Ritchie Blackmore Reunites With Deep Purple After 33 Years

Ritchie Blackmore returned to the Deep Purple stage at Jones Beach in New York for the first time in 33 years, performing Smoke On The Water during the encore on August 12, 2026. This reunion was initiated by Blackmore himself, who contacted singer Ian Gillan to join the band for one encore song. Gillan supported the idea, and the plan became reality at Jones Beach. Blackmore’s return marked a historic moment, reuniting him with Deep Purple musicians he created much of his defining work with. The guitarist, now 81, had last played with the band in 1993 during The Battle Rages On tour. His relationship with Gillan had deteriorated significantly by then, leading to his departure. Blackmore’s return was limited to one song, as he acknowledged it was many years since he had played rock music regularly. The reunion highlighted the complicated partnership between Blackmore and Gillan, central figures in Deep Purple’s classic Mark II line-up. Blackmore’s departure in 1975 and return in 1984 were followed by further tensions, culminating in his final departure in 1993. His return to Deep Purple in 2026 was a deliberate, one-off gesture, with no indication of a permanent return. The performance placed him alongside the band’s current line-up, including Ian Paice, who has been with Deep Purple since its inception.