# Ritchie Blackmore to reunite with Deep Purple after 33 years 2026-08-13T12:01:15+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple’s founding guitarist and co-writer of hits like “Smoke on the Water,” plans to rejoin the band for a live performance on Wednesday at Jones Beach Theater in New York. The appearance ends a 33-year estrangement since his acrimonious exit in 1993. Blackmore said on Instagram that he messaged frontman Ian Gillan about joining for one encore song, and the band agreed. The guitarist had not performed with Deep Purple since walking off stage in 1993, and skipped their 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction after the band refused to share the stage with him. Gillan had previously ruled out any reunion, calling it “unconscionable.” It is unclear what changed Gillan’s stance. Blackmore suffered a heart attack in 2025 that affected his playing. Rolling Stone India reports the reunion may be a one-off. ## Coverage - rollingstoneindia.com Tags: Deep Purple, Ian Gillan, music news, Ritchie Blackmore, rock reunion Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ritchie-blackmore-to-reunite-with-deep-purple-after-33-years/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ritchie-blackmore-to-reunite-with-deep-purple-after-33-years/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.