When it comes to pure guitar talent, few can match Ritchie Blackmore. Best known for his work with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and his later solo projects, Blackmore carved out a reputation as one of the most influential guitarists of his era.
Along the way, he crossed paths with other giants of the instrument—Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton—sharing both stages and stories. His recollections of the buzzing London scene in the 1960s are as colorful as the music itself.
But unlike many musicians who stick to polite praise, Blackmore never shied away from blunt honesty. His critiques carry weight because they come from someone who deeply understands the craft. One figure he didn’t hesitate to analyze was The Who’s Pete Townshend.
In a 1973 interview, Blackmore made it clear that while Townshend was groundbreaking in some respects, he felt the guitarist’s reputation was inflated. He credited Townshend as the first to experiment with feedback, but also suggested that his style leaned more on smashing out powerful chords than on technical ability.
“Pete Townshend was definitely the first to use feedback,” Blackmore said. “But not being that good a guitarist, he just used to crash chords and let the guitar feedback. He didn’t start experimenting with the amplifier controls until much later.”
Despite his criticisms, Blackmore also recognized Townshend’s innovations. He noted that others, like Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck, often received credit for ideas Townshend introduced first—such as breaking guitars on stage or bringing raw energy to chord playing.
Blackmore’s sharp observations extended beyond musicianship. When asked why he didn’t leap around during performances, he explained that stage movement should feel natural, not forced. He admired Free, calling them the best band in England at the time, and praised singer Paul Rodgers for moving with the music instead of chasing theatrics.
By contrast, he felt Townshend’s trademark jumps had become more about posing than passion:
“Not like Pete Townshend, who waits until the photographers are ready before he leaps. He’s not very spontaneous.”
Through his candid words, Blackmore reminded fans that even rock icons aren’t immune to criticism. His perspective highlights a deeper truth about artistry: technical skill, showmanship, and originality don’t always align—and even legends see each other differently.