FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Ritchie's middle name?
Despite some biographies having claimed his middle name is Harold, as documented in Black Knight, Ritchie's full name is Richard Hugh Blackmore. 
 
Whatever happened to Ritchie's Gibson 335?
After moving to California in the mid seventies, Ritchie left the Gibson with his second wife Babs. It was sold in auction in the early nineties and is thought to have been bought by the Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam. If any Dutch fans can confirm this, it would be greatly appreciated.  
 
Will Ritchie ever do another rock album?
Who knows? Never say never.  
 
Can I contact Ritchie via MBTP?
No. We often receive letters addressed directly to Ritchie from people who clearly believe he runs his own fan magazine! Whilst MBTP is recognised as the leading Blackmore publication, we are an independent organisation and needless to say we operate from the UK, whilst Ritchie resides in America. We recommend that if you want to write to Ritchie that you address your letter to the Ritchie Blackmore Fan Club,  PO Box 1538, Miller Place, NY 11764, USA. This US based fan club is operated by people who have close contact with Ritchie. It also produces a few newsletters per year. A lot of people do send mail via his management but please remember the management address is essentially for business communication. 

We also constantly get emails etc from fans telling us we should pass on their comments to the great man! Why? If you want to express your own views, please tell him yourself! MBTP is not a conduit, but it is a forum for fans to express their views within the magazine. I'm sure Ritchie may well read it from time to time so your best bet is to subscribe to the magazine and contribute your opinions and views within it.  

Why does Blackmore's Night always tour Germany and ignore other countries?
That is strictly not true; the amount of new countries that the band has played in recent years is forever increasing. However, as in keeping with any other artist, the most commercially viable markets are normally chosen first. Furthermore, the German promoters have consistently shown they are sympathetic to the artists wishes, and do a very professional job. There could be several logistical reasons why certain territories are not played. Finding the right combination of promoters, venues, dates etc can in itself provide many obstacles. Whilst Ritchie has come in for some criticism from fans in certain countries who accuse him of ignoring them, it's generally outside influences that are the obstacle to Blackmore's Night not playing such places.  

Will Ritchie ever go back to playing hard rock?
Since the start of Blackmore's Night Ritchie has often made off the cuff remarks that he might do something within the hard rock genre again. However the gut feeling from the MBTP crew is that he is very happy with what he is doing now and probably has no motivation to change his current situation. 

Why doesn't Ritchie release official bootlegs of his concerts, like so many other artists have started doing?
Ritchie's attitude appears to be based on a belief that it would be wrong to sell his fans releases he felt were not of high enough quality, either in sound or performance. 

Despite fans constantly saying they would not feel short-changed at buying such product, ultimately it is he who has the last word and unless he can be persuaded to accept what the fans say it is unlikely to happen.

When will the next studio album be released?
Ritchie is currently working on a new album for release later this year. The most recent release was the Winter Carols album in November 2006.

When will Candice's solo album be released?
This appears to be on hold as Blackmore's Night continues to be very active.

Can you get me a guest pass for a concert? 
No we cannot. Guest passes are issued by promoters and management and are not just handed out to anyone. You need to have a good reason to be issued one. 

Can you arrange for me to meet Ritchie?
Once again, although MBTP is the leading Blackmore publication, we are an independent organisation and we have absolutely no influence on helping fans meet the man. Any such attempts should be done on an individual basis using one's own initiative. Good luck! 

Why did Ritchie throw the water at Birmingham in 1993?
The story behind it all can be read in the article 'Ten years have got behind you...' in issue 23.  
 
Were the Made In Japan shows filmed?
No! Fans today seem to be constantly bemused as to why there is very little film footage, but In pre-video days unless a TV company was going to film for broadcasting purpose, what reason would they have to film a show? The same applies with early Rainbow footage. Just a few minutes were shot on the '76 tour for promotional purposes. For more info read the article in issue 30. 
 
Is Blackmore really as mean and moody as is portrayed? 
Like anyone he has his good side and his bad side. Having met Blackmore on numerous occasions, I can say that he is not the ogre that is portrayed but he is a complex character who has his moments of awkwardness and stubbornness!