Rock legend Ritchie Blackmore, the famous guitarist from Deep Purple and Rainbow, has postponed all of his upcoming tour dates with his band Blackmore’s Night. The announcement has concerned many fans, especially since the band had only just returned to the stage earlier in November.
A Sudden Change in Plans
Blackmore’s Night kicked off their tour on November 9th in Virginia and played another show in Pennsylvania soon after. Everything seemed to be moving forward—until November 15th. Just hours before a show in New Jersey, the band announced that the performance was canceled because of a medical issue.
Two days later, another show — this one in Delaware — was also canceled. Then, on November 18th, the band released a message saying that all remaining shows on the tour were postponed due to medical reasons. They apologized to fans but did not share any details about what happened or who in the band was affected.
Concerns About Blackmore’s Health
Even though no specifics were given this time, fans remember that earlier this year Ritchie’s wife and bandmate, Candice Night, talked about his recent health challenges. She revealed that Blackmore had a heart attack in 2023 and now has six stents. His doctor has even told him not to fly because of the risks involved.
Night also mentioned that while Ritchie still looks and acts younger than his age, he’s close to 80 years old, and medical issues naturally begin to catch up. She added that Ritchie doesn’t want to perform if he can’t give his best or if it means being seen in a weakened state, such as performing from a wheelchair.
What This Means Going Forward
Right now, there’s no update on when or if the postponed shows will be rescheduled. The band has simply stated that the tour is on hold. For fans, it’s disappointing, but the health and safety of the musicians always come first.
Ritchie Blackmore has had a long, influential career — from creating some of rock’s most iconic riffs to exploring folk music with Blackmore’s Night. As he faces health challenges, many fans are showing support, hoping he takes the time he needs to recover.
Final Thoughts
While the sudden cancellations are unfortunate, they also remind us that even our musical heroes are human. For now, fans can only wait for more information and wish Ritchie a full and restful recovery.