Ritchie Blackmore States That He’s Been Banned From Deep Purple’s Rock Hall Induction
Richie Blackmore on stage in the 1980s
Guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore has stated on his Facebook page that he has been told by the band’s current manager that he cannot attend Deep Purple’s Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction.
The band has gone through many line up changes over their near fifty-year existence. However, the members that are being inducted are: Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Rod Evans, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, Jon Lord and Ian Paice.
Blackmore writes in the post:
“Ritchie was honored by the offer of induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He was discussing the possibility of attending, until we received correspondence from the president of the Hall Of Fame, who said that Bruce Payne, management for the current DEEP PURPLE touring band, had said ‘No.’ Therefore Ritchie will not be attending the ceremony. He sincerely thanks all the fans that voted for him for their support.”
Drummer Ian Paice had recently said that any decision regarding the induction ceremony and any possible performance will have to be made with the blessings of all the current members. Stating that:
“We don’t have salaried guys with Don and Steve. They are fully accredited members of the band and they share in everything, and into decisions as well. They will have to be consulted and see how they feel about anything that the three of us originals think we would or wouldn’t like to do.”
This year’s ceremony will take place on a soon-to-be-announced date in late April.
Ritchie Blackmore Official Facebook Page
Forgotten Guitar 
Fire the manager.
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that’s ridiculous..they wouldn’t going to the Hall Of Fame if it wasn’t for Ritchie’s songs and as an incredible concert draw.simply unacceptable
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Ritchie was the ass all along
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Seems quite silly to me that such a prominent member is excluded from such an honorary event due to a “current manager”. Who gives a shit what this guy thinks. The original members need to “man up” and over-rule this guy or admit that they are the ones who don’t want him there.
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Ritchie was the Catalyst that got Deep Purple were it is today.I agree fire that wanker Bruce Payne……Give Ritchie Blackmore what he deserves and worked so hard for……
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Current DP is a joke, if it wasn’t for Ritchie none of these guys would have careers much less be in the hall of fame. Do the right thing morons.
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I can not believe that he wouldn’t be there, WTF? He was Deep Purple along with John Lord, Ian Gillian, Rodger Glover and Ian Pace! The original members from the 60’s into the 70’s when they had their best years. Ritchie Blackmore is a guitar genius, a pioneer and an unrivalled musician that should be honored for his contributions, not only to the band Deep Purple, but to rock music history! That’s what laid the foundation, what made them the superstars they were.
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