When you’re as legendary a guitarist as Ritchie Blackmore, your music leaves a lasting mark on the world. So much so, in fact, that guitar shops around the globe have been known to put up signs banning the playing of one specific riff — yes, we’re talking about ‘Smoke on the Water’. Blackmore’s iconic guitar line has become a rite of passage for beginner guitarists everywhere.
But to define Blackmore’s career solely by ‘Smoke on the Water’ would be a mistake. His impact extends far beyond that famous riff. As a founding member of both Deep Purple and Rainbow, Blackmore has built a catalogue filled with unforgettable riffs, soaring solos, and a fearless creative spirit. His musical versatility has made him one of the most innovative and respected figures in the history of rock.
One of Blackmore’s greatest strengths has always been his openness to new ideas. While many rock bands in the 1960s and 1970s stuck to tried-and-true formulas, Blackmore embraced change. He helped push Deep Purple’s sound into new territory, blending heavy rock with classical influences to create something truly unique. Albums like In Rock showcase the power of this experimental approach, standing tall among the most celebrated records of the era.
However, that same openness also gave Blackmore the clarity to know what he didn’t like — and he never shied away from saying so. Throughout his career, he’s been known to criticize certain bands with sharp honesty. Among those to face his unapologetic disdain was none other than The Police.
Blackmore’s comments about the Sting-fronted trio came as Deep Purple was planning a comeback in the 1980s. As music evolved during that decade, Blackmore felt rock was losing its edge. He saw a need for heavier, grittier music to return to the mainstream, and believed Deep Purple was the right band to fill that gap. His bandmate Roger Glover supported this vision, once saying that the world needed a group like Deep Purple again.
In response, Blackmore quipped, “It’s quite a profound statement, and Roger doesn’t take drugs. Yeah, I suppose so. That’s the kind of promotional statement that the record company will love. As long as the world doesn’t need The Police, that’s all I care about.”
To be clear, he wasn’t referring to law enforcement. He was speaking directly about the band The Police, led by Sting. For Blackmore, their polished, lighter sound represented everything that had gone wrong with rock music by the early ’80s.
Reflecting on the band’s return to touring, Blackmore explained the shift in the rock scene: “I think it was on the first part of the tour in Australia. I suddenly realized that there was a gap for this type of music because only ZZ Top were doing that aggressive stuff. Everyone was playing like The Police. And can I state here that I hate The Police?”
For Ritchie Blackmore, rock music needed fire — something he felt The Police were sorely lacking. And in true Blackmore fashion, he didn’t hold back in letting the world know exactly how he felt.
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