In a thrilling development for rock and Renaissance music enthusiasts alike, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has officially returned to the live stage. The announcement came in May 2024, when Blackmore’s Night, the Renaissance-inspired folk-rock band he co-founded with his wife, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Candice Night, revealed plans for an expansive U.S. summer tour. The tour, spanning June and July 2024, marks the band’s first live performances since 2022 and represents a significant moment in the ongoing story of one of rock’s most enigmatic and influential figures.
A Return Long Awaited
Fans of Blackmore’s storied career — which began with his groundbreaking work in Deep Purple and continued with the hard rock brilliance of Rainbow — had been eagerly awaiting news of his return to the stage. Though Blackmore has largely stepped away from the heavy rock scene in recent decades, his musical journey has remained compelling, particularly through Blackmore’s Night. The band, formed in 1997, showcases Blackmore’s lifelong fascination with medieval, Renaissance, and folk music, blended with elements of rock and contemporary songwriting.
After a noticeable absence from touring for nearly two years, the May 2024 announcement was greeted with palpable excitement from fans worldwide. In a statement released via the band’s official website and social media channels, Blackmore’s Night confirmed:
“We are delighted to announce our long-awaited return to live performances. This summer, join us as we bring the magic of Renaissance and folk rock to audiences across the United States. It’s been far too long, and we cannot wait to share these musical moments with you once again.”
The announcement was accompanied by a list of tour dates covering both coasts and several major cities, including New York, Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Boston. The band also promised a setlist featuring beloved classics from their extensive discography, along with a few surprises.
Blackmore’s Night: A Distinctive Musical Journey
For those unfamiliar, Blackmore’s Night is far removed from the heavy riff-laden rock anthems of “Smoke on the Water” or “Man on the Silver Mountain.” The project reflects Blackmore’s deep appreciation for medieval and Renaissance music, as well as his passion for acoustic guitar, hurdy-gurdy, and other period instruments. Since its inception, the band has carved out a unique niche, blending historical instrumentation with modern songwriting sensibilities.
The band’s lead vocalist, Candice Night, who is also Blackmore’s wife, brings warmth, ethereal vocals, and lyrical storytelling to the ensemble. Over the years, Night has become a respected figure in the folk and fantasy-inspired music world, known for her poetic lyrics and captivating stage presence.
Their albums, including Shadow of the Moon (1997), Fires at Midnight (2001), Secret Voyage (2008), and Nature’s Light (2021), have consistently delivered a blend of romantic ballads, spirited dances, and atmospheric instrumentals. The 2024 tour promised to revisit fan favorites from these records while offering new arrangements and live-only surprises.
A New Chapter for Ritchie Blackmore
At 79 years old, Ritchie Blackmore remains a towering figure in the history of rock guitar. His ability to traverse genres — from the proto-metal fireworks of Deep Purple to the neoclassical flourishes of Rainbow and the pastoral elegance of Blackmore’s Night — is virtually unmatched. His decision to focus on Renaissance and folk-inspired music in the later stages of his career was initially met with curiosity but has since proven to be an inspired evolution.
Though Blackmore briefly returned to rock with a short run of Rainbow shows in 2016 and 2017, the guitarist has shown a clear preference for the intimacy and historical romance of Blackmore’s Night. The upcoming tour reflects his commitment to this musical path, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience his virtuosity in a different but equally evocative context.
In interviews leading up to the tour, Blackmore expressed enthusiasm about performing live again.
- “Playing live is where the true connection happens,” he noted. “While I’ve always loved the studio, there’s nothing like the atmosphere of a live audience. With Blackmore’s Night, the concerts aren’t just performances; they’re like stepping into another time, another world.”
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