Deep Purple’s days when Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan were both members didn’t last long since the musicians couldn’t get along. There were differences regarding where they intended to take the band, which led to Ian’s dismissal from the band. In an interview with Spanish RockFM last year, Ian explained his side of the events and Blackmore’s ultimatum to the band. He remembered: “We had a meeting one day, and I said, ‘Why don’t we go to South America, Russia, all over the world, we’re a live band,’ and the next day Ritchie went to management and said, ‘Well, it’s either him or me,’ and it was either him or me.” So they chose him, which was good.” After a brief stint with Deep Purple, the record label asked that Ian return to the band or the contract would be terminated. Blackmore was dissatisfied with how things were going after Gillan returned. During an interview with Guitar in 2010, Blackmore explained why he decided to leave the band again in 1994. The guitarist elaborated: “I couldn’t collaborate with [Ian] Gillan.
” He didn’t seem to be taking it seriously. Every night, he was forgetting words, partying in general, and simply blowing his voice out. ‘I think partying is fun, but not at the expense of losing your voice,’ she says. ‘I’ll give you six weeks,’ I said. Despite issuing an ultimatum to the rest of the band, Ritchie was the one who eventually departed Deep Purple and handed over his place to Joe Satriani. The guitarist went on to say: “‘Well, then, we’ll have to break up,’ they remarked. ‘You don’t have to break up,’ I said. I’ll stay and finish the tour, and then you can find another guitarist and continue.’ They got Joe Satriani after I left, but something happened with Joe that he didn’t like. As a result, he left.” Even though Blackmore’s exit from Deep Purple was not ideal, Ian told Spanish RockFM that he and the guitarist had improved their relationship since the 1990s. He did, however, clarify that they will not be rejoining anytime soon. Ritchie Blackmore’s 2010 interview with Guitar may be seen here.
