“Jon Lord Hails Ritchie Blackmore’s Unmatched Guitar Power: ‘I’ve Never Seen Anyone Play Like That—He’s a Genius Who Possesses the Power of the Guitar Itself'”..“There’s something supernatural about the way Ritchie plays. It’s like he possesses the power of the guitar itself,” Lord explained.I remember a fan once called in after a show,” Lord recounted. “He said, ‘I just want you to know Ritchie saved my life.’ He’d been going through a terrible time and was…Read More⬇️
Legendary Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord once delivered a stirring tribute to his longtime bandmate and guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, calling his talent not only rare but supernatural. In a heartfelt reflection, Lord praised Blackmore’s unique style, raw power, and deep emotional connection with his instrument—attributes that helped define Deep Purple’s sound and left an indelible mark on rock history.
“There’s something supernatural about the way Ritchie plays,” Lord said in a candid interview. “It’s like he possesses the power of the guitar itself. I’ve never seen anyone play like that—he’s a genius in the truest sense of the word.”
For Lord, who shared the stage with Blackmore during Deep Purple’s golden years, the guitarist’s brilliance was not just about technical prowess. It was about emotion, instinct, and an almost otherworldly ability to channel music through his fingers. Whether it was the blistering solos in “Highway Star” or the iconic riff of “Smoke on the Water,” Blackmore’s playing carried an energy that transcended the ordinary.
“What struck me about Ritchie was that he didn’t just play the guitar—he spoke through it,” Lord recalled. “It was as if the instrument was an extension of his soul. He could be fierce, delicate, chaotic, or serene—sometimes all in the same song.”
Lord also remembered the profound impact Blackmore had on fans. He shared a poignant story that illustrated just how deeply the guitarist’s music resonated with people.
“I remember a fan once called in after a show,” he said. “He said, ‘I just want you to know Ritchie saved my life.’ He’d been going through a terrible time—deep depression, personal losses, the kind of darkness that makes you question everything. And somehow, hearing Ritchie play, the sheer emotion in his solos, gave him something to hold onto. That’s the kind of power music has when it’s played with that much heart.”
While Blackmore is known for his moody and often reclusive personality, Lord always believed that behind the mystique was a man with deep passion and integrity.
“He can be difficult, sure—but geniuses often are,” Lord noted with a smile. “Ritchie knew exactly what he wanted musically, and he wouldn’t settle for less. That drive, that perfectionism, is part of what made him so great. And when he was inspired—when he was on—there was no one else like him.”
Even after their time together in Deep Purple, Lord remained an admirer of Blackmore’s evolving artistry, including his later work with Rainbow and even his acoustic ventures with Blackmore’s Night.
“Whether it’s electric or acoustic, Ritchie doesn’t just play notes—he tells stories,” Lord said. “He’s not just a guitarist. He’s a force.”
In a career filled with memorable collaborations, Jon Lord’s reverence for Ritchie Blackmore stands out as one of deep respect and admiration. Their musical chemistry helped shape the sound of one of rock’s greatest bands, but more than that, it forged a legacy where the guitar became something more—a voice, a lifeline, a source of magic.
