Ritchie Blackmore, the legendary guitarist of Deep Purple, is celebrated for his exceptional talent and his role in shaping rock and metal music. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of the guitar, Blackmore’s use of the whammy bar and his shredding skills have solidified his reputation among the greatest axemen of his generation.
Given his stature in the rock world, Blackmore frequently shares his opinions on other guitarists. Among them, he has often expressed admiration for Jeff Beck, calling him “my favorite guitarist.” Blackmore praised Beck’s versatility, noting, “He can play a very quiet passage with no sustain and in the next second, suddenly race up the fingerboard with all this sustain coming out.” He appreciates Beck’s ability to control sustain at will, showcasing the nuanced skill that sets him apart.
However, Blackmore’s view of Eric Clapton has been far less favorable. In a 1975 interview with International Musician, he questioned Clapton’s appeal, stating, “I never saw what was in Clapton at all.”
He elaborated, saying, “When you’re a guitarist yourself, you tend to get so buried in what you’re doing,” suggesting that Clapton’s style didn’t resonate with him the way it did with others.
Later that year, in a conversation with Cameron Crowe for Creem magazine, Blackmore reiterated his indifference toward Clapton’s playing. He contrasted Clapton with the highly revered Jimi Hendrix, someone he greatly respected. Blackmore remarked, “Although I was never knocked out with Eric Clapton’s playing, it was competent… Hendrix was way ahead of him because he could write, he could sing, he could perform.”
In his candid critique, Blackmore acknowledged Clapton’s talent, but he felt he followed in the footsteps of earlier English blues guitarists. He also expressed disappointment with Clapton’s trajectory after the 1970s, suggesting that drug use and poor management contributed to Clapton’s decline.
Despite the competitive nature of the music scene, Blackmore ultimately declared, “I gave up all that competitive shit five years ago.” He expressed a sense of embarrassment at the proliferation of guitarists, remarking, “Everybody plays guitar now. Doctors play guitar now.” Yet, he credited Hendrix with restoring his faith in music, emphasizing the profound impact Hendrix had on him and the scene.
In the world of rock guitarists, Blackmore’s opinions reflect a blend of admiration and critique, highlighting the complexities of artistry and influence within the genre.
