- Born
- Birth nameRichard Hugh Blackmore
- Nickname
- Blackers
- Height5′ 10½″ (1.79 m)
- Ritchie Blackmore was born on April 14, 1945 in Weston Super Mare, England, UK. He is a composer and actor, known for The Creator (2023), Twister (1996) and Point Break (1991). He has been married to Candice Night since October 2008. They have two children. He was previously married to Amy Rothman, Margrit Volkmar and Barbie Hardie.
- SpousesCandice Night(October 2008 - present) (2 children)Amy Rothman(May 1981 - 1987) (divorced)Barbie Hardie(September 16, 1969 - ?) (divorced)Margrit Volkmar(May 18, 1964 - 1969) (divorced, 1 child)
- Fender Stratocaster
- Long Guitar Solos
- Best known for the iconic opening guitar riff to "Smoke On The Water"
- Combining Classical with Blues for a Melodic Sound on the Guitar
- Blunt assessments of fellow bandmates and other musicians
- Starting with the Gillan-era Deep Purple studio albums, Blackmore essentially gained creative control in the band. As such, they shifted away from the artsy, classical- fusion rock and more toward straightforward hard rock.
- Currently plays in the medieval-style group, Blackmore's Night.
- Voted the South West's joint best guitarist with Matt Bellamy in Total Guitar Magazine's poll of the greatest 12 British guitarists.
- His last album with Deep Purple was The Battle Rages On. For the tour that followed, prior to Steve Morse joining the band, Joe Satriani filled Blackmore's then- vacant position.
- Only Rainbow member to appear on every album.
- Combing my hair doesn't make me a better musician.
- Our main audience is about eighteen years old. People that age don't really understand music that much... If they were really that musically hip, they wouldn't even like us.
- [on Deep Purple's long-time exclusion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] If I can pay the bills, that's all I care about.
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