In a revealing new interview with Eonmusic, Candice Night, wife and longtime musical partner of legendary DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, opened up about her husband’s current health struggles — and why fans may not see him on stage anytime soon.
The conversation, which took place during Night’s promotional tour for her latest solo album Sea Glass, offered an intimate glimpse into the private life of one of rock’s most mysterious figures. Night and Blackmore have been married for 17 years, but their relationship spans more than three decades.
Discussing Blackmore’s condition, Candice shared a sobering health update:
“Right now Ritchie is having a quite a few medical issues. Believe it or not, he’s going to be 80 in on April 14th, which is mind boggling, because he doesn’t look and he certainly doesn’t act it still. But you know at that age, some medical stuff starts catching up with you, and he actually had a heart attack about a year and a half ago, and he’s got six stents in his heart at this point. And we’re battling arthritis and some gout issues.”
One of the major setbacks is the toll that travel takes on him, especially flying, which has become nearly impossible due to existing medical complications.
“He’s still got his back problem that he’s had, so travel is difficult for him because of all that sitting,” she explained. “And standing on stage, even standing with the guitar is tricky, although I do see a lot of people even younger than him at this point in the industry, showing up in wheelchairs. I don’t think he wants to be thought of like that or remembered like that.”
Despite the limitations, Night hasn’t lost hope. She hinted that a return to performing isn’t entirely out of the question—if they can manage his health better.
“Maybe if we can get some of these medical issues under control, maybe I can get him back on a plane, but as for right now, they actually warned him a couple days ago not to fly.”
Adding a bit of levity to the emotionally charged interview, the elusive Blackmore made a brief cameo mid-chat — quite literally walking by with a boiled egg in hand.
“He’s wandering through with his boiled egg right now,” Candice chuckled. “[Speaking to Ritchie] What? THE POGUES? Oh, he said, one of his favorite bands is THE POGUES, I should mention that.”
In fact, Blackmore shared that his favorite track from the folk-punk icons is none other than their beloved holiday anthem:
“Fairytale Of New York” is his favorite song from the crossover folk act.
With his health uncertain and live performances currently off the table, fans are left to cherish Blackmore’s musical legacy — and, perhaps, hope for one more stage return from the man in black.
