Ritchie Blackmore Facing Multiple Health Battles, Says Wife Candice Night

In a revealing new interview on the Iron City Rocks podcast, Candice Night, vocalist and longtime partner of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, opened up about Blackmore’s current health status and the future of their band, Blackmore’s Night. Night, married to Blackmore for 17 years and together for 36, spoke candidly while promoting her new solo album Sea Glass. Her insights shed light on the challenges faced by the iconic musician as he approaches his ninth decade, and what fans might expect going forward.

Ongoing Health Challenges

Candice Night shared detailed updates on Blackmore’s health issues, describing them as a mix of heart problems, gout, and chronic back pain. “One of the great things about Ritchie is that he is very in tune with his own body and stays on top of everything,” Night said. Blackmore suffered a heart attack a few years ago and has ongoing heart concerns. Gout has severely impacted his feet and finger mobility, requiring recent injections, while his persistent back pain continues to challenge him.

The Toll of Touring

Touring is especially demanding for Blackmore, not only because of the travel but due to the stresses that come with it—long waits at airports, sitting for extended periods, and jet lag. “Waiting in security lines, going through customs, and the constant disruptions take a toll on a healthy person, let alone someone who is 80 and dealing with health issues,” Night explained. Despite this, Blackmore is considering returning to live performances on his own terms, focusing on shorter travel distances and adequate rest.

A New Approach to Touring

Night described a more relaxed, road-trip style approach to touring that Blackmore prefers now. “He wants to do shows close enough to drive to and then rest fully afterward. Gone are the days of five shows in a row with long travel days—that’s just too much.” The couple plans to take it slow, with plenty of downtime between gigs to preserve Blackmore’s health.

Musical Legacy and Career Highlights

Ritchie Blackmore’s legacy is vast. As co-founder of Deep Purple, he created some of rock’s most memorable riffs, including “Smoke on the Water.” After leaving Deep Purple in 1993, he formed Rainbow, blending classical and hard rock influences, and later created Blackmore’s Night, focusing on Renaissance and medieval-inspired music.

Balancing Health and Performance

Despite his health challenges, Blackmore remains committed to performing. Night acknowledged that standing on stage can be difficult, but his passion for music endures. He also briefly reunited with Rainbow in 2016 for a limited tour, producing the live album Memories in Rock – Live in Germany. Though he missed Deep Purple’s 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, his contributions were widely honored by fellow musicians, including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.

Family Life and Looking Ahead

Now living on Long Island, New York, with Candice and their two children, Blackmore focuses on balancing his health with his musical pursuits. “We’re hopeful that with careful management of his medical issues, he can return to the stage more often,” Night said. “For now, it’s about putting positive energy out there and taking it one day at a time.”