Why Ritchie Blackmore’s Deep Purple Reunion Moved Fans to Tears

Why Ritchie Blackmore’s Deep Purple Reunion Moved Fans to Tears

Author: Phil Aston August 13, 2026 Duration: 14:11

Ritchie Blackmore has performed with Deep Purple for the first time since 1993, joining the band at Jones Beach in New York for an unforgettable version of “Smoke on the Water.”In this video, I share my emotional response to those extraordinary six minutes—not simply the notes Ritchie played, but the smiles, affection and very human interaction between him, Ian Gillan and the rest of Deep Purple.This was not about recreating the past. Neither Ritchie Blackmore nor Deep Purple has anything left to prove. It was about old musical brothers putting their differences aside while there was still time and allowing the music to bring them together again.I also pay tribute to Candice Night, Simon McBride and everyone who helped make this remarkable moment possible.Music is the healer and the doctor.What did this reunion mean to you? Did you ever believe that we would see Ritchie Blackmore sharing a stage with Deep Purple again? Please share your thoughts and memories in the comments.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

https://nowspinning.co.uk


Phil Aston brings the pages of Now Spinning Music Magazine-Artist Interviews and Music Reviews to life in this audio companion. Here, the focus remains firmly on the music itself and the artists who create it, championing a tangible connection to sound that goes beyond digital streams. Each episode delves into thoughtful conversations with musicians, exploring their creative processes and the stories behind their work. Alongside these interviews, you’ll find candid reviews of new releases and classic albums, all approached with an independent and honest perspective that values every format, from cherished vinyl records and CDs to elaborate box sets. This podcast extends the magazine’s global community, creating a space for enthusiasts of every genre and era. It’s for anyone who appreciates the artistry of an album as a complete physical object, not just a collection of tracks. Tune in for a deeply engaged discussion about music culture, where the passion for the material item and the music it contains is always at the forefront.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews
Podcast Episodes
Remembering Dolly Parton: Kindness Was Her Superpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, leaving behind an extraordinary catalogue of music—and a legacy of kindness, generosity and humanity.In this personal tribute, I reflect on Dolly’s connection with my late mum, who…
Steve Hackett Reveals How Steve Rothery Changed His Guitar Approach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:27
Steve Hackett joins me for the sixth time on Now Spinning Magazine to discuss The Roaring Waves, his long-awaited instrumental collaboration with Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery.Steve explains how the album became “a m…
Deep Purple Exclusive Don Airey Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
Deep Purple keyboard legend Don Airey joins me on the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to discuss the band's new studio album Splat!.In this exclusive interview, Don talks about working with Simon McBride, the band's creati…
Bruce Soord on Ghosts in the Park & Jethro Tull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Bruce Soord joins me on the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to discuss his deeply personal new solo album Ghosts in the Park.In this emotional and thoughtful conversation, Bruce talks openly about grief, memory, losing par…