?!!! 😳🤩🥰

[@ntsms69]

I was VERY VERY fortunate to meet Ritchie, at Newcastle (UK) City Hall (I believe it to be in the late 70's). I was at the stage door and Cozy was there waiting to get in. I believe that he was eventually let in by his father, and I was also allowed in backstage. This was early days of Rainbow. It was unbelievable to be back stage and Cozy's dad knocked on Ritchie's door, he was sitting with his back to the door, but was kind enough to give me his autograph. I was also there on the second night, and saw Ritchie entering the City Hall, I thanked him for his autograph, (the previous night), and he told me that was the only one given on that night. I asked him if he was going to be smashing the Strat (on the second night), and he replied that it depended on the concert and audience. He did demolish a Strat on the second night! Is seems like many years ago now (probably because it was!), but I will cherish meeting all of Rainbow, Ronnie, Cozy and Ritchie, memories that I will have forever. Two consecutive nights of Rainbow concerts, mind-blowing. I have seen many bands (inc Rainbow) since then, but the first time seeing Rainbow and meeting Ritchie was incredible. Been following Ritchie since first hearing him in Purple. He caused me to take up the guitar (at the age of 10), I still enjoy picking up the guitar now at the age of 65. Many thanks Ritchie.

[@AlanRunciman]

Great story, i have never had the good fortune to meet Mr Blackmore, but I have been mesmerised with him since 1978, a friend who was a drummer let me hear the On Stage album and i was hooked . I've seen him play with Rainbow 3 times, Purple twice, and Blackmores Night 3 times . His scale ability is way beyond anyone, and his way of improvising solos can not be bettered . Love hearing the recordings from Japan, absolutely first class.

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

Richie, You are a fine guitar player!

[@Clearwater_Revivalist]

I absolutely love hearing stories like this. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@emk4252]

Have been a fan of Ritchie since I heard the solo in Child In Time from In Rock . I was so taken by his live performances where he not only played phenomenally but did things visually ( throwing the guitar in the air and catching it , tossing it around his body with strap on , doing slides up the neck with his platform shoe ) that were so explosive, creative and unexpected . After years of being a fan I noticed that his performances were inconsistent and he seemed to become well known as mean guy . Now it looks to me like , through the influence of Candice , he's become a really sweet man , which is heartwarming and completely and utterly unexpected .

[@pleun315]

You both are really awesome people and musicians ❤❤ Blackmore' s night forever ❤❤ hi from Holland

[@donwershba2319]

No one plays like Ritchie, his melodic sense and amazing dexterity make him one of a kind. It’s lovely to hear these reminiscences… more, please!

[@wroelofsen58]

Very nice to listen to Ritchie "in person". As a long time fan it pleases me to get to know him a little better this way. Best regards,

[@RHR-221b]

Thank you, RBO. *I named my first Son after Ritchie - 16 March 1972.* _A Wee Tale From My Tavern. Many more available ..._ 👋🏻 Stay free. Rab 🍻 😎

[@erickmonstavicius5015]

Amazing!

[@mattymac1399]

Love this man. Gets a bad rap in some circles - he just clearly had no time for BS and/or fools. His guitar playing is sublime. Ps. Hofbrau is a nice drink.

[@rockitflash]

Thank you❤❤❤❤ I bought my first Strat in 1974 after I bought Fireball. While I loved Jimi, Ritchie Blackmore was my guy!!! Still is✌️❤️🎶

[@noshadvahabi]

thank you blackmore for all the goog music and histories you and deep purple have given us.l am luck to be in a time that you (deep purle) was born....wish you and family good,healthy long life sir.from an unknown fan,noshad

[@gods_andmonsters]

Ritchie Blackmore and Peter Green are my two favourite guitarists. I only truly discovered Peter Green recently and heard his blues playing. I heard Ritchie when I was 16 and was blown away with his playing and since been my favourite guitarist, followed by the late Peter Green.

[@yb8080]

Hell yea......tell us more stories about your life on the road. You're one of the most important figures of rock n roll.

[@Hologhoul]

One of the most characterful guitarists, so interesting to listen to, so much dynamics in his solos.

[@mao5760]

Ritchie is the best inspiring guitarist I’ve ever listneed.

[@tunnelportterror]

Deep Purple is on tour now, however, I still can't get myself to see them without Ritchie and Jon Lord. I walked out of a ticket store once while waiting in line for DP tickets back in the 1990's, when the guy behind me said Ritchie wasn't with them anymore. I saw him twice with Rainbow in 1978 with the big rainbow light show prop, and again in 1982, in Pa. USA. I was trolling around youtube today watching clips from the final 1993 DP tour with Ritchie, and saw this "1 day ago" video. thanks for posting it. I see Ritchie finally getting the recognition from other guitarists on KZbin in a roundabout way, that he never got back in the 1970-2000 era, i.e. Jimmy Page said "when it comes to a solo, I can't touch that guy". I always said Ritchie is one of the few guitarists who kept his powers with age, and actually got better with time- so did Jeff Beck- while others could no longer play the leads to their own best AOR songs from the 1970's anymore- what Deep Purple wrote from the 1984-93 was actually more sophisticated and better rock music, than what they did in the 1960-70's. Ritchie's guitar work was elevated to a higher level than before...anyone who's actually picked up a guitar and tried to play it for 45 years knows and can hear that.

[@CHUY-DRZ400s]

5-8-1987. I WAS 15YRS. SKIPPED SCHOOL AND TOOK THE SEMTA 150 TO DOWNTOWN WITH MY BROTHER 🤘🏻❣️ MET RITCHIE AFTER SOCCER ⚽️ DETROIT JOE LOUIS ARENA!. BLACK NIGHT KNEES UP MOTHER BROWN.. ‼️ RUNNING BEAR.. AND A FENDER DESTROYED ❣️ RITCHIE IS A GUITAR GOD❣️. HOPE TO SEE HIM SOON.‼️

[@SvenThatoverpassisinLanc-qj4qg]

Thanks Ritchie for all the great music and for getting me through my teenage years back in the early and mid seventies. Still a huge fan!