Ritchie Blackmore: The Virtuosity Debate in British Rock 'n' Roll
Ritchie Blackmore, a prominent figure in British rock 'n' roll, is known for his outspoken views on virtuosity in music. He has criticized bands like Cream and The Rolling Stones for what he perceives as imitation rather than genuine talent. Blackmore values authenticity in music and is skeptical of bands that gain mass popularity without substance.
When the punk movement emerged, Blackmore found the music lacking in talent and substance. He was unimpressed by the hype surrounding the movement and felt that it relied on basic music principles to appear more significant than it actually was. His honesty and critical views extended to his own band, Deep Purple, leading to disagreements and eventually his departure from the group.
Blackmore's criticisms of Deep Purple, even during their most popular periods, stemmed from a sense of superiority and a belief that his talents were undervalued. He particularly took issue with Ian Gillan's vocals on the classic track 'Child in Time', feeling that Gillan's performance did not do justice to the song's potential. Blackmore believed that Gillan's vocal technique was often lacking, leading to frustration and disappointment in their live performances.