After revealing Tuesday that he would be reuniting with his former band Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore joined the group onstage at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, for one of their biggest hits.
Toward the end of the band's set, Blackmore, who hadn't performed with Deep Purple since 1993, came out to perform the iconic tune "Smoke on the Water." Fan-shot video shows Blackmore kicking things off with the song's iconic riff.
“I gotta say something, couple a days ago I got a message from a local lad … saying I only live around the corner, mind if I come jam with you,” frontman Ian Gillan explained to the crowd after the performance. “It was an absolute pleasure to have back onstage founder member, the great legend, the immortal, Ritchie Blackmore.”
He added, “Thanks Richie, I have to say it was a great pleasure. I’ll see you in the bar.” Blackmore then walked offstage as fans chanted, “Ritchie.”
Deep Purple later posted photos from the reunion on Instagram, calling it "A big moment in rock history."
Deep Purple is currently on tour in support of their latest album, SPLAT! Their next show is happening Thursday in Mansfield, Massachusetts. A complete list of dates can be found at DeepPurple.com.
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