Overview
- Blackmore announced the plan during an Instagram Live on Tuesday and then stepped onstage at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Wednesday to play the opening riff and solo on "Smoke on the Water."
- Ian Gillan introduced Blackmore from the stage, saying the guitarist had messaged to ask if he could "come and jam," and the two exchanged warm words after the song.
- Blackmore said he had a lumbar steroid injection and used a stool as a precaution because of recent health problems including vertigo, arthritis, back issues, and a 2025 heart episode.
- Both Blackmore and the band described the appearance as a single encore rather than a lineup change, and there has been no indication of further guest spots or a permanent reunion.
- The cameo closes a 33-year gap since Blackmore’s acrimonious 1993 exit and was widely documented by fan video and press coverage, underscoring enduring fan interest as Deep Purple prepares an extensive world tour later this year.