Renowned for his genre-defying talent and uncompromising musical standards, Ritchie Blackmore has long been recognized as one of the most versatile and skilled guitarists in rock history. From the thunderous riffs of Deep Purple to the medieval-inspired melodies of Blackmore’s Night, his discography showcases a musician who constantly pushes boundaries and demands excellence—not just from himself, but from his peers as well.
While Blackmore is quick to praise the musicians he respects, he’s just as candid when sharing opinions on artists he believes are overrated. Known for his blunt honesty, Blackmore has never shied away from calling things as he sees them, even if it means taking aim at some of rock’s most revered figures.
One of his most controversial opinions surrounds none other than Jimi Hendrix. Despite acknowledging Hendrix’s influence, Blackmore has made it clear that he didn’t consider Hendrix to be a guitar virtuoso in the traditional sense.
“I was impressed by Hendrix. Not so much by his playing, as his attitude – he wasn’t a great player, but everything else about him was brilliant. Even the way he walked was amazing,” Blackmore once remarked. “His guitar playing, though, was always a little bit weird.”
While admitting to borrowing riffs from Hendrix during his time in Deep Purple, Blackmore maintains that Hendrix’s legend was built on more than just musical skill, suggesting that charisma and showmanship played a significant role in his legacy. Instead, Blackmore cites jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery and southern rock pioneers The Allman Brothers as more aligned with his personal musical tastes.
Another pair of celebrated guitarists Blackmore has openly questioned are Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page—two players often credited with defining the sound of classic rock and blues-rock.
“I like Jeff [Beck],” Blackmore shared. “He’s my favourite guitarist. There are a lot of guitarists around that get overlooked… Mike Bloomfield is really good. Steve Howe’s always been a very good guitarist. I’m not too struck on Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. I never saw what was in Clapton at all. He’s a good singer.”
This statement highlights Blackmore’s tendency to favor technical precision, innovation, and clarity of musical intent over reputation or mass appeal. While Clapton and Page are often hailed as titans of guitar history, Blackmore’s critique appears rooted in his desire for depth, originality, and purpose in musical execution.
Blackmore’s critical eye doesn’t just extend to his contemporaries. He has been equally harsh toward trends and bands that dominated mainstream music, such as The Police. He once quipped, “Everyone was playing like The Police. And can I state here that I hate The Police?”
Central to Blackmore’s opinions is the concept of intent in music. He has often emphasized that aimless songwriting is a major flaw, and he even criticized his own band when they veered off course creatively. According to Blackmore, lacking clear musical direction is one of the fastest ways to fall out of his favor.
These opinions, while divisive, offer a deeper insight into the mind of a guitarist who holds craft and substance above popularity. For Blackmore, music is more than just crowd-pleasing solos or flashy stage antics—it’s about deliberate artistry and emotional authenticity.
In a world where legends are often idolized without question, Ritchie Blackmore’s honest assessments serve as a rare reminder that even giants of the genre are not immune to critique. Whether fans agree or not, Blackmore’s sharp ear and fearless commentary continue to stir conversation—and perhaps, inspire others to listen more critically.
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