![[hand]](/hs-pics/portraits/hands/gillan1.jpg)
![[face]](/hs-pics/portraits/faces/airey2.jpg)
And it finally happened
Just as anticipated, on August 12, 2026, Ritchie Blackmore joined Deep Purple on stage at the Jones Beach Theater for a guest performance of Smoke. As an engineering wisdom goes, with sufficient thrust pigs fly just fine. Here is the evidence.
Thanks to Where Did Mary Go? and to Nate from The Deep Purple Podcast for the videos.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
I cried with happiness seeing the friendship “that was once lost” now re-established.
August 13th, 2026 at 04:35Touching.. happy and thank you for this memorable moment of happiness 🙏
Bittersweet
So happy to see them mend their anomosities and join one more time on stage while they are young enough and healthy enough to perform. So thankful to thet good folks shared videos of their experience.
So jealous of Ritchie’s neighbors who got to see it live. As one of the many of thousands who purchased tickets for this tour at other venues I can’t help but feel like I am missing out.
August 13th, 2026 at 04:36Wonderful to see, finally. Thanks for getting it together. A pity it never happened with Steve Morse, something I always would have loved to see. Cheers.
August 13th, 2026 at 05:08Tears in my eyes!
August 13th, 2026 at 05:46Pity they didn’t play Smooth Dancer but great to see.
August 13th, 2026 at 06:00It’s an incredibly emotional moment. I’m happy that this happened — to see those four guys together. They should have met sooner — at least IG and RB (not necessarily on stage) — but I’m thrilled that it finally happened. They all seemed very relaxed, and that’s great.
August 13th, 2026 at 06:23I experienced a major throat lump as I watched this. Made my day (perhaps my year).
@3 – It’s never too late for a Morse version of such, where there’s life…
August 13th, 2026 at 06:29I give RB top marks for reaching out to IG and joining his bandmates on stage one more time despite all of his health woes. You could see the guys and Ritchie were thrilled. I hope they drank adult beverages until very late and reminisced about the days gone by. I wish them all health , peace and enjoyment of life for as long as possible.
August 13th, 2026 at 06:38A stage full of smiles .. and Smoke was like a sleeping giant that woke up and brushed itself down before rolling over and heading back to sleep.
August 13th, 2026 at 06:40I’ve got tears in my eyes – even though the arthritis has taken much of Ritchie’s ability from him in terms of virtuosity, his sweeps are still clean, and his solo was actually very tasteful. He made it work, and it was undeniably him.
The most touching part to me was Gillan joking on stage with him, and Ritchie handing his guitar to him at the end – it was almost like, “Alright mate, here’s the axe, you bury it” lol – classic Ritchie.
It’s never too late for Steve and the band – here’s hoping!
August 13th, 2026 at 07:04The lyrics of Sacred Land predicted this.
August 13th, 2026 at 07:13Sometimes words fall short, so they’re no use. Bye Ritchie, I love you ❤️
August 13th, 2026 at 07:14Surely more worthy of the Nobel peace prize that DJT. If Gillan can make that happen perhaps he should email Dmitry Medvedev and end the invasion of Ukraine.
August 13th, 2026 at 07:19I was crying with tears of joy, happiness and mixed with sadness. It’s a beautiful end to years of bitterness and I truly wish them a happy retirement from the difficult past.
August 13th, 2026 at 07:30Peace ✌️
I spent the whole day smiling. Life is indeed wonderful.
August 13th, 2026 at 07:44Hello.
Thank You all the fans there who captured this for us others to witness, too.
Here I am, tears in my eyes. But they are tears of Joy.
Thank You very much all here at The Highway Star site for Your valuable on going hard work all things Purple.
I can´t find the words, all comments here already are so nice and true. I have a feeling that the globe is a bit better place right now.
The good old DP vibe was there once again. There are four legends there and they are doing their thing just like only they can. Late Mr. Jon Lord was there in spirit, I´m sure.
Humour and the joking in the genuine British way was present again and kind words straight from the heart were said. And just to see Don smiling like the Sun all way through. Simon had time of his life too, I guess. Just simply great once in a lifetime occasion.
Thank You very much all concerned once again. Thank You Deep Purple.
Kippis!
August 13th, 2026 at 07:49Very emotional, indeed. But now it really feels like something that’s marked the end of an era, and that’s a bit sad…
I also think the management should publish this live version of SOTW immediately as a single/EP.
August 13th, 2026 at 08:07Just Wow
August 13th, 2026 at 08:21As they say ‘ Age mellows on’? Good on Ritchie thou.. As above comments say lots of smiling folk on stage last nite? Like Big Ian’s strumming technique (might have started a new trend)…ha ha God Bless them All cheers – PJ
August 13th, 2026 at 08:37What a beautiful thing.
It’s lovely to see old friends looking each other in the eye+embracing their shared past.
RB clearly not in great health, but fair play to him for him for having the desire to reach out+to IG/Purple for having the class to accept the offer.
Was it ’70,’73,’84 or’94? Clearly not,but there are moments where THAT tone still shines through.
August 13th, 2026 at 08:42It’s enough to make a grown man cry.
I can go and meet my Maker now with a smile on my face and a satiesfied mind.
August 13th, 2026 at 08:47Tears in my eyes… Gentlemen, huge respect for this meeting on stage… in Polish, “hats off”
August 13th, 2026 at 08:48I’m glad they did it this way and not during some bullshit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. It was done for the right reason and felt genuine and heart warming.
August 13th, 2026 at 09:16The stars were literally perfectly aligned. A beautiful sight and sound, handled with class and dignity, that will be remembered as a poignant moment in rock history.
August 13th, 2026 at 09:37A beautiful, emotional reconnection – and one I never expected to see. Bless them all.
August 13th, 2026 at 09:39Beautiful, a human moment in a world gone mad – one or two moments of Blackmore magic and yes the odd fumble – but he’s human, we’re human and it’s that imperfect truth that adds to the emotion of something I’d long since given up hope of seeing.
Beautiful.
Thank you for all of it.
August 13th, 2026 at 09:46What a great moment. It brought tears in my eyes seeing these guys playing together again. They had great fun doing this. I became fan in 1973 and still am. Deep Purple was and will always be my favorite band.
August 13th, 2026 at 10:02I think I liked it better when they ignored each other on stage
August 13th, 2026 at 10:03The one and only ritchie blackmore.. The one and only Ian gillan…. The one and only. Ian paice…. The one and only Roger glover… Missing the hammond lord. The one and only Jon lord… A great moment
August 13th, 2026 at 10:12It’s good that this happened… Makes me smile inside & out.
Maybe some of the Heads of State will take notice. Probably not…
August 13th, 2026 at 10:21I cried when they came on stage at Knebworth, as I never thought I’d ever see them live, having discovered them in the early 80s. I was 18 then, and I’m going to be 60 next week. Again, I find myself with a tear in my eye.
August 13th, 2026 at 10:41A super magical moment.
August 13th, 2026 at 10:48Thanks Purps.
Thanks Blacker.
💜
Smiling with tears in my eyes!!! Words cannot describe!!!!
August 13th, 2026 at 11:24What a wonderful moment, a fitting closure for the legendary Mark II!
I saw Purple Mark II 1985 live in Mannheim, 1987 in Stuttgart and again in Stuttgart in October 1993, shortly before Ritchie left the band again.
Without Purple and Ritchie I would have never started to play the guitar and to perform and write music. What an inspiration – I heard both Made In Japan and Rainbow’s On Stage when I was 13 years old (I’m 61 now) – that changed my life.
Seeing Ritchie on stage with the guys again brought tears to my eyes.
Please do that again with Steve (such a nice guy and an incredible guitar player)!
August 13th, 2026 at 11:26A once in a lifetime solar Eclipse….and a once in a lifetime Purple Eclipse…on the same day .
Seriously, I have not got the right words …a fantastic event, the circle is now closed and all is well in the universe again 😀
August 13th, 2026 at 11:36Solar Eclipse, Purple Eclipse AND a Meteor Shower. 🙂 I’m amazed the earth still rotates.
August 13th, 2026 at 11:44Second video is interesting as Candice seems to having a few words just prior to Ritchie entering the stage. Love to be a fly on the wall during that conversation.
August 13th, 2026 at 11:54Candace is giving Richie instructions before he goes on stage. Timeless
A reunion I could have skipped. I do not need to see the band together again to sing Smoke on the Water. Richie does not look that thrilled when walking off stage. Probably, because he is playing this song again for like the millionth time.
Why is Simon still on stage?
August 13th, 2026 at 11:57Imagine how crazy this had been if RB had not announced it on his Instagram? If he just walked out on stage without anyone knowing beforehand? A missed oppurtunity.
August 13th, 2026 at 11:58A tiny step for mankind — but a huge one in the Deep Purple universe …
August 13th, 2026 at 12:07Humanity has won. Good for Big Ian and Ritchie to bury the hatchet finally
August 13th, 2026 at 12:29Alright, going to allow a bit of my propensity to be dramatic here, just for a moment. This band has been the one constant positive thing in my life since 1972 when a cousin sat me down, strapped on huge headphones and played Made in Japan, every concert, DP and Rainbow were wonderful experiences. A huge part of me, I have lots of support but know no others who are as into it as I am, grateful for the Highway Star site and people! This is a wonderful way to embrace whatever comes next, Wishing Steve and Glen could have been a part as well.
August 13th, 2026 at 12:36@39 – I got to the show couple of hours early for tailgating. I can tell you most people I met had no clue about it and those that did were joking that he wouldn’t show. It was a great night as my kids got to see what I have been talking about and listening to for years (they are 27 and 22). If it was my last DP show, an excellent way to go out.
August 13th, 2026 at 12:39Also great they played Perfect Strangers as well. Nice surprise
August 13th, 2026 at 13:15Epic-would loved to have been there!
August 13th, 2026 at 13:37Living in Virginia not many Deep Purple(most folks
here think Deep Purple no longer exists ) super fans .
Glad we have this community! Thanks all and of course DEEP PURPLE!
I haven’t been here for a long time, but I couldn’t miss this.
August 13th, 2026 at 13:53That’s why I love them: they didn’t make a months-long show out of it, they just did it.
August 13th, 2026 at 13:56Forgot(?)to dive into the net yesterday after I became aware it was on.
Great moment and affection displayed seemed real.
His way of doing the solo with his magic sound , wonderful.
But it was saddening at the same time.
Decades lost over what again?
To nag a bit more…
1. Did we really need Mc Bride as an extra?
Now it looks like RB couldnt ve managed on his own.
2. Don Airey, should solo ofcourse but Ritchie was still foing his second one.
Did nt Lord and RB let each other breath and solo and not through each other?
I m not sure if I missed anything.
Just Smoke, not their greatest song, and too short.
My thought last night was that they d done, RB mellowed after all these years, might ve given us When a blind man cries.
The lyrics are a great thing for such an ending.
August 13th, 2026 at 14:34Watching this I was 15 years old again filled with joy. I’m 69 now and watched the video’s with goosebumps. I’m so happy. Thank God Made in Japan is in many formats in my house. Let’s not forget Steve Morse. I’d like to see him on stage with the lads too. I hope his Lordship is watching this from above.
August 13th, 2026 at 14:43Very emotional and wonderful moment ! Gillan, Glover , Paice, Airey and McBride were immensely generous to let this happen – probably the last chance to this awesome reunion to happen, considering Blackmore’s health struggles. God bless them !!
August 13th, 2026 at 14:45My wife and I cried like children this morning when we saw the video on YouTube… But I can’t shake the feeling that Candice was there on stage, shouting things at him! Who the hell is she, and what does she have to do with DP? Is she some sort of handler making sure he doesn’t wake up? His whole life reminds me of a South Park episode where Chef gets bewitched by some woman with a guitar!
August 13th, 2026 at 15:12Yay!
August 13th, 2026 at 15:55Oh man, was thinking it was a hoax until it happened. Wow, it’s an epic moment, not just musically but for humanity in the sense of friendships/relationships. Made me cry I don’t mind admitting it.
August 13th, 2026 at 16:12Best filming?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0uScthMI9M
August 13th, 2026 at 16:13@36
“I’m amazed the earth still rotates.”
– Svante, someone claimed (and no it wasn’t me) that earth would loose gravity for 7 minutes 🤣
August 13th, 2026 at 16:26Apparently a lot of people believed that mentally challenged person, so much that NASA felt it necessary to step up, write: no gravity will not disappear because of the solar eclipse!
Had that person known about the great Purple gathering, who knows what interesting things he would have claimed 😄
The HOF induction was an indication of the idiocy these guys have perpetrated since 1993. On both sides.
Last night went as well as any Deep Purple fan could hope. As the Moses of Deep Purple fans, Simon Robinson, stated this morning, “if you didn’t shed a tear last night, it’s time to go find another band.”
Ritchie, petulant, cantankerous, moody, mean to people, responsible for 90% of all the issues in the band’s history, is a virtuoso. His classical background and guitar abilities, at their peak, unmatched.
But he’s so frail now, heart attack, multiple bulging discs and vertebrae problems, he can no longer tour, or stand on stage for any length of time. He stated he had four shots of steroids two days ago to help make this happen. His home is very close to Jones Beach which made last night possible. I think everyone, including the band, recalls what was, how things are now, and their mortality. Last night was long overdue. But better late than never.
They’re no longer “Space Truckin’”, they are “Space Walkin’”, with assistance! But at least now, they can amble in peace.
August 13th, 2026 at 16:27@ 46 & 47
You have been missed Nino 🤗
You’re right! And I guess it really shows that Ian is not being bitter at all 🤩
That kind and friendly bloke 😊
August 13th, 2026 at 16:28Awsome !!!!! wonder if Ritchie takes up Ian’s gesture or not to have a pint or two 🎩
August 13th, 2026 at 16:41Let it stand as the moment in time it was, a moment of closure.
Don‘t put out an official recording of it. Strip away the emotion and the relief, and it was a pretty shaky version of SOTW, and not just because Ritchie was extremely nervous and hesitant – endearingly so – in his wavering intro riff playing and initial soloing, but also because the band was relatively stiff and unable to accommodate Ritchie in loosening the arrangement ad hoc – which would have helped him I think (like Ian Gillan yelling Come on Ritchie, another eight bars! during Blackers‘ solo), the only guy that really adapted was Simon who went out of his way to give Ritchie all room to shine – nobody seems to give him credit for that, but he played extremely empathetically and supportively. (For the performance to be looser and more flexible, a prior acoustic run through of the song with Ritchie backstage might have helped.)
Don‘t try to repeat this at the RAH or elsewhere: Much of its magic was its almost impromptu fashion – kudos to Ritchie for contacting Big Ian (and likely to Candice for gently nudging him to do it!) and making the first move -, don‘t turn it into a diplomatic event or a Nokia Night of the Proms celebratory showbizzy affair. Purple did it low-key, warts and all, befitting how they go about things. They were always an utterly unpretentious band.
Closure it was. I doubt that Ritchie, the two Ian’s and Roger will now start a WhatsApp group to exchange pictures of children and grandchildren, but they looked each other in the eye and acknowledged that they jointly gave birth to something in 1969 that lasts to this day in its impact. I don‘t think anyone of them expected that when they set up their gear in the stale air at De Lane Lea studios some 57 years ago.
Closure also for any hopes still lingering in some quarters that Ritchie might return to DP one last time for a final mini tour, a residency or even just a solitary gig with a rehearsed set list. If you look at yesterday‘s performance with a cold eye (which takes a lot of internal restraint), then that ship has sailed and perhaps already left the harbor of physical possibilities long ago.
I think it was good and honest just the way it was, imperfect strangers, slightly awkward, like a couple that hasn’t had sex in a long time together and grown distant, but showing mutual pride and appreciation for the family they have founded together.
August 13th, 2026 at 18:09Wonderful to see this finally happen, very emotional. Just wish I could have been there.
August 13th, 2026 at 18:35Wonderful, to be sure, but how old Ritchie looks.
August 13th, 2026 at 20:20just wonderful, also very important for all DP-Fans
August 13th, 2026 at 20:43#3 MacGregor:
Sure, that will surely happen too, but in terms of the historical significance of the event, for all the reasons you obviously know and the thirty years that have passed, it wouldn’t even begin to compare to this historic MKII reunion.
#10 Mike:
The image of Ritchie handing the hatchet Strat to BigIan is truly evocative, as is the hat he placed on the amps before starting to play!
#11 Jon:
interesting, I hadn’t thought of that, in fact it’s an interpretation that could fit the story of BigIan & Ritchie.
#13 David:
It would be fantastic, but unfortunately our romanticism is overtaken by human stupidity.
#21 Wiktor:
It’s more or less the same feeling I have and that many Deep Purple fans will have today!
#28 Rascal:
I think we didn’t feel the need for your out of place comment today, kudos to your disconnected brain
#29 Hassan:
applause for your words!
#31 Daniel:
August 13th, 2026 at 21:29The Return of the Knebworth Fayre was a memorable event, lucky you to have been there, may you always keep a vivid memory of it in your heart!
#32 Matteo Filippini:
It’s a pleasure to have you back on these pages with your testimony, come back here more often!
#37 DeepOz:
I believe that Candice was fundamental in providing moral and organizational support to Ritchie in facing and carrying out this event, which for him must have been so desired, but also so costly in terms of mental and physical energy.
even if he surely received in return all the love of the reunited band, of the fans present at the concert, and of fans all over the world… good vibes to the King!
but we all have Candice to thank for this.
#38 Jon:
I want to be kind: you didn’t understand a damn thing, and you wrote only bullshit.
#39 Svante:
Why do you say this Svante?
explain it to us
I believe that nothing would have changed, we would have woken up in the morning, opened YouTube, music sites or social media (for those who use them) and we would have discovered this Historic Event anyway.
#43 Kevin:
You were super lucky to share this surprise with your kids, it will be unforgettable for you!
I’ve already posted my thoughts on the forum, and I can only agree with all the good things everyone else has said above.
Thanks to this small THS community that has kept the flame of Deep Purple fans alive for years, it’s wonderful for me to write here and not write on social media from which I stay away, this is an oasis in the desert!
Thanks to BigIan, Ritchie, Roger & LittleIan who gave us these tears of joy, because only a true DP fan can understand what these 6 minutes of rock history full of multiple meanings and emotions meant to us.
I haven’t listened to Smoke on the Water so many times on repeat since I was a kid, and my brain wants more and more!
August 13th, 2026 at 21:55Wow!!! And Now What???? Purple funs here in Buenos Aires are Crazy!!!!
August 13th, 2026 at 22:27@ 63- Fla76, I was referring to Steve being onstage with Ritchie, about ten years or so ago. When Blackers mentioned he would like to play a ‘one off’ with DP. It was shut down by you know who of course and Steve’s comments were simply, “why can’t people get on, why not let it go and get together, I think it would be great” etc etc. He was all for it, so the slight (if ever) chance of that happening back then was with Steve still in the band. Not to worry. The main thing is the Mark II members being together for a one off. It has happened, all good. Roger Glover has always said ‘never say never’, to a one off, good ole Roger. It was quit apt I thought with Ritchie leaving the stage and embracing Roger on his way out, a wonderful moment that. No doubt Don enjoyed catching up again with Ritchie and Simon would still be pinching himself. They all would have had a chat etc back stage after it all. Cheers.
August 13th, 2026 at 23:09#59 Uwe:
I also almost hope that this is the only and last time we see Ritchie with Purple, at the RHA perhaps it would become a commercial event, not genuine like this one.
but I also think that they might also be tempted to give one last performance in their England, and that would be legitimate too.
in any case Ritchie’s health conditions are an insurmountable obstacle.
Simon was exceptional, he encouraged the audience, called Ritchie on stage, let him have the stage and discreetly helped him at various points in the song.
Ritchie was not helped by the band on the re-entries after the solo and in the final coda, but this is a minor detail.
August 14th, 2026 at 00:49What sticks with me most is his initial riff and that digression of notes he allowed himself just before the first verse… fascinating.
Well, let’s take a moment, Candice has been documenting Ritchie’s past. Age and health creeps up on us all. Ritchie is not available to tour as he would like. This opportunity was a glorious chance to reconcile old issues. Simon was generous in stepping in when Ritchie needed a moment to reevaluate his moment in the song. Smiles everywhere! It was glorious to witness on video. If the Strat that Ritchie passed to Ian goes up for action, I hope it gets posted here for bidding!
August 14th, 2026 at 02:11A great moment (child) in time, that one-off reunion jam. Richie’s gout has diminished his finger speed but not the melody or timing. Wonderful to see: a moment I won’t ever forget. I thought Gillan sounded in great voice, Paicey, Glover and Airey were superb and Simon McBride was solid. They were all laughing and joking, which added to the whole atmosphere. Big Ian was so incredibly gracious and got to see the man he has become today, all these decades later.
Sure, it’s too late for a full-on album reunion but I could imagine Purple inviting Ritchie to participate a tiny bit on the next album, at least in some capacity. Maybe I’m dreaming. But it seemed like I was on the night of August 12, too, watching that historic spectacle, albeit ever so brief.
August 14th, 2026 at 02:56It was Ritchie‘s moment, but those who criticize either Simon‘s stage or Ms Blackmore‘s side of the stage presence miss two things:
– Simon left to Ritchie all the room he could give, letting him start the song with the (somewhat shakily delivered) riff by himself, even playing rhythm guitar to it and letting Ritchie have all the solos, yet at the same time playing the riff when Ritchie soloed- that is when the guitar riff sounded forceful and smooth as opposed to a little hesitant and rusty, just sayin‘. Simon suppressed all urges of a younger axe slinger to slip in a couple of lightning-fast runs of his own to document how guitar playing has further evolved since Ritchie contributed so much to its development in the 70s. Considering all that, I find snide remarks along the lines of Why was he even there? real cheap shots against a man who carried himself extremely well in the situation. Simon was the most accommodating man on stage.
– The same is true regarding Candice‘s presence. If it wasn‘t for her and her constant massaging of Ritchie (led by the loving concern of a 26 years younger wife that her hubby might leave some loose ends in his life terminally unattended if he doesn‘t patch up things soon), none of this would have happened as many of us here have rightfully already noted. BTW, I don‘t think that Ritchie took the family van to drive himself to the venue – I have a hunch he had a female chauffeur who knows Long Island like the back of her manicured hand and spoke soothingly with the octogenarian during the ride to calm his nerves.
Is she Ritchie‘s caretaker? Not yet, but she very likely will be one not too remote day. It happens to most wives a quarter of a century younger than their husbands and I don‘t think Ritchie would then prefer to be in the hands of someone else.
August 14th, 2026 at 03:41I think I gave up on the thinking of the human brain. People have been wanting this to happen for years and it did and instead of enjoying it, some are starting to be negative and critical. For me this is a wonderful healing from the pain and anger from the past so they can put it to rest and enjoy what’s left of their lives. Nearly 50 percent of the set list is new stuff with Simon McBride so the show must go on. Ideally I think some few shows in the UK and Germany and big European countries will be great for fans to enjoy the man in black on stage but I think this is in the future. The main thing happened which is reconciliation on stage and that is monumental and IG declared that RB is a legend and immortal on stage and said meet you in the bar. That’s what I want to see happen personally as they have nothing to prove musically as they are all legends and immortal.
August 14th, 2026 at 05:10Peace ✌️
Late to the party here, but it’s great to read your all recollections and reports of emotional event intake. I watched it three times so far – and lumped and shed some tears rolling most every time I did. That Band means so much, that “local lad” from Long Beach means so much… That’s all there’s to it. I know many of my friends cranked out Stuttgart 1993 to contain their emotions about the whole happening; one of them wrote to me: “my Marantz stack is on 11, I just want to remind myself how GREAT that band once was. I think it’s useless to say any more. They’re now running on borrowed fuel, and do the may go a bit still. Just like Phil Aston said in his reaction video: “Many people don’t make it to their 60s, 70s, let alone 80s – to be on YouTube or walk the stag and play the music that brings together so many people” . I love them for making my life a happy one for last 33 years. And a big chunk of that love goes out to everybody (minor exceptions included, let it be, I said it :P) here at THS. Long may we all go as community, too. Joy to life for all!
August 14th, 2026 at 05:34Who knows – next DP effort deluxe box addition which for last 3 releases have 3 x 10″ live singles containing songs from previous tour so maybe SOTW with The Man In Black might/ could be included?? Just a pipe dream maybe….cheers – PJ
August 14th, 2026 at 06:57@67, RPJ
why bother with a boxset? If they are recording the shows – just put out a proper live album, like you did in the golden times of 1995-2010. Keep things simple and effective.
PS. I really do hope that the wave of love and affection re: Jones Beach event – in some way at least, but reached Ritchie and gives him comfort. He deserves to know that we care and respect all of them, big time; him, the Big Hero, included.
August 14th, 2026 at 07:19@38
“Richie does not look that thrilled when walking off stage. Probably, because he is playing this song again for like the millionth time.”
More like he’s in pain. Disc degeneration, or in RB’s case, disc herniation is no picnic. At his age and with his heart the way it is, corrective surgery is not an option. The steroid injections that he periodically gets don’t heal this condition, they just make it a little easier to get through the day. Having to stand more or less stationary for more than a couple of minutes can be excruciating; and that’s without a 10 lb anchor hanging from your shoulders.
August 14th, 2026 at 07:47I’ve watched the videos, seen some of the lovely photos… it was wonderful all round. Absolutely nothing to criticise here, part from this band making me tearful at my age. I agree with @59… a moment in time, let it stand as that.
August 14th, 2026 at 08:31@75: Absolutely true. People should also note that there is a small stool next to Ritchie’s amp, so if it had been a real bad day, he might have played that song sitting. I guess the adrenaline helped a bit too. 🙂
And for the people wondering what CN did there, I would also have liked a close one present if I was in Ritchie’s age and condition and should do this kind of appearance.
August 14th, 2026 at 09:19Sure, it’s too late for a full-on album reunion but I could imagine Purple inviting Ritchie to participate a tiny bit on the next album, at least in some capacity. Maybe I’m dreaming. But it seemed like I was on the night of August 12, too, watching that historic spectacle, albeit ever so brief.
That actually makes more sense to me too, James, rather than further (then: circus) appearances, send Ritchie a track and ask him to contribute a solo to it in the convenience of his home (and it doesn’t have to be fast, I like his slow playing, it has always been more evocative than his fast runs). Unless you think that dying of a heart attack travelling first class from LaGuardia to Heathrow is your idea of a good exit for Ritchie. Perhaps Candice and the kids would like to have a word with you first.
The more I think about it … hey, I wanna hear Ritchie produced by Bob Ezrin!
August 14th, 2026 at 09:34@59+70
Hello Uwe, I KNEW you really could post something here without too much irony and sarcasm!👏
For me, it was in some way strange to see that the „Man in Black“ – the „cool“ guitar-hero of my teenage years – has become old and – might I say „fragile“? We have seen him like this on his „official“ channels in the last years, but he rarely played (electric) guitar then.
August 14th, 2026 at 09:53This time on stage back with DP was kind of weird and touched me deep inside. I can only say thank THANK YOU to Ritchie and DP for making this happen.🫶 You made me and many fans happy.
Let’s hope Candice (who at last „tamed“ him) takes good care of him.
Uwe, regarding your comment about Simon, I absolutely agree with you, but about Candice, I must note that you would be an excellent writer of romantic novels like, say, such giants of thought as Daniela Steele or Sidney Sheldon!!! Or maybe you should start writing scripts for Brazilian or, God forbid, Turkish and Indian soap operas…so if I understood you correctly, Ritchie would have totally failed as a person if he hadn’t been picked up by a girl and her mom in the 1990s. And finally, one question for you: You haven’t watched South Park, have you?
August 14th, 2026 at 11:16@78 Dear Uwe, at some point Joe and Glenn sent Ritchie an HTP tape with an offer to do a guest solo on any track he liked. He wouldn’t respond. It’s been 20+ years and Ritchie might have mellowed down, but not, I believe, to the degree that he would agree to contribute to an official Purple record.
August 14th, 2026 at 11:44Third time God helps
August 14th, 2026 at 11:51First time the reunion it didn’t happen April 4, 2014,at the Royal Albert Hall for “Celebrating Jon Lord, second time April 8 2016 Inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame..
I watch, listen, read….I feel good..happy for them and all of us
@59+70
August 14th, 2026 at 12:34Uwe is the strongest man on “The highway star” without a doubt. However, based on his few comments, I thought there would be more, I don’t see much enthusiasm about what happened at the Jones Beach Theater. In most of the comments, people are crying with happiness that this happened. Honestly, hardly anyone expected this to happen. But.. Our Uwe dissects those few minutes of Smoke on the water, as if it were some young band that had just started playing.. Uwe, I have the impression that you are not at all happy about what happened two days ago. I already wrote this once, you are still the most educated commentator on this,and that’s exactly why I’m surprised by your cold reaction.
Cheers ..
What would be fun is if they make another album RB contributes a riff (i’m sure his brain hasn’t stopped working and he’s got a briefcase full of them) or participates on a track. More than that would be too much but it would also be a great way to promote the album.
August 14th, 2026 at 12:51It actually brought tears to my eyes
to think I got to witness that…
whether or not Ritchie “delivered a stellar performance” on his Strat…
it was the gesture that counted
and
it left a wonderful impression…
after 33 years!!
Hey boys and girls, what a long time…
LLRnR
August 14th, 2026 at 13:07LL Ritchie Blackmore
LL Deep Purple
Finnish radio / TV picked up on the event in a nice way:
August 14th, 2026 at 13:21https://yle.fi/a/7-10103504
(In Swedish – use some appropriate translator …)
I can’t say if it was already mentioned, but: am I the only one having the impression that (especially)Roger, but Big Ian as well, leave Ritchie somewhat lost during the performance and even more after Ian‘s talk. It seems a bit as if he has to find his way from the stage, looking for the out door. Nobody guides him and the band goes to business mode asap. Cheerful it doesn’t really look like. Rather with a bit of a „thank god, it’s over“ attitude. I might be wrong, but I doubt it.
August 14th, 2026 at 14:12@87: Don’t you think everyone on that stage was pretty nervous?
August 14th, 2026 at 14:32Cheers!
https://youtu.be/6VUktTvcdiQ?si=VrKRqH3YkFVF
August 14th, 2026 at 15:03@38. Simon is on stage because he is in Deep Purple now!
Fantastic moment – long live rock and roll
August 14th, 2026 at 15:51@87 I was about 10 rows in front of Roger. He was smiling the whole time as was Little Ian. Roger gave him a hug on the way out. Jones Beach is super strict with their curfew. Purple came on late. There was no break before the encores and they finished exactly at 11PM. I think that’s why they ran into the next song.
People are nitpicking this. Enjoy the fact they played one last time. Provides closure for them and the fans. Was it perfect? No. But what was lost on video is the crowds reaction when he started the song and the first notes of the solo. Blackmore sound! Different from the past 33 years. It had to be emotional for them and for this long time fan.
August 14th, 2026 at 16:32There was nervousness and there was awkwardness for sure – but that‘s only too understandable and actually quite endearing from them all, the situation had obviously not been rehearsed by any of the participants. I‘m sure a whirlpool of thoughts and feelings went through their minds and who knows maybe Big Ian did even have a twinge of Please don‘t let this start a new round of “Bring Ritchie back into the band!”’by fans, we‘re doing so well just now!, he could be forgiven for that. So yeah, maybe there was some Phew, we’ve gotten through with this, what‘s next on the set list? too.
Pacuha, danke für die Blumen, sincerely so, but there are a whole lot of strong contributors here and not everything that I write is the gospel either. You’re very observant to notice that the event has run a whole gamut of – sometimes conflicting – emotions in me:
– There is of course that sense of closure. I stayed awake through the night waiting for the first vid on YT (early morning my time). I was immersed in a warm feeling watching it, but I was also apprehensive. So, Beate is right as well, even the old Schnodderschnauze toned down his sarcasm/irony for once (it happens rarely and never for long I promise!).
– I had low musical expectations, I saw Reunionbow four times and know the issues in Ritchie’s playing since ten years ago, I didn’t expect a recovery. Even with BN he doesn’t play anymore like he did, say, in the noughties. I’m definitely guilty as charged in overanalyzing the music, I can’t help it, it’s something I automatically do when I hear any music. Maybe it comes from the fact that in a lot of bands I played in, while I was never a band leader (and never wanted to be), I gradually assumed the role of a musical director and that is what you then do: How does it all sound and what is everyone doing?
– So Ritchie’s playing wasn’t great (but that in turn played no role for the magic of the event), but I was a little surprised/disappointed that the others – with the notable exception of Simon – had not prepared more of a bed for him to lie back in and feel comfortable. They could have turned SOTW into a jam fest for that one night, coaxing Ritchie on. I actually think that Don, who has received some flak for accidentally playing over Ritchie at one point, was all gung-ho to do that and like an overexcited puppy peeing on the rug, but they really did not deviate from the usual format of SOTW. That was a bit anticlimactic for me considering DP’s general jamming abilities as a collective.
– Herr MacGregor has repeatedly mocked and goaded me (which is ok, I can give as good as I get and regularly do) for deep down being a “fanboy” of Ritchie with my decade-long loyalty and masochism of trekking to BN and Reunionbow gigs even if I did not really like the performances as a whole. He is not entirely off beat – sorry for the snipe at an old drummer here! 😈 – with his accusation. Yes, among the rainbow 🌈 of emotions I had watching SOTW with a Long Islander who had grown a bit short stature was: This is the reunion everyone has always been waiting for, but it’s now strictly under Big Ian’s terms, he has ultimately won the battle that raged on between the two men. Ian has won custody for DP, the band he wrestled out of Ritchie’s hands when the latter in a dereliction of duty abandoned it. But I do not gloat about that, closet fanboy I am – according to Tasmanian scripture at least! In fact I even winced when Ian – with no ill will I’m sure – quipped his “It’s the other way around mate, you’ve shrunk!” because it hit a little too close to home: Ritchie HAS shrunk, not just in height and physical ability +!dexterity, but also in the radius where he can still operate comfortably. Anybody remember that iconic picture of the flight deck of an American aircraft carrier in 1945 where the Japanese delegation signed Nippon’s unconditional surrender after Hiroshima and Nagasaki?Yeah, I admit I had a fleeting image of that …
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Surrender_of_Japan_-_USS_Missouri_%28restored%29.jpg/500px-Surrender_of_Japan_-_USS_Missouri_%28restored%29.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=parser&utm_content=thumbnail
So there you have it, Pacuha, I’ve now unrestrained myself and perhaps let on more than I should have, maybe I’m also still processing a bit. I’ve held back so far because I didn’t want to spoil other people’s undiluted joy and elation. I’m happy for you all and for the band and Ritchie especially.
August 14th, 2026 at 16:41I was there and it was unbelievable.
August 14th, 2026 at 16:44I have already submitted a review of the show to THS, but I can state without hesitation that even the best YouTube videos out there do not come anywhere near to capturing the actual quality of the band’s performance.
It was amazing.
#11 They’ve done with all the feuding – and put away their swords
#42 I had dreams of Glen Hughes joining for a song when I see Purple play around the corner from where he lives in Southern California. I doubt they would do a MKIII song, but Glen sings Highway Star and Child in Time extremely well. Alas, it doesn’t look like his health would allow it.
#38 Simon McBride proved to be a class act. He gave Ritchie space to take the intro and all of the solos and so did Don. Ritchie needed to receive medical treatment on his back just to be able to stand and play one song.
August 14th, 2026 at 17:51As Ian Gillan often stated: “Deep Purple is living and breathing band”, which SPLAT showed us. Allowing RB onstage was as I see it, an act of forgiveness (Ian Gillan and Roger Glover), to an old man, who have had it. I have admired RB playing, but I am happy, that Simon McBride is onboard now.
August 14th, 2026 at 18:12Actually I think RB played a meaty intro – much better than what he on those Rainbow shows a few years back. He seemed to warm up as song went on. There are some cool pics back stage with the band together and him with Simon. Great stuff. Anyone complaining about anything needs to f – off. RB thanked everyone shortly after on his FB page. Great moment in band’s history.
August 14th, 2026 at 18:45Looks like a happy band to me!!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1571161937706080&set=pcb.1571162151039392
Is that Ritchie’s son next to his daughter – man that boy big!! Also who is the guy standing in between Ian and Roger?
Great pic of RB and Simon! Candace thanked Simon – also she must have taken alot of pics that she is ending to Simon
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db_7DpcN5Kx/?hl=en
Great pic of the band!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1606819587476894&set=pb.100044466038139.-2207520000
August 14th, 2026 at 20:22#92 Uwe:
you’re guilty of overanalyzing music because you’re a bass player Uwe!
My ex-bassist is exactly like you, when in a moment of identity crisis he studied salsa for years, he always owed me that he actually hated dancing it because 99% of the women he danced He was probably right, but maybe he was dancing with beautiful women and not enjoying the moment!with couldn’t feel the bit and danced by memort!
For my former guitarist it was much simpler: in the band there is only the guitarist and everyone has to adapt to him!
As a singer and audio engineer, I can say that I have a more democratic overall vision!
Getting back to Purple, when you say that the Réunion happened on BigIan’s terms, you are absolutely right.
just as Ritchie was shortsighted in abandoning his creation in a way that perhaps only today we can understand how heartbreaking it was for the whole MKII.
It took health problems to take the armor off him.
and I also think that the separation from Steve was another factor that triggered a spring in BigIan’s head.
#95 Ole Simonsen:
likely.
they finally fulfilled one of Ritchie’s wishes, but deep down it had also become their wish.
10-15 years ago it wouldn’t have been possible, the boys were still invincible!
August 14th, 2026 at 21:23(Aside from the fact that in 2016 we took a risk of losing Paicey to a mini-stroke, but fortunately he came back in great shape!)
@ 93 – “I was there and it was unbelievable.
August 14th, 2026 at 23:03I have already submitted a review of the show to THS, but I can state without hesitation that even the best YouTube videos out there do not come anywhere near to capturing the actual quality of the band’s performance.
It was amazing.” Yes we get it Albania, the YouTuber clips. did you film any of it? Meanwhile us ‘plebs’ missed out, oh well, such is life eh? Meanwhile, back at the ranch…………………..Cheers.
@ 95- lets keep things in perspective here. Gillan’s mantra, not anyone’s else’s I believe. And most probably thought up when he was being worried about Ritchie ‘stealing the show’ all those years ago, don’t you think? Good to see Ian Gillan mellowing, he has his serious health issues too, just like Ritchie has, time gentlemen. Roger has always been much more open to a one off sort of thing, he has said a few times in regard to the matter, never say never etc. Even Ian Paice has lamented not keeping in touch with Ritchie over the years. Hoping that Ritchie would dial his phone number etc and regretting ole Blackers being so ‘disconnected’ back then. Steve Morse was all for it too and Don Airey would be easy going about it, as he always is. All good all around I say. Cheers.
August 14th, 2026 at 23:18@ 92 -“This is the reunion everyone has always been waiting for, but it’s now strictly under Big Ian’s terms, he has ultimately won the battle that raged on between the two men. Ian has won custody for DP, the band he wrestled out of Ritchie’s hands when the latter in a dereliction of duty abandoned it.” And here ladies and gentlemen, lies the problem for some folk with the ‘soap opera drama’ of it all. It isn’t about ‘the battle rages on’ Uwe. From memory it was four members of Deep Purple who decided to keep it going back in 1993. While I get a little bit of what you are alluding to in regard to ‘Ian Gillan’s’ band’ these days and probably more so after Jon left. Nobody has ‘won’ anything, time itself does that. Gillan has his own battles and he is a realist, he knows this latest DP ‘sojourn’ more than any other is incredibly close to the final bow. Exit stage left scenario. So it has more of that to it I believe, rather than ‘I won and you didn’t’. We do hope you were joking with that allusion. And most fans would have preferred a ‘reunion’ to have occurred a few years earlier, so the music itself wins out, if you know what I mean. This was the last chance of ages together, and it was very much needed by many. The final hurrah as we know. A reunion a little earlier in time would have had more songs, less health issues and everything else. Better to do it than not to and then to leave unspoken words and feelings lingering. It was wonderful and I wasn’t at all surprised by it happening. I am sure Ian didn’t mean the ‘shrunk’ comment in any other way, it was just a quick response to Ritchie’s joke of ‘why are you so tall’ or whatever he said. Cheers.
August 15th, 2026 at 00:00#98 Thinking about the impossibility of a reunion 10 years ago. In 2016 Deep Pueple gets inducted in the hall of fame but refuses to allow Ritchie, Glen, or David to join in the band’s performance and Ritchie doesn’t show up for the ceremony. Then a couple of months later Ritchie performs Rainbow & Deep Purple classics with Ronnie Romero his Renaissance mintrels.
August 15th, 2026 at 00:29Yo,
What an awesome response !!!
I haven’t seen this much excitement since Leslie West & Joe Satriani played SotW trading licks with the rest of the Mk-II band at the Sommarfeshualen,Karlshamn, Sweden, 10th June 1994. Awesome indeed 🙂 !
It would be good to see Steve up there too, along with Joe at some point, but I think that we are quite far away from the end of this band, so things to look forward to perhaps.
RB was close-to-home, didn’t have to travel too far or even board an aeroplane. The US-of-A has been his home for likely more years now than the UK. Good to see him having fun again !
Ciao !
August 15th, 2026 at 00:39Yes, the bassist thing definitely has a lot to do with it! 👏
August 15th, 2026 at 02:10And I can only repeat: Lil’ Simon (= taller than Ritchie! 😂) rose in my appreciation sky-high with how he conducted himself when the smoke of internal strife settled over the tranquil waters of Long Island!*** The guy is a good fresh egg in a nest of nearly fossilized pterodactyls!
https://cdn.vectorstock.com/i/1000v/86/95/cute-baby-pterodactyl-cartoon-hatching-from-egg-vector-50148695.jpg
I will from now on lend him my support whenever I can – hand-washed of course!
***Even my worst enemies will have to agree: That WAS poetic, wasn’t it? 🤗 Should I take up the recommendation placed elsewhere here of writing bodice rippers after all?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/AAwAAOSwQsJn~7up/s-l400.jpg
And if so, Uwe Hornung as an author’s name sounds a bit nondescript and is difficult to pronounce to boot, how about Lord Blackmore as a moniker? Sounds suitably darkly romantic. Purple Maidens Karin & Beate, I really need your target audience feedback on this badly, my future is at stake!!!
August 15th, 2026 at 02:45Ritchie should have placed his hat on Simon’s head, he he he. After all, isn’t it about ‘passing the baton’ so to speak. Ole Blacker’s still conducted, as a few punters here have already commented on, his little bit of instructing the band, have to love that. Ian Paice was getting a few looks and nods etc etc. Ole Ritchie was watching Gillan with a little ‘concerned’ look when he was singing out front, old habits eh? All good fun and great to see and hear. Someone should make a movie about it all, get Mr Uwe Hornung to direct it. No wait, don’t do that, it will be full of all sorts of soap tv drama and the like. Uwe, your time has passed for all that, hasn’t it? Sorry for getting your hopes up there. You can make the tea and coffee for the film crew and sweep the floors afterwards. Cheers.
August 15th, 2026 at 08:25Herr MacGregor, I didn’t say Ian gloated, he is not as competitive a person as Ritchie was as a young man. He probably thought: What took you so long, Ritchie?
As for the leadership thing: DP is of course a collective, it’s not Ian’s band – Rainbow and BN were/are Ritchie’s bands. But if there is such a thing as a leader in modern day Purple, it’s the bigger Ian. He just doesn’t rule with an iron fist, he’s good at coaxing the best from people and motivating them. A leader, not a ruler, capisce? Or call it “the evenhanded Head of the DP Department” if you like that better.
August 15th, 2026 at 09:23#92
Thank God Uwe finally permitted himself to speak, having heroically protected the rest of us from his analysis.
I think Ritchie would be relieved to know that his brief return to the Deep Purple stage has now been granted the historical significance of the surrender of Imperial Japan.
The event didn’t need analysing to death. It was a moment. People enjoyed it. Let them.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:16#66 MacGregor:
I’m sorry, Mr. MacG, if I missed your response, but above all, your thoughts on the possible reunion in the midst of the Morse era.
Of course, Steve was the only person available at that time to get Ritchie back, it was clear to everyone that Karin’s favorite man, the iron BigIan, still had wounds to heal and the time was not ripe.
Never like in this case has old age been a blessing, if the Purple had been 70 years old, we would have had to wait another 10 to see them together again!
“Better late than never”, as the famous proverb says.
#108 Rubber:
August 15th, 2026 at 13:14What you say makes me think about the fact that we will only understand the true significance of this fleeting reunion in a few years, just as we only truly understood the great steps of this immense, mammoth band, with its biblical history, after so many years.
I agree with 96. Mean intro played only the way Ritchie can play it!! What a moment!!! Easily my favorite version of Smoke, but for a different reason than why I like all the other versions!! Look at all those smiles onstage!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
August 15th, 2026 at 13:48“What took you so long, Ritchie?”
Read my mindphuckcomment and you ll understand I m struggling to get the answer.
I do ve some ideas though.
August 15th, 2026 at 14:03And they re not very positive.
Hi MacGregor,
August 15th, 2026 at 14:39I took some photos and short videos with my phone. My friend, part of the group of four of us that attended together, took the full video the link for which Gregster posted in the comments section of my review of the show.
Also, I fully agree with you that Gillan & Co didn’t wrestle the band from Ritchie’s hands. He walked away, didn’t he?
We have now finally gotten to a great moment, and I find it silly to dwell on the past, especially now that those that are actually involved are at peace. Let’s enjoy that and let’s be happy for them. One thing I can write with certainty is that, it was genuine. I would not change a single thing at all.
Those trying to analyze the demeanor, stage chemistry, the goodbyes after SOTW, etc. just based on YT vids are, intentionally or not, contributing to the creation of unnecessary rumors, conspiracies, and controversy.
Everything was genuine and real, including emotions and any imperfections. What can you expect from people that haven’t seen each other, practiced together and shared a stage in 33 years?
On August 12, 2026, we were handed a nice glass of lemonade. Rather than drink it, some are trying to turn it back into a lemon…
To Uwe and MacGregor As for the leadership thing: DP is of course a collective, it’s not Ian’s band – Rainbow and BN were/are Ritchie’s bands. But if there is such a thing as a leader in modern day Purple, it’s the bigger Ian. He just doesn’t rule with an iron fist, he’s good at coaxing the best from people and motivating them. A leader, not a ruler, capisce? Or call it “the even-handed Head of the DP Department” if you like that better. I think you two are arguing about the wrong thing. It is true that DP had a collective leadership, Ritchie was the head of Rainbow, but the LEADER OF BN WAS NOT RITCHIE, but someone who in the nineties recruited Ritchie and appointed her mother to be Ritchie’s manager! Someone who took the opportunity to get Ritchie to leave DP and then Rainbow, someone who only allowed contact with Ritchie via e-mail and someone who now appeared on stage with Ritchie and whom Uwe so touchingly described as a wonderful person who cares for our crippled Ritchie. There’s a rabbit lying in that bush!
August 15th, 2026 at 15:36@107
August 15th, 2026 at 18:01I feel the same way, Big Ian seems to be a mellow and gentle man
OMG, dDjean, not all those misogynistic Yoko Ono myths again. Ritchie saw a young girl who could have been his daughter and wanted to have her. It turned into a durable and from the outside at least very happy marriage with kids, so all is good. The fourth time is the charm.
Ritchie never needed female support to act like an idiot as a young and even middle-aged man, he could do that plenty fine by himself.
********************
Autosuggestion is a powerful thing, but sometimes facts get in the way: To all those writing that Ritchie played the riff “the way only he can play it”: Nope, he didn’t. He played it conventionally with a pick with up- and downstrokes rather than plucking the D and G string with his right hand like he used to and always advocated in interviews as the “right way” to do it. Not that it matters, he could have played the riff with his arse and it would still have felt good to me. I was never obsessive about the “plucked vs strummed” approaches of playing SOTW.
August 15th, 2026 at 19:50@ 112 – I am glad for you Albania and also for everyone else who happened to be there at a special one off performance. It would have been even more special if it wasn’t announced before hand that Ritchie was going to be there, but some may not have purchased tickets if that was the case. It would have been a full house no doubt. Yes indeed, the YouTube films are good for us punters who were not there and better than nothing, but as you said, being there is the real deal. Plenty of genuine emotion and comradeship from the Purple guys, they go back a long way, including Don Airey, even if not quite as far as the three Purple chaps. The good times far outweigh any other issues and that is a positive thing to hold onto. So glad that they got together for old times sake and to move on positively into the future. Thanks for the review. Cheers.
August 15th, 2026 at 22:36Uwe, What a stupid comment whining about people writing that Ritchie played the riff “the only way he can play it”. Then you get technical and tell us how he normally plays it!! You JUST DON’T Get it. He could have played it with his arse, nose, big toe, pinky but it was Ritchie playing the riff the only way he can!! By the way, I play the guitar and know how he plays it but, WHOOPEE, who cares!! Once again, Ritchie played the riff the only way he can play it.
August 15th, 2026 at 22:38Uwe, it’s easiest for people to stick labels like someone is misogynistic, but unfortunately I stated the facts: the manager’s mother-in-law, communication with Ritchie only via email, his wife always with him in almost every interview and then on stage at the last concert… I’ll never forget one of her interviews in which she claimed that Ritchie doesn’t know how to use a cell phone… a man who worked at Heathrow airport in his youth and who is an old Aiwa tape recorder TP-1011 modified into a boost pedal, Marshall amplifier modification and many other things that you Uwe surely know… Now, is he happy in his marriage, and I hope he is, it’s an unverifiable thing. I know that the economic crisis has started in Germany, but I hope you are not forced to write eulogies about his wife in an attempt to survive. And as for the part where you explain how SOTW played, I completely agree with you.
August 15th, 2026 at 22:59Steve Morse would enjoy hearing this news no doubt. He is such a down to earth friendly chap and that would raise that lovely smile that he has. As some commenters here have already mentioned, Jon Lord looking down from above, smiling and probably joking, ‘about bloody time’ he he he. He and Ritchie reconnected for a reason, old friends etc, why not. The old times should always shine through. Cheers.
August 15th, 2026 at 23:50That must be a mandatory thing with Blackmoristas, right Leslie, slavishly hanging on to what he says and does in the present and conveniently forgetting that he said and did the opposite in the past when in every darn interview he would point out/demonstrate how it needs to be plucked not strummed?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aWXEZ31eX3c
https://youtu.be/epxYd75d7fs
https://youtu.be/Vc7nBoEaEhs
I remember Blackmore fans going apeshit when Tommy dared to strum rather than pluck the riff …
https://youtu.be/vtlEsFQunm0
but terrestrial rules apparently do not apply to celestial beings like Ritchie. Such fervent adulation, I admire your intensity, but it still wasn’t how the riff was played on MH, MiJ or at CalJam, just sayin’.
There is the undeniable emotional component – I’m not arguing against that, I was moved myself, it was undeniably one moment in time
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1J-ygMyEIuo
– AND there is what Ritchie actually played (not: THAT he played at all, heartwarming as that was). And unless your ears are clogged by Ritchie’s musical amber, his introductory SOTW riff wackelte wie ein Entenarsch, there I said it, someone had to. Because he was nervous and emotional himself, perhaps also by now unaccustomed to playing such a large venue or maybe his painkilling sedation took toll. Which is all perfectly fine and understandable, even endearing. I like him actually a bit more for it, idols are humans too.
But we’re not in Church, there was no Transubstantiation, just like the wizard jumping off the tower of stone didn’t really fly. Matters of belief should not cloud our perception of reality – that has been a successful concept since pretty much we left the Middle Ages behind and I personally don’t want to go back.
Agnostic regards! 😘
Uwe
August 16th, 2026 at 01:10I doubt that our non-german-speakers here do understand ” wackelte wie ein Entenarsch” but i hope for them that they do consulting their virtual dictionary, lieber Uwe….und Grüße aus Österreich
August 16th, 2026 at 05:52Hello.
First of all.
You maybe have already noticed the photo on the front page of this THS site? Splendid!
The messages here keep coming on, and there sure is a point there this time, isn´t there? So many DP fans I have not heard of yet. But that´s another thing that.
McGregor @106 got it right. He really knows and understands what kind of Ritchie Blackmore is as a person, character and player. (As I have said , English is just my second language, so I try to find the right words here, WITHOUT A.I. ! )
What really made me laughing out loud (check the video, when Ritchie reaches Simon) was the moment when Ritchie points the pedal pyramid of Simon´s and asks/tells him something maybe : “What are those? A juice blender?” Anyway, Simon´s response is a big smile.
Rubber Haddock @108 nailed the thing: “The event didn’t need analysing to death. It was a moment. People enjoyed it. Let them.”
I love and respect Mr. Steve Morse a lot. I have met him a couple of times. But this conversation here now is about the founding member of Deep Purple joining his old mates at last after so many years and we enjoy that greatly and are hugely happy for all concerned.
Kippis.
August 16th, 2026 at 09:14Once again UWE, your comments sound stupid and make absolutely NO sense. Talking about Blackmotistas, celestial beings etc. As I said UWE, Ritchie has a way of playing things like no other guitarist can!! You apparently JUST DON’T GET IT!!! I could care less that he didn’t play it like he normally does!! You seem to lack the intelligence to understand what I mean. You have what I call “Diarrhea of the Brain” as you type before you think!! Here we have a moment that I, and dare I say, most everyone else here has been waiting for since 1993, I compliment Ritchie and you try to turn it into a technical argument to show how smart you think you are. No eres muy intelgente. Now I’m going to stop before I type something I have to go to Confession for. You have a great day UWE. THINK before you type!
August 16th, 2026 at 10:37Nice to see but reading a lot of these comments….come on guys really?
August 16th, 2026 at 11:25Ritchie is a bit on his last legs, literally as well. His playing was laboured. As much as I would have loved him to let fly & play some great jamming with Don & Simon it appears that is beyond him now, which if we are fans we should all know. Let’s be real & take off the rose coloured specs. Comments like “Tears in my eyes, better than my wedding” really are embarrassing.
Ad hominem attacks generally don‘t indicate the well-groundedness of one‘s own position, lieber Leslie. I‘m not gonna tell you to think before you write, because you obviously prefer not to in your self-perception of just wrath, but try to keep those zealot emotions in check just a little, ok?
And because Ritchie is always good both for providing evidence for one thing and disproving it at the same time, here is an example when even in the days of yore he strummed rather than plucked the riff:
https://youtu.be/Rfirxs_NUcE
🤗😂 A conundrum of a man, but you can love him for it.
I agree, Ritchie joining his old co-conspirators one more (or even last) time is a sweet moment in the annals of Purpledom and brings closure. That is a good and valuable thing, no discussion between us there.
It‘s the canonization of the event, the deification of the substance of Ritchie‘s musical contribution as if this was now the most superb rendition of SOTW ever, that has me rubbing my eyes and ears. What‘s next, “Wantagh, NY, 12 August 2026” inscribed limited edition snow globes (with accurate to scale IG & RB ‘arm in arm’ miniatures in them) which beep the SOTW sequence of notes when you push a button? (Thinking about it, I’d be the first to buy one of those myself! 😂)
As a great emotional memory of a one-off and pretty much off-the-cuff event I‘m perfectly fine to cherish it and in-fact do so. But don’t tell me HOW to cherish it. Heart, eyes and ears are three different organs. At least with me. I leave spiritual visions to others.
August 16th, 2026 at 13:50Don’t tell you how to enjoy it UWE, that’s funny because you seem to put me down for the way I saw it and enjoyed it. As for my Wrath, LOL, none at all. You do need to put your wrath in check though!! This is my last reply to this conversion (of course I’m sure you will have the last word as you always do), so I will say again Ritchie played Smoke as only he can and this is my favorite version of Smoke for reasons that don’t apply to why I like all the other versions. I think some folks on this sight know what I mean but of course UWE, you don’t. By the way UWE, thanks for your posts on this sight cause I really do enjoy reading them even though once in a while I don’t agree with them. You do have an AWESOME insight into DP and related music!! Have a great rest of the day my friend!!
August 16th, 2026 at 18:30#125 and many more.
Uwe, three comments later and I think we’ve established the problem rather beautifully.
Nobody is claiming that Ritchie’s nervous opening riff was the greatest rendition of Smoke on the Water ever committed to tape. Nobody needs to be told that he strummed rather than plucked it, either. And I suspect most of us already knew that and there’s plenty of evidence of him strumming from 74 on.
People were simply moved by seeing Ritchie Blackmore stand beside Ian Gillan and play Smoke on the Water with Deep Purple again after all these years.
That’s the moment. Analysis at this point is not needed.
You seem almost constitutionally incapable of leaving a moment alone. You have to dissect it, qualify it, correct everybody else’s interpretation of it and then explain why your interpretation is the more grounded one. It isn’t, it’s yours and no one else’s.
And that’s the bit you keep missing when people complain about your posts. Nobody objects to you having an opinion. Nobody objects to analysis. The problem is the assumption that everyone else’s emotional response needs your footnotes. Nope.
You say “don’t tell me HOW to cherish it” — fair enough. But perhaps extend the same courtesy in the other direction. Some of us don’t need to be told how accurately to hear, analyse or emotionally process a five-minute reunion.
We saw Ritchie walk on stage.
We saw him play with Purple.
We enjoyed the moment.
For some of us, that’s actually enough.
And honestly, if it takes three instalments of Uwe Hornung to explain why we’re enjoying the wrong bit of it, perhaps the problem isn’t our ears.
August 16th, 2026 at 18:34#124 Shane:
Dear Shane, I gather you’re not a huge fan of the band, and I also gather you probably weren’t in the audience on August 12th, otherwise you would have been as moved as the lucky ones in attendance, and as I surely would have been.
I don’t find it hard to believe anyone who says it was better than their own wedding. I cried more at Jon Lord’s death than at my mother’s funeral!
August 16th, 2026 at 18:48and I loved my mother so much, but our heroes touch very deep and inexplicable chords of the soul
How doubtful this cherished moment was/is we ll probably never know.
But where the Purps display having enough of it the battle between fans will rage on long after we re all dead.
August 16th, 2026 at 21:07You didn’t have to be at the concert to not be as moved as the people who were there. Emotion just like many other things is personal, there is NO gauge attached to it. Regarding the wedding comparison, that could depend on who you are getting married to, he he he. Anyway, there is NO ONE who enjoys it more than others, it is what it is to so many. Many more people out there in this world couldn’t give a toss and even more wouldn’t even know who Deep Purple were, ever!. Cheers.
August 16th, 2026 at 22:13“We saw Ritchie walk on stage.
We saw him play with Purple.
We enjoyed the moment.
For some of us, that’s actually enough.”
As it is for me, I’m not questioning that at all, I felt the same. It’s good to cherish that moment and that is what I’ll do.
You know, I’m totally ok if someone says after Church “That was a very moving service for me and the minister’s words touched me deeply.”
It’s when they add “I saw tears of blood flowing from the eyes of the statue of the Virgin Mary and the minister began to levitate during his sermon.” that I get a little nervous! 🤗
And (in a very gentle voice) Flavio, do you now adjudicate who is “a huge fan of the band” and who isn’t based on their reaction to the Miracle of Wantagh – and Shane, whose impression is a valid as anybody’s here, has failed to pass your test? ☝️🧐 You can’t be serious in your (otherwise commendable) fuoco della passione, can you?
https://media.tenor.com/qgxe7evFmCIAAAAM/don-camillo-peppone.gif
August 17th, 2026 at 06:52@124
August 17th, 2026 at 10:34Shane, I’m sorry, it seems like you stumbled upon this site by accident. If you were a Deep Purple fan, you wouldn’t even think of writing something like this, even if it was after a few or more bottles of wine. Sorry, but I totally disagree with your comment.
Cheers.
@132: I didn’t know there were rules to call yourself a Deep Purple fan. Do you have anything else we should live up to?
August 17th, 2026 at 14:00@ 130
August 17th, 2026 at 14:47Amen!
I can always count on you being the adult in the room 😂
Well said!
@118
“ I know that the economic crisis has started in Germany, but I hope you are not forced to write eulogies about his wife in an attempt to survive.”
Completely unnecessary and out of place.
August 17th, 2026 at 16:21#131
Uwe, I think you’re arguing with the Virgin Mary that nobody else has actually claimed to have seen. 😂
Nobody is saying Ritchie performed a miracle at Wantagh, levitated, or produced the definitive version of Smoke on the Water. People are simply saying that seeing him back on stage with Deep Purple after all these years was an extraordinary and emotional moment.
And that’s where I think you keep missing the point. You say you’re happy to cherish the moment — and then immediately write another several hundred words explaining why everybody else’s description of that moment needs to be qualified, corrected or brought back down to earth.
Nobody needs to pass an evidential test before being allowed to be moved by music. Nor does being a huge fan require a particular reaction to the event.
You keep telling everyone that their perception is perfectly valid, while simultaneously explaining why their perception isn’t quite as grounded, accurate or musically discerning as yours.
That’s the contradiction.
We don’t need to agree on how good Ritchie played. We don’t even need to agree on what the moment meant.
But if someone came away thinking, “Jesus, that was fucking brilliant — I never thought I’d see that again,” I’m not going to explain to them why their ears, heart and historical perspective have failed empirical validation.
I’ll just let them enjoy it.
And perhaps that’s the bit you could try sometime too. 😉
August 17th, 2026 at 17:19#131 Uwe:
You’re right, I should have just said that he wasn’t there in the audience at the concert.
I’m the first one who could come here and write what he wrote, I don’t have salami slices over my eyes.
It didn’t take a scientist to tell us that Ritchie wasn’t capable of “letting loose and having great jam sessions”, which no one asked him to do and which a true fan already knew wouldn’t happen based on Ritchie’s statements the day before and his health.
I don’t even accept being told not to look at the world with the eyes of love, because the world is already shit, and the love I have for this band (despite not having all the band’s bootlegs in my collection and having seen them “only” thirty times from 1993 to today due to my relatively young age) I can’t quantify in words, they have accompanied me from youth to adulthood and August 12th was the most important event in the history of the band after the death of Jon Lord.
So to anyone who not only fails to understand the significance of the event, but is acting superior by criticizing the emotions of THS users and minimizing them, I have every right to respond in kind.
I’m here waiting for a response from Shane as a “true fan” if he wants to continue the discussion, get the popcorn ready
August 17th, 2026 at 17:21I played Ritchies’s Wantagh solo to my wife. She is neither a Blackmore nor a DP fan, but she’s seen him a couple of times, mostly with BN. Edith doesn’t play guitar, she just sings in two choirs soprano. I helpfully observed: “It’s not that bad, is it?” And she just said biting her lips to : “Yes it is, it’s not in time!”
We learn from that how “real DP fans” (apparently I’m not one of them) (i) don’t notice if a solo is out of time, (ii) if they do, they keep stumm about it to preserve the sanctity of the moment. And I thought I had left religion behind sometime in my early teens.
I’ve seen all this happen before. With Status Quo, no joke. In the wake of a documentary about them, the classic “Frantic Four” line-up of Coghlan, Lancaster, Parfitt & Rossi reconciled after 30 odd years – compared to Quo’s infighting DP were at all times a girls school – with the former two returning to the fold of the latter two who had continued the Quo brand with different line-ups. So while Parfitt and Rossi had never stopped touring professionally and internationally, Coghlan (with cardiac issues) and Lancaster (suffering from MS which he denied for the longest time) had been in semi-retirement for decades.
In 2013 and 2014 the reunion took place (without the modern Status Quo being dissolved, they just went on a touring hiatus) and the reunited Frantic Four trekked around the world. Fans were in tears at “the return of the mighty original Quo”. I saw a gig on both legs, inter alia at Wembley Arena.
And of course it was emotional, Quo fans don’t have less feelings for their favorite line-up than DP enthusiasts. But all the nostalgia could not hide the fact that the once Frantic Four sounded like a horse with a severe limp or an engine running on three instead of four cylinders. Coghlan lacked the stamina of the younger drummers that had played in the more recent line-ups, his timing was shaky, and Lancaster, once one of Britains most muscular and pumping bassists, a real powerhouse, was severely hampered by his now evident and progressed MS affliction, having to gaffer-tape his pick to his fingers as his deteriorated hand strength was insufficient to hold it for long. Of course his bass playing was consequently only a pale shadow of its former self. Add to that how the Frantic Four were underrehearsed in comparison to the newer Quo formations which were sleek high energy machines.https://forum.thehighwaystar.com/
Francis Rossi does not have a sentimental fiber in his body and is notorious for his caustic, self- and band-deprecating wit (if you think I’m bad …). He soon began to pierce the Quo fans’ balloon of bliss with interview snippets where he derided the old material and revealed that he felt uncomfortable on stage because it just wasn’t as professional as he was used to, citing timing fluctuations and lack of energy. I remember the Stuttgart 2014 gig where Rossi would continuously look to the side at Lancaster watching what he was doing with an expression that was mix of true health concerns and outright professional displeasure. At the end of the gig, during Bye Bye Johnny, Lancaster’s signature number with him on lead vocals, he could no longer sing, play, bass or stand up – roadies had to prop him from falling over with his stiff MS gait and lack of balance. As a fan it was horrible to watch as Rossi took his vocal parts impromptu over and leaned against Lancaster to stabilize him. He soon declared in accompanying interviews that the Frantic Four “holiday” was over for him and that he wanted to get back to playing with the living and breathing Quo. He also singlehandedly shelved the planned studio album, saying this line-up could not perform to the necessary standards. Lancaster was not amused and the mood soured again towards the end of the tour.
So here is a small word of advice to all these people clamoring for Ritchie to do a series of good-bye encores, full gigs or even a small tour with Purple: Don’t do this to yourself, remember him like he once was.
August 18th, 2026 at 00:05I give the benefit of doubt to anyone who posts here that DP mean something very special to him/her. There are no lesser Mks to me and no lesser fans.
August 18th, 2026 at 00:18Sorry…but isn’t this getting a bit ridiculous here?
I remember having the pleasure of exchanging some e-mails with IG about a funny note he had written on his Caramba site about german toilets. He had wondered why they have some kind of porcelaine platform inside the bowl. As a matter of fact those toilet bowls were quite common here but that was many years ago. I told him so and we discussed the pros and cons. He entertained the idea those platforms were used to analyse your leftovers.
Which may indeed be a very german thing to do…
Dare I say I really enjoyed this very emotional event and took it for what it was… a very emotional event … and I even liked the solo Ritchie played, he added something he had not played before to my best knowing. And I played it to the lady too. (Who, fun fact, used to sing in choirs as well.) She said it moved her and she liked it.
August 18th, 2026 at 07:29Dare I say I really enjoyed this very emotional event and took it for what it was… a very emotional event … and I even liked the solo Ritchie played, he added something he had not played before to my best knowing. And I played it to the lady too. (Who, fun fact, used to sing in choirs as well.) She said it moved her and she liked it…………………………………………….my wife is a professional singer and she said that the solo was wonderful in his own way!
August 18th, 2026 at 11:24Albania, have you ever heard of something called irony? Or have you told a joke in your life? Or do you also work part-time for the poor German state
August 18th, 2026 at 11:29It seems to me that there is a fear among some here that Ritchie will record a song for the next and probably the last DP album… I think that fear may also exist among some in the band itself because this or those songs would show the superiority of his imagination. And in the end, we too would see what we have been deprived of for the last three decades…
August 18th, 2026 at 11:45Uwe, I think your second post actually illustrates the problem with the first one rather nicely.
You say there are “no lesser fans”, but you’ve just spent several hundred words explaining how the rest of us supposedly fail to hear what you hear, how real fans apparently confuse emotion with musical quality, and why anyone wanting to see Ritchie again should remember him “like he once was”.
Nobody here needs to be reminded that Ritchie isn’t playing like 1972. Nobody is confusing an emotional reunion appearance with the definitive performance of Smoke on the Water. We know what we saw and heard.
The difference is that some of us watched an 81-year-old Ritchie Blackmore walk onto a stage with Deep Purple again and thought, “Fuck me, I’m actually seeing this.”
That was enough.
You watched it, heard the timing issues, analysed the playing, asked your wife to adjudicate, compared it with the Status Quo reunion, considered whether another reunion would be advisable and produced a historical case study explaining why nostalgia can be dangerous.
That’s perfectly valid **for you**.
But you keep insisting that nobody’s enjoyment is lesser while repeatedly positioning your own interpretation as the necessary reality check on everybody else’s.
And that’s what people are reacting to, Uwe.
It’s not your knowledge. It’s not even your criticism.
It’s the assumption that every emotional response needs Professor Hornung to arrive afterwards with the marking scheme.
At some point, mate, you really can just let people enjoy the fucking moment.
August 18th, 2026 at 12:48I really don’t understand the detractors, or the ones that profess a love for the band and then point out their deficiencies in moment such as this. It really doesn’t matter what Ritchie played; we are all aware of his health issues (although some don’t seem to make allowances for them): his heart, gout, arthritis, spinal degeneration (he needed steroids just to be there) meant he would have been in considerable pain. I’d rather the evening had gone like this than Ritchie to come out, play like he did in 1972 but that there was no camaraderie, beaming faces or hugs, it would have felt hollow. The most important thing is that he reconnected with his former bandmates and they revealed genuine affection for one another. He and the rest of Purple were clearly very happy that night, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ritchie smile that much, certainly not onstage in either Purple or Rainbow, so this was a joy to watch and listen to for the right reasons. For the person that ridiculed us fans for getting emotional and shedding tear you REALLY don’t understand how much these six minutes meant to us. Yes, there’s been a great deal of hyperbole by us, and so what? This is a moment we never would have thought possible. As Simon Robinson said, if it wasn’t the cause of some moist eyes then perhaps you’re following the wrong band.
August 18th, 2026 at 18:14Rubber, you seem to somehow assume that I want to pull the whole world on my side. No I don’t. I don’t give a rat’s ass what the majority thinks, never have, historically majorities have often been notoriously wrong. I just give reasons why I feel the way I do. If it doesn’t convince you, it doesn’t convince you, I don’t really need agreement from anyone. I don’t pattern my interest in DP on the fan adoration other people might hold. If that unsettles you in your own fan worship, too bad, life can be tough.
So elevate a cute scene of an old man making amends with his former colleagues to this wondrous spectacle. The ultimate SOTW version played with the ultimate solo and why didn’t someone kick Simon off the stage altogether. 🙄 And Roger, the two Ian’s and Ritchie are now of course best of friends to live happily ever after – hey, let’s have a reunion, because the last 33 years of DP without Ritchie meant nothing! You’re by all means free to do all that, just don’t expect me to join in.
I have two brain halves, one appreciates the emotional impact and the other one controls the senses that see and hear. I don’t switch one part off nor do I silence it just to preserve some moment in amber. If that makes me less of a fan in the eyes of some of you oder ob in China ein Sack Reis platzt won’t let me lose any sleep. Whether In Rock finally gets a decent remix is way more relevant to me. Believe it or not: Ritchie and Big Ian not being on speaking terms with each other for many years did not cause me suffering, they‘re both grown men you know.
Jeez, if I had joined a football fan club, it couldn‘t be any worse. And I never wanted to join a football fan club. Somehow I thought The Highway Star was more cerebral than that and not a prayer group for joint worship.
I don’t even see the big issue, if you cheer the Emperor’s new clothes, please continue to do so. And if I remark that I see him butt-naked then you should be undeterred in your procession, there is luckily no law prohibiting spiritual hallucinations and mirages. Should you believe my factual observations to be inaccurate, then rebut them other than by yelling insults or questioning my interest in all things DP. Or by claiming “We all know and see that, but let’s better not talk about it, it’s inappropriate!”. Knowledge is the enemy of all faith.
August 18th, 2026 at 21:01@140 Ok. I guess it is.
August 18th, 2026 at 21:38Uwe, you keep saying that you are agnostic and who cares what you are… we are not in the class of civic education… but speaking of that, you have to understand that Ritchie’s music has a soul and that is the main difference that separates Ritchie from a bunch of technically perfect egomaniacs…
August 18th, 2026 at 21:49#138 Uwe:
Even though you asked her in a helpful way, I’m not surprised that Edith said that, she’s your wife after all, Uwe…
I think that people who play some instruments in here, but also those who have been listening to Purple and Ritchie for years, whether they are “true fans or not”, have noticed the technical performance by themselves without needing the authoritative opinion of your wife.
and if you oder ob in China ein Sack Reis platzt, I dare say “me cojoni”
From what you write, it seems that the rational hemisphere is more important than the emotional one on August 12th, while if someone criticizes your rationality, the emotional part predominates.
Your skin is too thick to withstand criticism, isn’t it? years and years on THS have shaped you!
but I can’t help but enjoy reading your speeches and the long discussions they generate.
I feel the need for a balanced word from Tasmania….
August 18th, 2026 at 22:00In all this, Shane hasn’t arrived here yet!
@ 146- but you do give a ‘rat’s ass’ as to what others think Uwe. You spend countless hours commenting about it, putting down certain aspects to fans comments, expectations, reviews etc. Example @ 138- “We learn from that how “real DP fans” (apparently I’m not one of them) (i) don’t notice if a solo is out of time, (ii) if they do, they keep stumm about it to preserve the sanctity of the moment.” So what if other people have different views or see and hear things differently. Why did you play the Smoke version to your good lady Edith? Other than to attempt to prove a point to others here. Or were you in some doubt? Does it really worry you that much? Obviously it does. Why comment about other people allegedly not being aware of this? Trying to prove another point, yes indeed. Who gives a toss what Francis Rossi thought about a predictable situation with the reformed ‘Frantic Four’ Status Quo concerts. That obviously Rossi agreed to take part in, knowing there were health issues etc with the ‘other’ two past members. People enjoyed it for what it was, who gives a f..k that Rossi attempted to ‘burst fans balloon of bliss’. Pathetic mind games from supposed adults. Admit it Uwe, you have a problem with one Richard Hugh Blackmore. Let the ego go, nobody cares, they really don’t. There is a mental ‘block’ with Ritchie from your side. Possibly his overall attitude, or the fact he was responsible in part for the demise of MK II back in 1973 or was it MKIII in ’75. Or perhaps it was getting Cozy into Rainbow and sacking the remaining ELF band members. Or was it all that waiting around at the Munich gig 1n 1977 for Ritchie (The Emperor) to turn up for all his adoring and dedicated (Uwe included) fans. There is something there, a spell was cast many years ago, Uwe has not sorted it out as yet and most probably NEVER will. Ho hum, such is life. Cheers.
August 19th, 2026 at 00:02Just to keep things in ‘perspective’, we wonder what Uwe’s good wife Edith thought of Ian Gillan’s vocal performance on that live version of Smoke with Ritchie guesting? Edith being a soprano would be able to offer her take on that, or is that not what Uwe wants to hear perhaps or more to the point, wants us to hear. It is all about ‘demonising’ poor ole Ritchie, again. I forgot about that! Cheers.
August 19th, 2026 at 01:07Knowledge may be the enemy of fate, yes. But enjoying music is not a matter of knowledge in the first place. It is a matter of feel. While religious faith more often than not turns into nasty fights, music does not. You can adore certain musicians whose playing touches your soul for no other reason than just that. Without stepping on someone’s toes. And as most of us humans have a need for some – let’s say – spiritual experiences music seems to be a good choice. That is why concerts remind me of services in church in many ways… lights, sound, gathering of faithfulls, singing together … you can use all that for the worst: Reichstagsatmosphäre. Or the most peaceful: a music show. And there is no need to tell people why they should not have enjoyed it or that there was nothing to enjoy or they enjoyed it for all the wrong reasons. They do not do anybody any harm, they just enjoy it. Although a forum like this one of course should be open for that kind of debate.
What bothers me more is: If an old man who is obviously in health trouble shows up for an event to make up with old enemies/friends and to send out a sign to those who care … is it really helpful and graceful to judge him by the standards he set in his prime?
I guess most of us here are thankful if we do not get compared to our performances in our heyday…
“We all know and see that, but let’s better not talk about it, it’s inappropriate!”. Yes. It is.
Some things can remain unsaid. Especially when they are obvious to everybody.
August 19th, 2026 at 08:01#146 Uwe, I don’t think you actually disagree with what I’ve been saying — you’ve just constructed a much more extreme version of it to argue against.
Nobody wants you to “pull the whole world onto your side”. Nobody wants you to switch off your ears, abandon analysis or pretend Ritchie played like 1972. And nobody has suggested that Deep Purple’s last 33 years were meaningless without him.
You’re perfectly entitled to hear an out-of-time note, dislike the solo, analyse the playing and explain why. I’ve never objected to that.
What I’ve been pointing out is something rather different: you repeatedly take other people’s emotional enjoyment of an event and feel compelled to qualify it, correct it and remind them of the things they apparently aren’t hearing.
Seeing Ritchie walk onto that stage wasn’t a musicological proposition. It was a moment.
People don’t need to believe it was the greatest version of SOTW ever played in order to find it incredibly moving. They don’t need to believe Roger, Ian, Ian and Ritchie are suddenly best friends forever. They don’t need to think the last 33 years of Purple were meaningless. And they certainly don’t need to believe Ritchie played brilliantly.
They just enjoyed seeing something they never expected to see again.
That’s the bit you keep turning into “fan worship”, “prayer groups”, “spiritual hallucinations” and now the Emperor’s New Clothes.
You say you have two brain halves. Great. Keep both of them. But perhaps accept that other people have two as well — and sometimes one of them simply says:
“Fuck me, that was great to see.”
It doesn’t require empirical validation.
And that’s really my point. You’re absolutely entitled to analyse the moment. I’m equally entitled to think that analysing the moment to death is unnecessary.
Neither of us needs to convert the other.
The difference is that I don’t need to explain to you why you’re enjoying Deep Purple incorrectly.
August 19th, 2026 at 08:18#150 MacGregor:
and I thought Mac brought a balanced voice, but instead he brought gasoline!
August 19th, 2026 at 10:51Now this is turning into a debate about emotions around music and what a “true fan” is or isn’t. Maybe that should go to the forums?
Anyway, I also find it hard sometimes to understand the enormous emotions some people have about music. But as many others here, I don’t have the need to nerdsplain people about it.
But I also react to Simon Robinson’s comment about, “if you didn’t shed a tear, find another band”. There is another person telling people what a fan is or isn’t. But people seem to get more upset with what Uwe writes.
August 19th, 2026 at 11:30MacGregor🎯🎯🎯
August 19th, 2026 at 11:40Something can be flawed – most things in life tend to be – and still have great positive emotional impact. Of course I’m happy about what happened at Wantagh. There is no schism here between us.
Where I differ is that the emotional experience doesn’t color the performance for me into being better than it actually was or in having me dampen my voice about what was less than optimal about it. Call it journalistic or critical cruel honesty.
Re Edith and the solo: She explicitly asked why I hadn’t yet played Wantagh to her several days after. And I said: “Because it was more an emotional high point than a musical one and you don’t even like SOTW as a song (Edith thinks it’s dumb).” I was actually reluctant about playing it to her. But she persevered and I finally showed her the YouTube clip wishing to ameliorate what might be coming with my comment about Ritchie’s solo being “not so bad”. [We have debates all the time because she doesn’t see Ritchie in David Gilmour’s (her favorite guitarist) league.] Believe me, I would have preferred her to say “Oh, it’s actually quite good!” But she is currently rehearsing with one of her choirs an African Music program where rhythm and timing are of course an important focus (and she sometimes despairs at how some of her choir mates have issues even getting close to that), so she immediately noticed Ritchie’s insecure timing shaking her head. (Bum notes are hardly ever an issue, but people detect quickly if something is not played confidently.)
PS: Someone raised here (or elsewhere) if I would have preferred Ritchie jumping in slapdash musketeer manner on stage, delivering an all time great solo to a bewildered rest-DP and then leaving stage to mouth off about not wishing to repeat the exercise “because the others weren’t really any good, were they?! 🤣 I thought about that upstaging scenario long and hard, and, yes, it’s ‘fessin’ up time after all, I admit to having taken a somewhat perverse delight in that smiling to myself: Typically Blackmore! It’s not that I don’t have a soft spot for him in me, warts and all. 🤗
August 19th, 2026 at 12:38Now for me… I ain’t upset by Simon or Uwe.
Svante, I think Simon’s comment is – to these ears – a short and witty one. My guess is he wanted to say he shed a tear. Wanted to say it the English way. You know, without much emotional ado. In orther words: Now if that ain’t moving – what the hell is? That is far from analysing things to death or really telling people what a fan is and how such a fan should react.
August 19th, 2026 at 13:11Long time lurker, first time poster here. Rarely do I feel compelled to comment, but really. Christ on a bike. Leave it to the omnipresent, borderline narcissistic Uwe Hornung to try to bring down people simply enjoying one of the happiest and most touching events in Purple history since 1984…
August 19th, 2026 at 13:18#155 Svante:
I guess you’re referring to me and the answer I gave to that poor user, who created the next hornet’s nest.
Obviously, everyone is a fan in their own way: some are passionate, some are rational, some are analytical, some are cynical, some are nostalgic…
I think I’m somewhere in the middle.
There are also the occasional fans, or the Led Zeppelin fans who make forays! ):-D
Of course, if anyone dares to judge the emotional comments of the most passionate fans react as “embarrassing,” I’m the type to respond in kind.
A discussion in the forum about ‘real fans, how to define and recognize them’ could be interesting!
August 19th, 2026 at 16:24Wallow in your sentiments here, I won’t disturb you. I’m conveniently checking out 🫡 of this thread. Happy collective wan
kingtaghing … I of course meant to say!And Flavio, send me a copy of that “Recognizing the True DP Fan”-handbook with the Rorschach test or whatever it will be when it is back from the printers. Who knows, I might learn something to meet those exacting standards in the future.
https://youtu.be/nfWlot6h_JM
[Yup, since you always ask, Karin, I do find those lyrics more relevant to me than “High noon, oh I’d sell my soul for water …” etc!]
August 19th, 2026 at 21:05Svante
For someone that active for decades for THS its surprising its beyond why people get so passionate discussing our music.
I dont get that.
And yes, medicated he needs to be but contributing tasteful solo s from his SOUL d blow any other guitarplayer out of the water.
He wont do it regretfully but I d bet on my expectation.
August 19th, 2026 at 21:55Hi, I rarely post on this group, but there are several negative threads that keep appearing. Having followed the group since first hearing Black Night in 1970, I too have followed the various trials and tribulations that I witnessed over the years. Too much negative analysis is being expended on RB joining the band for just ONE song. Just accept it for what has happened and let supposed know it all’s enjoy it for what it was.
August 19th, 2026 at 22:40Yo,
I wonder what these reviews would have read like if RB was in a cheeky mood, & ripped into the tune “Burn” lol !???…
Ciao !
August 19th, 2026 at 23:41Enjoy your checkout, Uwe. 😄
And don’t worry — nobody is going to stop you hearing the bum notes, analysing the timing, consulting Edith, comparing Gilmour, examining the historical context or conducting the post-match forensic investigation.
The rest of us will just enjoy the memory.
Which, ironically, is all anyone was doing in the first place.
Safe travels to the next thread. I’m sure they’ll be delighted to receive the full Uwe Hornung treatment. 😉
August 20th, 2026 at 06:44Phew. “Happy collective wan …” I am really surprised how some 6 minutes that were supposed to be very happy ones for us lot here are about to blow up the whole community. 😀 A bit shocking. And not to be expected from civilized people our age.
Here is what Simon McBride has to say – I guess most of us have read it:
“If I can play that well when I’m that age, I’ll be happy. People should look at it for what it was – a magical night”
“It was a magical moment,” he says. “I think there were a lot of tears in the audience. And on stage, there were just smiles everywhere. I’m very lucky to have been part of such an iconic situation.”
That magic hasn’t stopped internet trolls from criticizing Blackmore’s playing. McBride isn’t having it. “People will always say stupid things,” he says with an eye roll. “I ignore that. Ritchie is in his 80s and plays great.”
“As for me, I just wanted Ritchie to be happy and do his thing, which he did. Ritchie is and always will be a great player.”
https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/simon-mcbride-on-sharing-the-stage-with-ritchie-blackmore
August 20th, 2026 at 07:20#161 Uwe:
Of course, I will send you the first limited edition copy, with the Rorschach Test and the Goldberg Test (included in the limited edition only),
obviously autographed and dedicated!
I think it could be a worldwide success and I would become very rich…
August 20th, 2026 at 09:59Anyone who wants can book exclusively on TSH with a special discount!
Uwe, since you have satisfied your low passions, you are now retiring… but don’t let some hanging or some other form of suicide happen to some here at THS if Ritchie somehow miraculously records a song for the new DP album! The chances are small, but the scale of the carnage that would occur would be unimaginable🤣
August 20th, 2026 at 15:09Ironically, whatever Uwe said on this thread and the way he said it were quite Blackmore-sque, in true Ricthie’s style before he mellowed down. What I mean is starting off discussing something in a quite legitimate way, then getting grumpy and coming up with biting statements, then slamming the door and leaving on his own terms but not before aggravating everybody. Vintage Ritchie from circa ’93.))
August 21st, 2026 at 09:20As a direct reply to #169 and not about Das Wunder von Wantagh at all: Georgivs, your comparison of course bestows great honor on me, but it was more a health thing. I suffer from asthma and too much incense – in Church and other places of worship – leaves me gasping for air.
https://as2.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/02/90/80/65/1000_F_290806557_Dxe6GE90igWHG7Bnjz8cf7XEhUGuSxLW.jpg
And with that I make my excuses from the billowing environment here again!
August 24th, 2026 at 21:09Try using sulfur.
August 25th, 2026 at 07:36But that is what I already bring with me from where I live!
https://64.media.tumblr.com/8f6fe7588f463e6f5ff6ff2a8c81d3b1/ea0a7de4d012ec35-84/s500x750/936a5b6f2ce660de0421a054adb8ac1b24cc58df.gif
August 25th, 2026 at 21:42Enjoy your stay🤣
August 26th, 2026 at 11:30Thanks, but there is always so much to do up here, I practically never get home!
August 26th, 2026 at 16:48No matter what, a warm home always awaits you!
August 26th, 2026 at 21:50True, as the Prince of Darkness I am rather pleased how mankind has been handling the climate in the carbon age. Don’t let up, you’re going places!
August 27th, 2026 at 13:24First you moved from music topics to religious topics, then you’re talking about carbon footprint…what’s next…maybe AI…I thought I was on a music site…Somehow it seems to me that you’re in a bad financial position, so you work part-time for whoever you can. How does this one with horns pay you? In cash or on account? Don’t forget to pay taxes to your poor country!
August 27th, 2026 at 21:33#176 Uwe:
https://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/160/731/160731813_0786b0.jpg
Accountant, it’s too hot underground, and it’s boring…better to have fun upstairs
August 27th, 2026 at 21:47