In a 1975 interview with International Musician and Recording World, Ritchie Blackmore shared his critical views on the guitar skills of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. He expressed his disdain for Page, stating, “I never saw what was in Clapton at all,” although he attempted to offer a compliment by acknowledging, “He’s a good singer.”
Blackmore also commented on Pete Townshend, saying he saw him more as a versatile artist than just a guitarist. “Townshend is not so much of a guitarist as an all-round guy—writer, all that,” he remarked.
Among his favorites, Blackmore named Jeff Beck as his top choice, noting, “He’s my favourite guitarist.” He expressed concern that many talented guitarists are often overlooked, mentioning names like Mike Bloomfield and Steve Howe.
In a June chat with Guitar World, Blackmore recounted purchasing one of Clapton’s guitars at a bargain price. He explained that while living in Acton, London, with Deep Purple in 1969, Clapton’s roadie offered him a black Stratocaster for £60. “It looked interesting, and I wanted to try out a Strat,” he recalled, leading to the purchase of a guitar Clapton seemingly didn’t want.
Blackmore has since favored Stratocasters, using them on Deep Purple albums like In Rock and Machine Head, and continues to play them with his band, Blackmore’s Night, including on the 2021 track “The Last Musketeer.”
