
The famous riff creator from 'Smoke On The Water,' Ritchie Blackmore, shares his unpopular views on today's music and reveals a longing for the past and a disconnect with the present.
- Jan 2, 2025
AceShowbiz - Deep Purple's former guitarist Ritchie Blackmore is an indelible presence in rock history, but his current take on today's music is far from flattering. The musician recently shared his candid opinions on the state of contemporary pop music, singling out Taylor Swift as a focal point of his critique.
In various interviews and a YouTube episode titled "Tales From The Tavern," Blackmore expressed his frustration with the music played on modern radio stations. Drawing parallels to his love for legendary acts like The Beatles, Cream, and Jimi Hendrix, he struggled to connect with contemporary artists.
"When the family all get into the truck and we go on a bit of a holiday... all I hear is maybe Taylor Swift or something. I find it hard to relate to that," he lamented.
Blackmore acknowledged that his perspective might simply reflect generational preferences, admitting, "It's not wrong; it's the new generation wanting to hear that. That's probably as great to them as The Beatles are to me, and Cream was and Jimi Hendrix was to me." Yet, he didn't hold back from airing his grievances, ultimately labeling modern radio as "bloody awful."
While he might sound like "an old granddad complaining about the music they're playing," Blackmore's passion for music remains undiminished. Interestingly, his current musical inclinations have veered away from rock.
He disclosed a deep fondness for compositions from the 1400s and 1500s and enjoys listening to bands from Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, and Sweden. "I've also been listening to a few bands that I've become friends with... They're still playing music that really excites me," he shared.
Having transitioned from rock to the neo-classical project Blackmore's Night, which he formed with his wife Candice Night, Blackmore has embraced a more "organic" musical approach. He has distanced himself from modern rock, preferring music that harkens back to simpler times. "I [listen] to old music from the 1500s [and] 1400s," he stated, emphasizing a shift towards more traditional sounds.
Ritchie Blackmore's criticisms and nostalgic reflections provide a compelling insight into how generational shifts in musical tastes can create a gap between past and present. While today's hits resonate with younger audiences, they often leave iconic musicians of yesteryears longing for the emotive depth and originality that once defined the sounds of their era.