Ritchie Blackmore’s place as a pioneer of guitar playing and heavy metal is well-established, so it’s only fitting that he’d be as distinct and unconventional as the music he created. Known for his non-conformist attitude both musically and personally, Blackmore has never been shy about sharing his hot takes—some of which can be downright baffling.
One of the more surprising opinions came in the mid-1970s when Blackmore voiced his dislike for two iconic figures of the era: David Bowie and Alice Cooper. His reason? He believed they were dumbing down music, despite their obvious impact on the rock landscape.
That alone would be shocking coming from someone who had helped shape the evolution of hard rock and early metal. But what makes Blackmore’s take even more perplexing is his unapologetic love for a band who, in many ways, epitomized the very pop sensibilities that he criticized.
In March 2024, Blackmore made an unexpected revelation during a candid Q&A session streamed on Instagram, hosted by his wife, Candice Night. Set in the cozy “Badger and Pussycat” pub in their Long Island home, Blackmore seemed in a more chatty mood than usual, likely aided by a couple of drinks. His favorite beer? Hofbräu, the German brew.
However, the real bombshell came when Blackmore took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his time with Rainbow in the late ’70s, particularly during the recording of their 1978 album Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll. He recalled one night at the Château d’Hérouville, where the band was feeling stuck creatively.
After some drinks, drummer Cozy Powell admitted something that shocked the room: “I like Abba.” What followed was a surprising admission from Blackmore himself: “I love Abba too.” Ronnie James Dio joined in, and suddenly, the trio found themselves bonding over their shared admiration for the Swedish pop group.
Looking back on that night, Blackmore was candid about his feelings: “I think Abba was the best band. I always listened to Abba when I was a kid. It was so melodic, and it just worked. It was fantastic. And they are probably my favourite band of all time. And I know it’s uncool to say that in certain areas. And they were wonderful.”
For anyone familiar with Blackmore’s intense persona, this might come as a shock. Here was a man who had spearheaded some of the most groundbreaking hard rock and heavy metal moments of his time, admitting his love for a pop band that had dominated the charts with their slick melodies and catchy hooks. Even more so considering his previous critiques of bands like The Police for polishing their music with a commercial sheen—something Abba was certainly guilty of.
Despite the initial shock value of Blackmore’s words, his recognition of Abba’s musical brilliance isn’t entirely off-base. Their melodies were undeniably catchy, their compositions well-crafted, and their harmonies sharp, all qualities that Blackmore himself, as a guitarist, would have appreciated. But it still feels strange coming from someone so synonymous with heavy metal, a genre that has long prided itself on rebellion and rawness.
In the end, Blackmore’s admission serves as a reminder that even the most iconic figures in rock have their unexpected influences—and that no one is immune to appreciating a pop classic now and then.
