Who Is Ritchie Blackmore? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ritchie Blackmore, born on April 14, 1945, is a celebrated British guitarist, renowned for his contributions to hard rock and heavy metal music. Having co-founded iconic bands like Deep Purple and Rainbow, Blackmore has cemented his place in music history. As of 2025, Ritchie Blackmore is 79 years old, captivating audiences with his exceptional talents for nearly six decades. His unique blend of rock, classical influences, and improvisational skills set him apart in the music industry.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1945 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Ritchie Blackmore's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ritchie Blackmore stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and has a weight of approximately 160 lbs (73 kg). While the focus on his measurements often revolved around his musical prowess rather than physical attributes, he is also known for his distinct appearance and stage presence, characterized by his long hair and signature attire.
Blackmore has experimented with many different pick-ups in his Strats. In the early Rainbow era, they were still stock Fender equipment, but later became Dawk-installed over wound, dipped, Fender pick-ups.
He has also used Schecter F-500-Ts, Velvet Hammer "Red Rhodes", DiMarzio "HS-2", OBL "Black Label", and Bill Lawrence L-450, XL-250 (bridge), L-250 (neck) pick-ups. In his signature Stratocaster, Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4's are used to emulate the Schecter F500ts.
Since the early 1990s, he has used Lace Sensor (Gold) "noiseless" pick-ups.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ritchie Blackmore has had a colorful romantic history. He is currently married to Candice Night, a fellow musician and vocalist, with whom he has collaborated on various projects. The couple shares a daughter named Autumn Blackmore. Prior to his marriage, Blackmore had notable relationships, including his high-profile romance with singer Marianne Faithfull in the 1960s. As of 2025, he is happily devoted to his family life, with Candice being his partner in both love and music.
Richard Hugh Blackmore (born 14 April 1945) is an English lead guitarist. He was a founding member and the guitarist of Deep Purple, one of the pioneering bands of hard rock. After leaving Deep Purple in 1975, Blackmore formed the band Rainbow, which fused hard rock with baroque music influences.
Over time, Rainbow moved to catchy pop-style mainstream rock. Rainbow broke up in 1984 with Blackmore re-joining Deep Purple until 1993. In 1997, he formed the traditional folk rock band Blackmore's Night along with his current wife Candice Night.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ritchie Blackmore's estimated net worth is $18 million. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his extensive career in music, including album sales, world tours, and royalties from his influential works. His enduring popularity ensures that his wealth continues to grow despite the passage of time.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ritchie Blackmore's career began in the early 1960s, and he gained fame with Deep Purple, particularly with hits like "Smoke on the Water". After his departure from the band, he formed Rainbow, which further showcased his innovative guitar style. In addition to performing and recording, Blackmore has engaged in various business ventures, including his own music publishing company and investments in real estate. His passion for music persists, as he continues to create and perform, exploring new genres with his current band, Blackmore's Night.
Blackmore reformed Rainbow with new members in 1994. This Rainbow line-up, featuring singer Doogie White, lasted until 1997 and produced one album titled Stranger in Us All in 1995. It was originally intended to be a solo album but due to the record company pressures the record was billed as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.
This was Rainbow's eighth studio album, made after a gap of 12 years since Bent out of Shape. A world tour including South America followed. Rainbow was disbanded once again after playing its final concert in 1997. Blackmore later said, "I didn't want to tour very much."
Social Network
Ritchie Blackmore maintains a relatively low profile on social media compared to many modern celebrities. He is usually more active through official band pages rather than personal accounts. However, fans can frequently catch updates and announcements related to his music and tours via Blackmore's Night’s official social media profiles, where they share insights about his projects and upcoming events.
In an interview with Sounds magazine in 1979, Blackmore said that he started the guitar because he wanted to be like British musician Tommy Steele, who used to just jump around and play. Blackmore loathed school and hated his teachers.
He said he would always get caned for speaking in class, which traumatized him to the point he had difficulty in talking to people in subsequent years. Blackmore also became disillusioned with education, thinking that if he were to excel in his studies, he would end up being like his teachers.
Education
Ritchie Blackmore did not follow a conventional educational path. He began playing guitar at a young age, honing his craft through practice and mentorship. His early exposure to music, combined with his dedication and passion, equipped him with the skills necessary to become one of the most revered guitarists in history. While he may not have formal musical training, his talent and innovative spirit speak volumes about his natural abilities.
Blackmore left school at age 15 and started work as an apprentice radio mechanic at nearby Heathrow Airport. He took electric guitar lessons from session guitarist Big Jim Sullivan.
