Ritchie Blackmore Postpones All Remaining 2025 Tour Dates Due to Medical Reasons
via Ritchie Blackmore Official / Youtube
Ritchie Blackmore’s folk-rock project, Blackmore’s Night, has cancelled all remaining dates on its 2025 tour due to unspecified medical issues, leaving fans disappointed after only two shows were played.
Tour Cancellations Announced
The news came Tuesday via the band’s official Facebook page, which stated: “All Blackmore’s Night shows postponed at this point due to medical reasons. We are sorry for any inconvenience.” The post did not reveal the specifics of the health concern or which member it affects.
The tour was originally slated for six dates this fall, but only two went ahead: Nov. 9 in Alexandria, Virginia, and Nov. 13 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The planned Nov. 15 concert in Newtown, New Jersey, was postponed the same day, followed by the cancellation of the Nov. 20 show in Wilmington, Delaware. The latest announcement now pushes back the final two performances: Nov. 23 in Cohoes, New York, and Nov. 29 in Tarrytown, New York.
A Rare Deep Purple Surprise
Blackmore’s Night, which favors Renaissance-inspired folk music over the hard rock of Blackmore’s earlier bands, offered a memorable moment for fans at the Alexandria show. During the performance, Blackmore broke into a cover of Deep Purple’s 1970 classic “Child in Time.” Afterwards, he joked, “We’ve never done that before, and we’re never doing it again!” The surprise setlist highlight served as a reminder of Blackmore’s enduring legacy in rock history, even amid a tour of quieter, medieval-infused sounds.
Health Challenges Behind the Scenes
The cancellations follow revelations earlier this year regarding Blackmore’s ongoing health issues. In April, his wife and bandmate, Candice Night, disclosed that the guitarist suffered a heart attack in 2023, temporarily halting his career. “Ritchie has actually been told by a cardiologist not to get in a plane,” she told Total Rock. “He’s got six stents. … I can’t believe he’s gonna be 80, he doesn’t look it, still doesn’t act it. But eventually medical things catch up with you.”
The health-related postponements highlight the challenges Blackmore now faces as he balances touring with his well-being, leaving fans hopeful for a future return once he recovers.
