Although over the years we’ve learned to keep our expectations in check when we hear or read statements from Ritchie Blackmore —given his dry sense of humor as well as the ongoing tension with his former bandmates—it nevertheless seems that today’s Deep Purple concert at the Jones Bones Theater could be of historic significance. According to a statement by Ritchie Blackmore, he will take the stage for 1 or 2 songs (most likely during the encore). Here are his exact words from a live session he did on Blackmore’s Night’s official Instagram page:
”There’s something we wanted to mention about tomorrow night… well, it’s a secret and I don’t want anyone to find out, but I’ll probably go on stage and do an encore with the band, Deep Purple. But you mustn’t tell anyone, and I know this will remain a secret. And will it? I suppose so.”
As for how the idea for his guest appearance came about, Ritchie said: “Actually, I called… I didn’t call him; I sent my A.I. pigeon to Ian Gillan in Portugal, where he’s living right now. And I said to him, ‘How would you feel if I came on stage just for an encore? Just for one song. I don’t want to be a bother.’ And I added: “No pressure—just for the sake of the good old days.” I’m 81 years old now. So he seemed to really like the idea, ran it by the band, got the green light, and it looks like we might be able to do this.”
There has not yet been an official announcement from Deep Purple’s management, and everything will become clear within the next few hours. But if it happens, those who attend this particular concert will be very… very lucky!
