In a recent episode of his YouTube series, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple regaled viewers with a humorous and slightly embarrassing personal story involving fellow guitarist Eric Clapton. The anecdote is set in a hotel in Melbourne, Australia, and transports fans back to an era marked by the peculiarities of touring with rock bands.
Blackmore recounted a late-night incident that led to his band confronting maintenance work at an inconvenient hour of 3 a.m. Attempting to retaliate against the noise, Blackmore and his band cranked up the volume, blasting music through several Marshall amplifiers. Unbeknownst to them, Clapton was staying in the adjacent room.
The situation escalated when hotel staff knocked on Blackmore's door, followed by a visit from Clapton's security team, leaving Blackmore feeling somewhat sheepish. "I was in there having a drink, but I wasn't playing. That doesn't get me off the hook—it was really my idea to make all this noise," he reflected humorously.
This entertaining recounting offers a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, especially during its golden era of touring. Fans eager to hear more of Blackmore's stories and insights can visit his complete series on his YouTube channel.
Additionally, this tale reflects the camaraderie and chaos often experienced by rock musicians, revealing the complexities of life on the road.
Not only does Blackmore's story entertain, but it also serves as a reminder of the unique situations that can arise during the often unpredictable schedule of a touring musician.