Ritchie Blackmore reflects on 50 years of Rainbow’s ‘Rising’ in exclusive interview

Ritchie Blackmore had reached a breaking point during his time with Deep Purple. He expressed his weariness with the continuous dramas and musical direction of the band, acknowledging his contribution to the problem. He felt that the band had become more of a committee, with different opinions on every matter, leading to a decision to part ways.

Following his departure from Deep Purple, Blackmore embarked on a new musical journey with Ronnie James Dio by forming Rainbow. Together, they released their first two albums, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975 and Rising in 1976. A recently released box set titled The Temple of the King: 1975-1976 provides a detailed look into this era of Blackmore’s career.

In a rare interview, Blackmore shared insights into his health struggles, departure from Deep Purple, and the beginnings of Rainbow. Reflecting on this phase of his life, Blackmore expressed a desire to explore new musical horizons and distance himself from his own ego. Seeking a fresh start, he found inspiration in magician David Copperfield, who taught him how to separate himself from his own ego and be fully present in his musical performances.

When asked about his collaboration with Ronnie James Dio, Blackmore humorously recounted their writing process. There were no real challenges between the two; instead, they had an easy and fruitful creative partnership. Dio’s musical background as a trumpeter in an orchestra made him a valuable collaborator, quickly grasping Blackmore’s musical ideas and translating them into lyrics that sometimes left even Blackmore puzzled.

Blackmore appreciated Dio’s unique approach to songwriting, infusing the music with renaissance-like melodies and clever interpretations. Dio’s ability to effortlessly craft melodies in a matter of minutes impressed Blackmore, highlighting their effortless creative synergy. Despite Dio’s casual approach to songwriting, Blackmore admired his quick comprehension and skill in producing memorable melodies.

Throughout their collaboration, Blackmore and Dio shared a harmonious creative relationship, with Dio bringing a fresh perspective to Blackmore’s musical ideas. Dio’s ability to effortlessly blend renaissance influences with heavy metal elements added depth and richness to Rainbow’s sound, creating a unique and memorable musical experience for fans.

As Rainbow’s landmark album Rising celebrates its 50th anniversary, Blackmore fondly looks back on the band’s early years and the musical legacy they created. Their partnership, marked by creative exploration and mutual respect, paved the way for Rainbow’s enduring influence on the rock music landscape.