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Authenticity is Everything
Finally got Blackmore's Signature!
Friends - I thought you might enjoy this story.... On August 19th, 2016 my wife, daughter, and I went to see Blackmore's Night in concert. As you may already know this is the band containing Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow) and his wife Candice Night doing modern renaissance music. At the last minute I got tickets - paid a premium and learned we were in a stage-side box. The box also had an access way to the stage (which we learned only later).
I told my daughter that I really wanted Ritchie's autograph on an old Rainbow album for my birthday - so we made a sign (Ritchie - please sign for my Dad's birthday. Thank you), took two albums (the first and second Rainbow albums), and two sharpies.
We had great seats essentially right beside the keyboard player. Arriving just in time for the show the opening band, Wizard's Consort, started the show. They were very cool and somewhat old school medieval.
After the Wizards finished their set, I told my daughter to see if she could talk to someone at the stage access to take the albums backstage.... Sadly no security would help.... But...... The guitarist for the Wizard's walked by and she called him over. As it turns out he was super nice (and a great stringed instrument player) and told her that he would take the albums back, but really didn't think Ritchie would sign them as he never does. Blackmore is known for being often moody and sullen and NOT good with fans. Off he went.....
He returned later before the main show to say that he had put the albums and the sign on the music stand back stage for Ritchie, but again said ..... "He never signs...."
The show was great, they have 20 years of material to work with and every one commented that they had a great time. Blackmore's playing was spot-on as the band played nearly 2.5 hours... His use of baroque scales and chords has always separated him from the main line rock artist - he finger played about half the time. Truly the best guitarist I have ever seen.
At a little after 11 the band wrapped up, did an encore of "Whiter Shade of Pale," and waved goodbye.... What a fabulous time..... But where did the albums go?
We waited in the box until our Wizard friend, Nick, appeared... along with the drummer from their band. Nick smiled at my daughter and said: "I have never seen him sign anything... He won't even sign for me....But he did for you..." (we noticed Blackmore and his wife looking at our box earlier).
Then a comment was made that Blackmore hasn't signed a Rainbow album in twenty years..... (True? Who knows?). I fully expected us to come back empty handed or at best with one signature..... But.... he signed the first Rainbow album (post Deep Purple) - 1975: signed and inscription saying "First one". AND then....
The real surprise .... He also signed the second album - Rainbow Rising - 1976.... But wait ... Do you see it? He wrote: "Happy Birthday!" Yes, he signed it upside done, but in my opinion that just makes it cooler!
Second best birthday gift ever....can't wait to hang them on the wall on Sept 11! But we have to celebrate my favorite gift first on Sept 9 - my daughters birthday! As this couldn't have happened without her. Sorry for the "wordy story - but I am still excited over the experience.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Richard Booth on
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Congrats! They are nice signatures. Ritchie signed for me a few years ago and I was shocked that he did it. I think it was due to his wife being there and she is very nice.
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Permalink Reply by Brian F on
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I really expected to strike out. It was huge to get two signatures from someone that is known for not signing....5 days till they go up on the wall.
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Permalink Reply by Bjarne Soderholm on
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Congratulations! Those are very nice. I know that Ritchie have signed a few Rainbow albums lately, but for the longest time he refused to sign anything by Rainbow or Deep Purple. I have not heard anyone have success with Deep Purple albums, so you made the right decision.
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Great autographs, on great albums.
Signing the other album upside down seems totally in character for Ritchie. Only adds to the charm of the piece, in my opinion, along with the inscriptions.
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Permalink Reply by ABlackmore on
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Someone would have a Blackmore to exchange for some other autograph to my collection?
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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on
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Nice story. Congratulations. :-)
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What a great story. Seen him a few times .One of my favorite guitarists.
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Permalink Reply by Robert on
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Really cool, congrats! The thing is, with current Rainbow revival Ritchie's back to signing both Rainbow and Purple stuff. And it's real deal, even though he's not an easy one to get!
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Permalink Reply by Phil Spilsbury on
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Those first two Rainbow albums are great. I've seen Richie live back in his Purple days and also with Rainbow and Blackmore's Night. I'd assumed it would be hard to get an autograph from him as his reputation is that he's very difficult. The last time I saw him with Deep Purple was in 1993 a few days before he quit/was booted out and he really played up on stage and did his best to ruin the show, so he's always left me with the impression he does not care about his fans. Great musician though. I had hoped to find some early signatures as I've got some dating back to early 1960's and Screaming Lord Sutch's band of which Richie was a guitarist. So far I've found a few from Lord Sutch but none from Richie from the same shows. Would be great to find an early one but haven't so far.
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