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Ritchie Blackmore returns to Deep Purple after 33 years

The guitarist performed with the rock band during a concert in New York for one song.

13 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Ritchie Blackmore returns to Deep Purple after 33 years — Photo: nozawana · Flickr · BY

Ritchie Blackmore has returned to the stage with Deep Purple for one song after 33 years. This occurred during a concert in New York, where the 81-year-old musician joined the band for a performance of 'Smoke on the Water' as an encore.

Blackmore, who left the rock band in 1993, is considered one of the most influential figures in hard rock. During his absence, the relationship between him and the band remained tense, making his return all the more remarkable.

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