Blackmore’s Night opened their Autumn 2025 U.S. tour with a moment no one expected. On November 13, 2025, at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, the band shocked the audience by performing a soft, stripped-back version of “Child in Time”, the famous Deep Purple song from 1970.
This was especially surprising because Blackmore’s Night is known for their Renaissance-inspired folk music, not heavy rock classics. Fans in the crowd captured the moment on video, and one person even noted, “This song was not on the setlist… Ritchie changed the songs after the fifth one.”
The performance carried a peaceful, emotional feel — very different from the powerful and dramatic original. After finishing the song, Ritchie Blackmore joked to the audience, “We’ve never done that before, and we’re never doing it again!” This made the moment feel even more special, like a one-time gift to the fans.
While the band has played “Child in Time” a few times in the past, it has been extremely rare. According to setlist history, the last known performance was back in 2007, nearly two decades ago. The only Deep Purple song that Blackmore’s Night normally includes in their shows is “Soldier of Fortune,” so hearing “Child in Time” was a true treat.
Blackmore’s Night, formed in 1997 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and singer Candice Night, usually focuses on medieval-style music and soft rock, so this jump back into Blackmore’s Deep Purple days felt especially nostalgic.
The show in Alexandria was part of their Eastern U.S. theatre tour, which also includes dates in Newton, New Jersey on November 15 and Wilmington, Delaware on November 20. The tour also supports animal-rescue charities, with local shelters invited to each show — something the band has been passionate about for years.
For longtime fans who admire Blackmore’s work with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and now Blackmore’s Night, this moment was both emotional and unforgettable. Even if the band insists it won’t happen again, the audience at the Birchmere got a rare connection to Blackmore’s rock roots — something they’ll remember long after the final note faded.