Ritchie Blackmore, as the guitarist for Deep Purple and Rainbow, is a revered figure in the rock music scene. His influence on other musicians is undeniable. Here are several quotes from various musicians and industry figures about Ritchie Blackmore:
Yngwie Malmsteen: Malmsteen has often cited Blackmore as a significant influence, once saying, “I thought Ritchie Blackmore was God.”
Slash (Guns N’ Roses): “Ritchie Blackmore was a big influence on me when I was younger. Deep Purple was one of the first albums I ever got, and ‘Black Night’ was one of the first songs I ever learned.”
Joe Satriani: On temporarily replacing Blackmore in a Deep Purple tour, Satriani said, “I learned so much! There’s nothing like being in a band with a 30-year history to make you feel humble about the music you play and what you can learn from the players.”
Brian May (Queen): He’s spoken of Blackmore’s talent and influence, stating, “Blackmore has a sound of his own that has become part of our music culture. The guy did something unique and special.”
Steve Vai: Vai once remarked, “Ritchie Blackmore was the first guitar player I was really aware of. He had a very individual sound and approach and I liked the music he played on.”
Eddie Van Halen: In an interview with Guitar World, Van Halen said, “Ritchie Blackmore was an amazing player. ‘Highway Star’ solos were, to me, a high point of that kind of soloing.”
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath): “Ritchie is a fantastic player. We’ve always had a bit of a connection, as both of us replaced each other in various bands during our early careers.”
Joe Perry (Aerosmith): Perry once stated, “I’ve always admired Ritchie Blackmore’s playing. He has a feel and passion that is incredible.”
Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine): Morello has mentioned the influence of Blackmore’s riffs, saying, “Ritchie Blackmore was one of the guitarists I listened to when I was learning how to create powerful riffs.”
John Petrucci (Dream Theater): Petrucci noted Blackmore’s impact, saying, “Ritchie Blackmore has an approach and feel that I still incorporate in my music to this day.”
Kirk Hammett (Metallica): In an interview, Hammett said, “Ritchie Blackmore has always been an enigma. His riffs with Deep Purple were some of the first I ever learned.”
Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs): Morse has said, “Playing in the same band as Ritchie was a big challenge. His work with Deep Purple was legendary.”
David Coverdale (Whitesnake, Deep Purple): Coverdale once remarked, “Sharing the stage with Ritchie was a unique experience. He’s a superb guitarist with a distinctive style.”
Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple): Hughes once stated, “Ritchie was the guy who introduced me to the possibilities of what a guitar could do.”
Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden): Smith said in an interview, “Ritchie Blackmore was one of the guys I looked up to. He played with such feeling and technique, it was hard not to be influenced by him.”