Phil Aston’s Top 25 Ritchie Blackmore Moments
This time, I’m celebrating the iconic guitar wizardry of Ritchie Blackmore. Recently, it was Ritchie Blackmore’s birthday, and as a long-time fan, I wanted to share my top 25 Ritchie Blackmore moments, spanning his time with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Blackmore’s Night.
Whether you’re new to Blackmore or a lifelong admirer, this list is a great place to explore the work of this legendary guitarist. Let me know what your are and what I missed out!
Already I am thinking there may have to be a part 2 – I mean what was I thinking – where is Gates of Babylon!
Top 25 Ritchie Blackmore Moments
- Burn (Deep Purple, Burn, 1974)
A masterclass in neoclassical soloing, “Burn” is one of the most exciting tracks ever recorded by Deep Purple. - Stargazer (Rainbow, Rising, 1976)
Featuring Ronnie James Dio on vocals, “Stargazer” is a rock epic that demonstrates Blackmore’s unmatched slide guitar work. - Highway Star (Deep Purple, Made in Japan, 1972)
The ultimate high-octane opening track, blending speed, virtuosity, and melodic mastery. - Still I’m Sad (Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, 1975)
An instrumental classic that showcases Blackmore’s distinct guitar sound. - You Fool No One (Deep Purple, Live in London, 1974)
Blackmore’s solo shredding section makes this version of “You Fool No One” stand out. - Weiss Heim (Rainbow, B-Side of “All Night Long”, 1980)
A beautifully crafted instrumental that highlights Blackmore’s melodic sensibilities. - Strange Kind of Woman (Deep Purple, Made in Japan, 1972 – Tokyo version)
The Tokyo version delivers a blistering solo with a bluesy feel. - Mistreated (Rainbow, Black Masquerade, 1995)
This live version with Ronnie James Dio captures the emotional intensity of Blackmore’s playing. - Hard Lovin’ Man (Deep Purple, In Rock, 1970)
A Galloping riff that Blackmore strangled into perfection. - A Light in the Black (Rainbow, Rising, 1976)
A fast-paced groove driven by Cozy Powell’s double-bass drum, with Blackmore weaving melodic magic. - Child in Time (Deep Purple, Made in Japan, 1972)
Blackmore’s fast, blistering notes make this a pinnacle of his early playing style. - Anya (Deep Purple, Come Hell or High Water, 1993 – Stuttgart version)
Features one of Blackmore’s most intense solos from the 90s. - Temple of the King (Rainbow, Black Masquerade, 1995)
A live version showcasing Blackmore’s control and emotion. - A 200 (Deep Purple, Burn, 1974)
An instrumental gem that starts with hauntingly notes. - Knocking at Your Back Door (Deep Purple, Perfect Strangers, 1984)
Blackmore’s signature “Eastern snake charmer” riff is unmistakable. - No No No (Deep Purple, Fireball, 1971)
A masterclass in control and dynamics. - The Spanish Archer (Deep Purple, The House of Blue Light, 1987)
Features some of Blackmore’s most furious playing. - Second Element (Blackmore’s Night, Nature’s Light, 2021)
Blackmore’s Night gives Blackmore the space to shine with his timeless tone. - Flight of the Rat (Deep Purple, In Rock, 1970)
The guitar solo is just wonderful yet remains melodic and inventive. - Pictures of Home (Deep Purple, Machine Head, 1972)
A showcase of Blackmore’s rhythm and lead interplay. - Why Didn’t Rosemary (Deep Purple, Deep Purple, 1969)
A pivotal track where Blackmore began to define his style. - Eyes of the World (Rainbow, Down to Earth, 1979)
One of the great opening songs, with a powerful guitar production. - Tarot Woman (Rainbow, Rising, 1976)
Blackmore’s guitar work immediately captivates after Tony Carey’s synth intro. - Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple, Made in Japan, 1972 – 15th August Osaka version)
A definitive version with a unique false start. - The Snowman (Rainbow, Bent Out of Shape, 1983)
Blackmore’s interpretation of this classic animated theme is achingly beautiful.
These tracks define Ritchie Blackmore as one of the guitar greats. Whether you’re a fan of his work in Deep Purple, Rainbow, or Blackmore’s Night, his unique style and tone make every note unmistakably his own.
Happy Birthday, Ritchie, and thank you for all the music!
Phil Aston, Now Spinning Magazine
