Richard Hugh Blackmore... was born on 14th April 1945 in Weston Super Mare. He grew up in Heston, Middlesex, as that's where his family moved to when Blackmore was only 2. Blackmore's father bought him his first guitar when he was about 9 or 10. He took some classical guitar lessons, since otherwise his father intended to bash the instrument over his head.

During the early 1960s 2 I's Coffee Bar Junior Skiffle Group
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Glen Stoner (gtr); David Cox (?); David Rodham (gtr); Victor Hare (gtr); "Knobby" (dgb); plus "washboard, tea chest bass and two chick singers" (according to Pete Frame 1993).

During the early 1960s The Dominators
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Mick Underwood (drm); Bob Danks (gtr/vcl); Alan Dunklin (bss).

1960 or 1961 to May 1961 The Satellites

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Bob Danks (gtr); Alan Dunklin (bss); Roger Mingay (gtr); Mick Underwood (drm). (The name of this group could have been something else.) During May 1961, both Blackmore and Mingay went to audition for Lord Sutch. Mingay was deemed more experienced and got the job, so Blackmore joined Mike Dee's band instead (see below). Possibly the Satellites had folded up before the Screaming audition, already in late 1960 perhaps.

May 1961 to April 1962 Mike Dee & the Jaywalkers
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Mike Dee (vcl); and others.

April/May 1962 The Condors
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Mike Dee (vcl); and whoever else. Mike Dee & the Jaywalkers renamed themselves as the Condors and acted as backing group during a short tour for the Kestrels and Danny Rivers.

May to October 1962 Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ricky Fensen Brown (bss); Carlo Little (drm); David Sutch (vcl); Dave Wendells (gtr); Andy Wren (pno). Finally, Blackmore joined Screaming Lord Sutch. Are there any recordings at all from this line-up? No!

October 1962 to April 1964 The Outlaws

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chas Hodges (bss); Ken Lundgren (gtr); Mick Underwood (drm); plus Nicky Hopkins (pno) and Paul Goddard (pno) who also played with the Outlaws from time to time, as did various others [like who?]. Besides releasing a few singles under their real name, the Outlaws also did recordings under other names, e.g. the Rally Rounders, and the Six Shooters. They also provided studio backing for a number of Joe Meek artists, such as Heinz (who toured with the Saints), Burr Bailey (= Dave Adams) (as the Six Shooters), Gunilla Thorne, Glenda Collins, Michael Cox (apparently on several singles and EPs), Houston Wells (= Andy Smith), John Leyton, Dave Kaye, Jess Conrad, Deke Arlon, Freddie Star, Silas Dooley Jr (= Dave Adams), Ronnie Jones, Andy Cavell (for Pye Records?), Mike Berry (whose "Tribute To Buddy Holly" was withdrawn due to contractual disagreements but surfaced later on a Buddy Holly compilation), and others. The Outlaws also toured with Heinz (during late '63 and/or early '64?), Jerry Lee Lewis (a UK tour during July '63), Gene Vincent (2 tours during July and September '63, incl. UK, Germany and France) and probably others. Albums & singles Don't You Think It's Time/... [Mike Berry] : UK late 1962 HMV [is Blackmore on this?] Return Of The Outlaws/Texan Spiritual [Outlaws] : UK February 1963 HMV POP 1124 Dreams Do Come True/Been Invited To A Party [Heinz] : UK May 1963 Decca F.11652 That Set The Wild West Free/Hobo [Outlaws] : UK 1963 HMV POP 1195 San Francisco Bay/Like A Bird Without Feathers [Burr Bailey] : UK June 1963 Decca F.11686 Just Like Eddie/Don't You Knock At My Door [Heinz] : UK June 1963 Decca F.11693 If You Gotta Pick A Baby/... [Glenda Collins] : UK 1963 HMV POP 1233 Merry Go Round/Go On Then [Gunilla Thorne] : UK 1963 HMV POP 1239 In Sweden (EP) [Michael Cox] : Sweden 1963 His Master's Voice HMV 7EGS 296 Heinz (EP) [Heinz] : UK October 1963 Decca DFE 8545 Country Boy/Long Tall Jack [Heinz] : UK November 1963 Decca F.11768 The Kennedy March/... [Joe Meek Orchestra] : UK December 1963 A Tribute to Buddy Holly [lp; Mike Berry] : UK 1963 HMV 7EG 8808 It's Time for Mike Berry [lp; Mike Berry] : UK 1963 HMV 7EG 8793 Law And Order/Do Da Day [Outlaws] : UK January 1964 HMV POP 1241 You Were There/No Matter What They Say [Heinz] : UK January 1964 Decca F.11831 Galway Bay/Living Alone [Houston Wells] : UK January 1964 Parlophone R 5141 Ramona (EP) [Houston Wells] : UK January 1964 Parlophone GEP 8914 A Fool Such As I/... [Dave Kaye] : UK March 1964 Keep a-Knockin'/Shake With Me [Outlaws] : UK April 1964 HMV POP 1277 Please Little Girl/For Lovin' Me This Way [Heinz] : UK June 1964 Decca F.11920 The Bike Beat 1/The Bike Beat 2 [Rally Rounders = Outlaws] : UK 1964 Lyntone LYN 574 Tell The Truth/... [Andy Cavell] : UK 1964 Pye 7N 15610 A Tribute To Eddie [lp; Heinz] : UK 1964 Decca LK.4599 A Tribute To Eddie [lp; Heinz] : Germany April 1965 Decca Records X-ARL-6249/50-X A Tribute To Eddie [cd; Heinz] : UK 1993 Castle Legends CLC 5117 CM Thou Shalt Not Steal/Been Invited To A Party [Glenda Collins] : UK 1965 HMV POP 1475 Hurt Me/It Can Happen To Anyone [Jess Conrad] : UK 1965 [Blackmore on the b-side] Material from above appears on... Complete Buddy Holly Story [6lp] : Germany 1973 MCA Coral 6.30014-00-501 Just Like Eddie [Heinz] : Germany 1974 Teldec/Decca ND 837 Remembering Heinz [Heinz] : UK 1977 Decca REM 7 The Joe Meek Story [Joe Meek] : UK 1977 Decca DPA-3035/6 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 1 : UK 1989 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 143 Rockin' Guitar Rare Items Vol. 6 [Outlaws] : UK 1990 Gibson GIB3178 The Outlaws Ride Again : UK 1990 See For Miles CD 303 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157 The Joe Meek Story - The Pye Years : UK 1991 Sequel NED CD 171 The Deep Purple Family Album : UK 1993 Connoisseur RP VSOP CD 187 The Best Of Michael Cox : UK 1993 Sequel NEX CD 243 The Complete Houston Wells : UK 1993 Sequel NEX CD 242 The Assassination Of John F. Kennedy [Joe Meek] : UK 1995 RPM Records RPM 122 Take It! Sessions 63/68 [Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 1 : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23903 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 Best of Ritchie Blackmore : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-20139 Blackmore Best Collection : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-25088 Only The Heartaches [Houston Wells & Marksmen] : UK February 1998 Zircon ZIRC 1001 Let's Go! Joe Meek Girls [Various Artist] : UK 1999? RPM Records RPM-166 This Little Girl Gone Rocking [Glenda Collins] : UK 1999? RPM Records RPM-182

May to December 1964 Heinz & the Wild Boys

People involved Burr Bailey [= Dave Adams] (kbr); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Heinz Burt (vcl); Ian Broad (drm); John Davies (bss); Brian Woods (bss). Albums & singles Questions I Can't Answer/Beating Of My Heart : UK September 1964 Columbia DB 7374 Don't Think Twice/Big Fat Spider : UK April 1965 Columbia DB 7559 I'm Not A Bad Guy/Movin' In : UK June 1966 Columbia DB 7942 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 1 [2lp/cd] : UK 1989 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 143 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 1 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23903 Blackmore Best Collection [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-25088

January/February 1965 Neil Christian & the Crusaders
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Neil Christian (vcl); Jim 'Tornado' Evans (drm). This constellation possibly never existed at this time. (See Pete Frame's Trees, 1993, page 3.)

February 1965 The Outlaws

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chas Hodges (bss); Ken Lundgren (gtr); Mick Underwood (drm). Producer Derek Lawrence reassembled Outlaws in order to record the B side on a US single. (Hinsley plays lead on the A side, which had been recorded earlier.) Albums & singles Don't Cry/Only For You : US 1965 Smash S 2025 [Blackmore on the b-side] Material from above appears on... Take It! Sessions 63/68 [cd; Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 1 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01118 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 3 [cd] : Germany 1992 Line Records 25 Very Rare Masters From The Sixties [cd] : Germany February 1997 Line Records 901333

February 1965 The Outlaws / Ritchie Blackmore Orchestra / The Lancasters

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chas Hodges (bss); Nicky Hopkins (pno); Reg Price (sxp); Mick Underwood (drm). Again at the initiative of Derek Lawrence, Blackmore and Co. were asked to tape a few singles for the US market. As the Outlaws, they provided some backing for a girl trio called the Murmaids, and as The Lancasters, they recorded a cover of Edvard Grieg's "In The Hall Of The Mountain King". As the Outlaws, they also recorded a single called "Getaway", which was issued in Europe with the label stating Ritchie Blackmore Orchestra. Albums & singles Satan's Holliday/Earthshaker [The Lancasters] : US 1965 Titan FF 1730 To Know Him Is To Love Him/... [Murmaids & Outlaws] : US 1965 Chattahoochie Getaway/Little Brown Jug [Outlaws] : US 1965 Getaway/Little Brown Jug [Ritchie Blackmore Orchestra] : UK March 1965 Oriole CB 314 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157 Take It! Sessions 63/68 [cd; Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 1 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01118 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 3 [cd] : Germany 1992 Line Records 25 Very Rare Masters From The Sixties [cd] : Germany February 1997 Line Records 901333

March 1965 The Sessions

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Mikki Dallon (vcl); Jimmy 'Tornado' Evans (drm); Chas Hodges (bss); Nicky Hopkins (pno). Another session thing for US release initiated by Derek Lawrence. Albums & singles Let Me In/Bouncing Bass : US 1965 Fontana Material from above appears on... Take It! Sessions 63/68 [cd; Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 2 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01119 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 3 [cd] : Germany 1992 Line Records 25 Very Rare Masters From The Sixties [cd] : Germany February 1997 Line Records 901333

March to May 1965 Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages

People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Jim 'Tornado' Evans (drm); David Sutch (vcl); and the Four Saxes (sxp). Blackmore re-joined Lord Sutch. They released only 1 single which, as far as I know, could have been recorded earlier with a completely different line-up. If not, the below single is the only Screaming single with Blackmore. Albums & singles The Train Kept A-Rollin'/Honey Hush : UK 1965 CBS 201767 Material from above appears on... Screaming Lord Sutch [cd] : UK 1991 EMI CDP 7 98044 2 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157 Blackmore Best Collection [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-25088

May 1965 till later the same year Jerry Lee Lewis [& the Savages]
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Jim 'Tornado' Evans (drm); Jerry Lee Lewis (vcl/pno). The Savages backed Jerry Lee Lewis on one or two tours.

December 1965 to January 1966 The Three Musketeers
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Jim 'Tornado' Evans (drm). The Three Musketeers did one gig at the Star Club in Munich before folding up.

January to April 1966 Blackmore earned a few quid doing sporadic session work on some German Polydor singles (including one with an unidentified blonde female singer). Details appreciated!

April 1966 till later the same year Ronnie Jones

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chas Hodges (bss); Nicky Hopkins (pno); Ronnie Jones (vcl); plus a drummer [who?]. Yet another session initiated by Derek Lawrence for US release only. Albums & singles Satisfy My Soul/My Only Souvenir : US 1966 Material from above appears on... Take It! Sessions 63/68 [cd; Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 1 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01118 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 3 [cd] : Germany 1992 Line Records 25 Very Rare Masters From The Sixties [cd] : Germany February 1997 Line Records 901333

April to September 1966 Neil Christian & the Crusaders
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Neil Christian (vcl); Jim 'Tornado' Evans (drm); Tony Marsh (pno). Did one UK/Europe-tour.

October 1966 (and later?) Ricky Maiocchi & the Trip
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Broad (drm); Billy Gray (kbr?); Ricky Maiocchi (vcl). Started a tour in Italy, but Blackmore & Co. left before it was finished. See, it started already then ;-) Maiocchi also cut some records during this time but it seems unlikely that Blackmore played on any of those.

November/December 1966 The Trip
People involved Avid Andersen (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Broad (drm); Billy Gray (kbr?). The Trip continued on their own with some gigs (or perhaps an entire tour?) in Italy after they had left Maiocchi.

December 1966 to April 1967 Lord Caesar Sutch & the Roman Empire
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Tony Dangerfield (bss); Matthew Fisher (kbr); Joel James (sxp); Carlo Little (drm); David Sutch (vcl); plus possibly Johnny Bedder (gtr) during a few gigs. Toured UK/Germany dressed up in Roman gladiator costumes. You should see the pictures from this era :-) Any recordings?

April/May 1967 Neil Christian & the Crusaders
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Neil Christian (vcl); Tony Dangerfield (bss); Carlo Little (drm); Matt Smith (pno). Recorded and released 1 single and did a German tour. Albums & singles My Baby Left Me/Yakety Yak : UK 1968 Vogue DV 14744 Material from above appears on... That's Nice! [cd] : UK 1992 Repertoire REP 4164-WY

May 1967 to January 1968 According to Blackmore himself, he spent about a year in Germany doing virtually nothing but live of immoral earnings and practice the guitar. That is, except for starting the below-mentioned short-lived Mandrake Root which, however, never did any gigs. Blackmore was eventually called to Britain by Chris Curtis to help him form a new group (i.e. Roundabout), but he didn't like it so he returned to Germany. Blackmore did, however, come back to Britain once more, got in touch with Lord and this time he stayed.

September/October 1967 Mandrake Root
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ricky Munro (drm); Matt Smith (pno/vcl); Kurt Vile (bss). Gig-wise, these guys apparently did nothing!

November 1967 to March 1968 Boz

People involved Boz Burrell (vcl), with back-up: Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chas Hodges (bss); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm). Blackmore did sporadic session work during late 67/early 68, this being one of them. Albums & singles I Shall Be Released/Down In The Flood : UK 1968 Columbia DB 84006 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 1 [2lp/cd] : UK 1989 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 143 Take It! Sessions 63/68 [cd; Blackmore] : UK 1994 RPM Records RPM 120 Blackmore Anthology Vol. 2 [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECX-23904 Blackmore Best Collection : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-25088 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 1 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01118 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 2 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 25 Very Rare Masters From The Sixties [cd] : Germany February 1997 Line Records 901333

February/March 1968 Roundabout
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chris Curtis (vcl); Dave Curtis (vcl); Jon Lord (kbr); Nick Simper (bss); Bobby Woodman (drm). The embryonic Deep Purple. Chris Curtis soon disappeared, as did Dave Curtis and Bobby Woodman. In came Rod Evans and Ian Paice.

March/April 1968 Roundabout
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Rod Evans (vcl); Jon Lord (kbr); Nick Simper (bss); Ian Paice (drm). Roundabout toured Scandinavia in April before changing their name to Deep Purple.

April 1968 to July 1969 Deep Purple Mk I
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Rod Evans (vcl); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm); Nick Simper (bss). This pioneering line-up recorded three albums: Shades of Deep Purple (1968), Book of Taliesyn (1968) and Deep Purple (1969). Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

July 1969 to June 1973 Deep Purple Mk II.a
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Gillan (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm). In comes a new singer and a new bass player, and the classic line-up is born. They managed four albums: Deep Purple in Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), Machine Head (1972) and Who Do We Think We Are (1973). Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

September 1969 Concerto For Group And Orchestra

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Gillan (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Jon Lord (org/pno/kbr); Ian Paice (drm); and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Arnold. Lord's Concerto was performed live at the Royal Albert Hall on 24 September 1969, by Deep Purple (with two brand new members, Gillan and Glover) and the RPO conducted by Malcolm Arnold. The event was televized (in the UK and Denmark), recorded and released on both album and video (slightly edited). It gave Deep Purple a huge marketing. Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

March/April 1970 Green Bullfrog

People involved Bevy = Tony Ashton (kbr); Boots = Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Boss = Big Jim Sullivan (gtr); Jordan = Earl Jordan (vcl); Pinta = Albert Lee (gtr); Sleepy = Chas Hodges (bss); Sorry = Matthew Fisher (kbr); Speedy = Ian Paice (drm); Vicar = Rod Alexander (kbr). A session thing initiated by producer Derek Lawrence, who hereby brought together pretty much the cream of the crop of British rock. For legal reasons, the participants were given nick names. Note that Roger Glover does *not* appear on this recording, simply because he wasn't there. Albums & singles My Baby Left Me/Loving You Is Good For Me Baby : US March 1971 Decca 32831 Green Bullfrog [lp] : US March 1971 Decca D 75269 Green Bullfrog [lp] : UK 1972 MCA 2021/Germany 1972 MCA MAPS-4736 Green Bullfrog [lp] : US 1980 Ecy Street ECY-16 The Green Bullfrog Sessions [cd; extra material] : UK 1991 Connoisseur NSP CD 503 The Green Bullfrog Sessions [green lp; extra material] : UK 1991 Connoisseur NSP LP 503 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 1 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01118 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 2 [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records 9.01119 0 The Derek Lawrence Sessions Take 3 [cd] : Germany 1992 Line Records

June 1971 Lord Sutch & Heavy Friends

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Anette Brox (vcl); Victor Brox (vcl); Matthew Fisher (kbr); Brian Keith (vcl/trm); Carlo Little (drm); Keith Moon (drm); Sid Phillips (sxp); Noel Redding (bss); Nick Simper (bss); David Sutch (vcl). Screaming Lord Sutch assembled a bunch of British rock celebrities for some event at the Carlsharlton Park Rock 'n' Roll Festival. The entire thing was recorded (though only Sutch knew), and after some quick editing, cutting and pasting it was released - much to everyone's surprise. Albums & singles Hands Of Jack The Ripper [lp] : UK 1971 Atlantic Hands Of Jack The Ripper [lp] : US 1971 Cotillion SD 9049 Hands Of Jack The Ripper [cd] : Germany 1991 Line Records LECD 9.01010-O Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [lp/cd/mc] : UK Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

Late 1972 to early 1973 Baby Face

After Gillan had made his decision to leave Deep Purple during late 1972, Blackmore decided to do the same thing. He had loose plans to form a band with Phil Lynott, Paul Rodgers and Ian Paice, which has later become known as Baby Face. Rodgers dumped the project even before it had begun. Some people claim that recordings exist (with Lynott handling vocals), but others claim that it's just rumours. At any rate, it never materialized into anything concrete.

June 1973 to May 1975 Deep Purple Mk III
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); David Coverdale (vcl); Glenn Hughes (bss/vcl); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm). Two new members, and two new albums: Burn (1974) and Stormbringer (1974). Blackmore's dislike with the new musical direction evident in the latter album made him feel that he had done his share in Deep Purple. Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

Sometime during 1973 Randy Pie and Family
People involved Randy Pie and Family together with Ritchie Blackmore (gtr). Blackmore guests on one track, viz. "Hurry To The City". Albums & singles Hurry To The City [single] : Germany 1973 Atlantic 10290 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

Sometime during 1974 Adam Faith

People involved Adam Faith (vcl); together with Russ Ballard (gtr/pno); Martin Birch (gtr); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Dave Courtney (pno); Bob Henritt (drm); Mim (acc); Roystion Willock (sxp); Dave Wintour (bss). Blackmore guesting on one track, viz. "I Survived" in which he is trying to simulate a car collision! Note: Birch plays rhytm guitar on the very same track. Albums & singles I Survive [lp] : US 1974 Warner Bros BS 2791 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

May to September 1975 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ronnie James Dio (vcl); Gary Driscoll (drm); Craig Gruber (bss); Mickey Lee Soule (kbr); plus Shoshana (bvc). Disappointed with the musical developments in Deep Purple, Blackmore left to pursue his own ideas; thus he recruited most of ELF and formed Rainbow. They actually started recordings before Blackmore had split from Deep Purple, and since it seemed to work well he made his final decision to leave. However, Rainbow's first line-up didn't last long. It was dismantled even before the album got out. Albums & singles Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [lp] : UK August 1975 Oyster/Polydor 2490 141 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [lp] : Germany 1975 Oyster 1c062-96787 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [mc] : US 1975 Polydor 825089-4 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [lp] : Germany 19-- Polydor 2929096 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [cd] : Germany/Canada 199- Polydor 825089-2 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2289 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9155 Man On The Silver Mountain/Snake Charmer : UK 1975 Oyster 103 Man On The Silver Mountain [ep] : Germany 1975 Polydor 2835 035 Material from above appears on... The Best Of Rainbow [2lp/2cd] : Germany 1981 Polydor 800074 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

September 1975 to January 1977 Rainbow

People involved Jimmy Bain (bss); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ronnie James Dio (vcl); Tony Carey (kbr); Cozy Powell (drm); plus various keyboard replacements on some live dates, for instance, Tony Kerry (kbr). The classic Rainbow line-up. Live, these guys were phenomenal. For various reasons, Tony Carey was replaced on some live gigs. Albums & singles Rainbow Rising [lp] : UK July 1976 Polydor 2490 137 Rainbow Rising [lp] : Germany 1976? Polydor 2929098 Rainbow Rising [lp; pirate] : Russia 1993 ? 00221292098 Rainbow Rising [cd] : Germany/ Canada 199- Polydor 823655-2 Rainbow Rising [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2290 Rainbow Rising [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9156 Starstruck/Run With The Wolf : Germany 1976 Polydor 2066 709 Rainbow On Stage [2lp] : UK July 1977 Polydor 2657 016 Rainbow On Stage [2lp] : Germany 1977 Polydor 2675 142 Rainbow On Stage [cd] : Canada 199-? Polydor 823656-2 Rainbow On Stage [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2291 Rainbow On Stage [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9157 Kill The King/Man On The Silver Mountain/Mistreated : UK 1977 Polydor 2066 845 Kill The King/Man On The Silver Mountain/Mistreated : US 1977 Polydor POSP 274 Live in Germany 1976 [2cd] : Japan 199- Teichiku TECX-30850-1 Live In Germany [2cd/2lp] : UK 1990 Connoisseur DP VSOP CD/LP 155 Rainbow - Live in Europe [2cd] : US 1996 Mausoleum Classix/King Biscuit Ent. 71278-60024-2 Material from above appears on... The Best Of Rainbow [2lp/2cd] : Germany 1981 Polydor 800074 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2p/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157 The Deep Purple Family Album [cd] : UK 1993 Connoisseur RP VSOP CD 187 The Rainbow Family Album [cd] : UK 1994 Connoisseur RP VSOP CD 195 Best of Ritchie Blackmore [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-20139 Blackmore Best Collection [cd] : Japan 199? Teichiku CD TECW-25088

Sometime during 1976 Sweet & Blackmore

People involved Brian Connolly (vcl); Steve Priest (bss/vcl); Andy Scott (gtr); Mick Tucker (drm); plus Ritchie Blackmore (gtr). During a Sweet gig in Santa Monica, California, Blackmore got up on stage and jammed together with Sweet during one of their encores, viz "All Right Now By Now". They dedicated the song to Paul Kossoff (from the band Free) who had died earlier. Albums & singles All Right Now [live cd] : Japan 1996

January to July 1977 Rainbow
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ronnie James Dio (vcl); Tony Carey (kbr); Mark Clarke (bss); Cozy Powell (drm). This line-up tried to record an album, but personal problems eventually made Carey and Clarke leave.

August 1977 to November 1978 Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/bss); Ronnie James Dio (vcl); Bob Daisley (bss); Cozy Powell (drm); David Stone (kbr). Another line-up, another producer, another album. Probably one of the best. Albums & singles Long Live Rock 'n' Roll [lp] : UK March 1978 Polydor POLD 5002 Long Live Rock 'n' Roll [lp] : Germany 1978 Polydor 2391335 Long Live Rock 'n' Roll [cd] : Germany 199- Polydor 825090-2 Long Live Rock 'n' Roll [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2292 Long Live Rock 'n' Roll [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9158 Long Live Rock 'n' Roll/Sensitive To Light : UK 1978 Polydor 2066 913 LA Connection/Lady Of The Lake : UK 1978 Polydor POSP 275 LA Connection/Lady Of The Lake : UK 1978 Polydor 2066-968 [red vinyl] Material from above appears on... The Best Of Rainbow [2lp/2cd] : Germany 1981 Polydor 800074 Bad Girl/Spotlight Kid/Man On The Silver Mountain [ep] : Germany 1986 Polydor 883970-1 Finyl Vinyl [2lp] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-1 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor P38P-20040 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Canada 19--? Polydor 827987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan December 1998 Polydor POCP-9163 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005 Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

November/December 1978 Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ronnie James Dio (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Jack Green (bss); Cozy Powell (drm); David Stone (kbr). More personel changes. Daisley left, in came Green. Before they had a change to record, however, Green left and Glover, who had originally been recruited to produce the Long Live Rock'n'roll album, took over the bass. Also Dio and Stone left before any new recordings were resumed.

January 1979 to August 1980 Rainbow

People involved Don Airey (kbr); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Graham Bonnet (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Cozy Powell (drm). Prior to Bonnets appearance, Blackmore had spent four days over Christmas 1978 in England trying to persuade Gillan to do vocals; an offer Gillan politely declined. Apparently Coverdale was also asked, but Blackmore subsequently chose Bonnet. With Airey on keyboards, Rainbow was reborn again. This is a heavily underrated line-up among diehard Rainbow-fans. They earned world-wide commercial success with "Since You Been Gone". Albums & singles Down To Earth [lp] : UK 1979 Polydor 2391 410 Down To Earth [lp; clear vinyl] : UK 1979 Polydor Deluxe POLD 5023 (2490 151) Rising [= Down To Earth; lp] : Germany 1979 Polydor 2391410 Rising [= Down To Earth; lp; pirate?] : Yugoslavia 1979 Polydor 5968 Down To Earth [cd] : UK/Germany 199- Polydor 823705-2 Down To Earth [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2293 Down To Earth [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9159 Since You Been Gone/Bad Girls : France 1979 Polydor POSP 70 (2095-111) Since You Been Gone/Bad Girls : US 1979 Polydor Since You Been Gone/No Time To Lose : Germany 1979 Polydor 2095 104 All Night Long/Weiss Heim : UK 1979 Polydor 2095 196 Bad Girl/Spotlight Kid/Man On The Silver Mountain [ep] : Germany 1986 Polydor 883970-1 Material from above appears on... Monsters of Rock [lp] : UK 1980 Polydor Hard Rock [lp; Various Artists] : UK 1980 Polydor 2488810-D Live & Heavy [lp; Various Artists] : UK 1981 NEMS Records NE-6020-81 The Best Of Rainbow [2lp/2cd] : Germany 1981 Polydor 800074 The Final Cut [video] : US/Europe 1985 Castle Communications CMV 1032 Finyl Vinyl [2lp] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-1 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor P38P-20040 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Canada 19--? Polydor 827987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan December 1998 Polydor POCP-9163 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005 The Rock Singer's Anthology [cd; Graham Bonnet] : UK 1990 Vertigo 840974-2

April/May 1980 Jack Green

People involved Jack Green (vcl/msc); together with: Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Brian Chatton (kbr); Andy Dalby (gtr); Ian Ellis (bss); Mac Poole (drm); Pete Tolson (gtr). Jack Green had earlier played bass with Rainbow (he doesn't appear on any recordings though), during which time Blackmore and he became friends. Thus as a friendly favour, Blackmore laid down some guitar work on Green's solo album, on a track called "I Call, No Answer". Albums & singles Humanesque [lp] : US 1980 RCA Records 5004 Humanesque [lp] : Germany 1980 RCA Records PL-13639 Material from above appears on... Ritchie Blackmore Vol. 2 [2lp/cd] : UK 1991 Connoisseur RP VSOP LP/MC/CD 157

November 1980 to December 1981 Rainbow

People involved Don Airey (kbr); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Roger Glover (bss); Bob Rondinelli (drm); Joe Lynn Turner (vcl); plus Lin Robinson (bvc) during live tours. Out goes Bonnet. In comes Joe Lynn Turner. Albums & singles Difficult To Cure [lp] : UK 1981 Polydor 2391 506 Difficult To Cure [lp] : UK 1982 Polydor POLD 5036 Difficult To Cure [lp] : Germany 1982 Polydor 2391506 Difficult To Cure [cd] : Germany 199- Polydor 800018-2 Difficult To Cure [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2294 Difficult To Cure [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9160 I Surrender/Vielleicht Das Naechste Mal : UK 1981 Polydor 2095 339 Can't Happen Here/Jealous Lover : UK 1981 Polydor POSP 251 Magic/Freedom Fighter : Japan 1981 Polydor 7 DM 0033 Jealous Lover [ep] : US 1981 Polydor PX 1 502 Material from above appears on... The Best Of Rainbow [2cd/2lp] : Germany 1981 Polydor 800074 The Final Cut [video] : US/Europe 1985 Castle Communications CMV 1032 Finyl Vinyl [2lp] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-1 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor P38P-20040 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Canada 19--? Polydor 827987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan December 1998 Polydor POCP-9163 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005

December 1981 to June 1983 Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Roger Glover (bss); Bob Rondinelli (drm); David Rosenthal (kbr); Joe Lynn Turner (vcl); plus Dee Beale (bvc); and Lin Robinson (bvc) during live tours. Albums & singles Straight Between The Eyes [lp] : UK 1982 Polydor 2391 542 Straight Between The Eyes [cd] : Germany 199-/Canada 199- Polydor 800028-2 Straight Between The Eyes [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2295 Straight Between The Eyes [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9161 Stone Cold/Rock Fever : UK 1982 POSP 421 Death Alley Driver/Power : Japan 1982 Polydor 7 DM 0059 Stone Cold/Power : UK 1982 Polydor POSPX 421 Live Between The Eyes [video] : UK 1982 PolyGram/Spectrum 790587-2 Material from above appears on... The Final Cut [video] : US/Europe 1985 Castle Communications CMV 1032 Finyl Vinyl [2lp] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-1 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor P38P-20040 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Canada 19--? Polydor 827987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan December 1998 Polydor POCP-9163 Ansamblj Rainbow [lp] : Russia 1990 Polydor/Melodija C60-27023-005

June 1983 to March 1984 Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chuck Burgi (drm); Roger Glover (bss); David Rosenthal (kbr); Joe Lynn Turner (vcl); plus Lin Robinson (bvc) during live tours. Albums & singles Bent Out Of Shape [lp] : UK/Germany 1983 Polydor 815305-1 Bent Out Of Shape [lp] : US 1983 Polydor POLD5116 Bent Out Of Shape [lp] : Russia 1993 AnTrop/AnTrop 00525 Bent Out Of Shape [cd] : UK/Germany 1983 Polydor 815305-2 Bent Out Of Shape [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor POCP-2296 Bent Out of Shape [cd] : Japan 1998 Polydor (Cardboard Jacket Series) POCP-9162 Street Of Dreams/Anybody There : UK 1983 Polydor POSP 631 Street Of Dreams/Anybody There [picture] : UK 1983 Polydor POSPP 631 Street Of Dreams [ep] : UK 1983 Polydor POSPX 631 Can't Let You Go/All Night Long Live : UK 1983 Polydor POSP 654 Can't Let You Go/All Night Long Live [pic] : UK 1983 Polydor POSPP 654 Can't Let You Go/Drinking With the Devil : Spain 1983 Polydor 821369-T Can't Let You Go [ep] : UK 1983 Polydor POSPX 654 Live Japan 1984 [video] : Japan/Europe? 1984 Bad Girl/Spotlight Kid/Man On The Silver Mountain [ep] : Germany 1986 Polydor 883970-1 Material from above appears on... The Final Cut [video] : US/Europe 1985 Castle Communications CMV 1032 Finyl Vinyl [2lp] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-1 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Germany 1986 Polydor 827 987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan 199- Polydor P38P-20040 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Canada 19--? Polydor 827987-2 Finyl Vinyl [cd] : Japan December 1998 Polydor POCP-9163

April 1984 to April 1989 Deep Purple Mk II.b
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Gillan (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm). Reformation of the classic line-up. They recorded two albums: Perfect Strangers (1984) and The House of Blue Light (1987). Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

January 1990 to August 1992 Deep Purple Mk V
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Roger Glover (bss); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm); Joe Lynn Turner (vcl). Out goes Ian Gillan. In comes Joe Lynn Turner. The result is one album: Slaves & Masters (1990). Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

Sometime during 1990 Rock Aid Armenia

People involved Bryan Adams; Geoff Beauchamp; Ritchie Blackmore; Bruce Dickinson; Geoff Downes; Keith Emerson; Ian Gillan; Dave Gilmour; John Paul Jones; Tony Iommi; Alex Lifeson; Jon Lord; Brian May; Paul Rodgers; Chris Squire; Roger Taylor. A whole bunch of rock veterans gathered to record THE classic hardrock track ever. This was done as an aid-collector for the victims of an earthquake that took place in Armenia on 7 December 1988. Besides the one re-recorded track, the album contains plain reissues of old tracks by Free, Rush, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Genesis, Yes, ELP, Whitesnake, Asia, Starship, Foreigner, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Mike & The Mechanics and Boston. Albums & singles The Earthquake Album [lp] : UK 1990 Life Aid Armenia Records/Harp Beat AID LP001 The Earthquake Album [cd] : UK 1990 Life Aid Armenia Records/Harp Beat AID CD001 The Earthquake Album [cd] : UK 1995 Tring JHD-142 Smoke On The Water/Paranoid (1970) : UK 1990 Life Aid Armenia Records ARMEN 001 Smoke On The Water Mega-Rock Remix/Paranoid (1970) : UK 1990 Life Aid Armenia Records ARMENTR 001

Sometime during 1992 Laurent Voulzy
People involved Laurent Voulzy, with some others incl. Ritchie Blackmore (gtr). Blackmore guests on one track, viz. "Guitare hйraut". Albums & singles Cachй Derriиve [cd] : Europe 1992 BMG/Ariola 3847637622 (262970 BM 650)

August 1992 to November 1993 Deep Purple Mk II.c
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Ian Gillan (vcl); Roger Glover (bss); Jon Lord (kbr); Ian Paice (drm). Out goes Joe Lynn Turner. In comes Ian Gillan. This time they manage one album with a very fitting title: The Battle Rages On... (1993). Before the world tour ended, Blackmore tore up his passport and left Deep Purple. Albums & singles See the Deep Purple Discography

November 1993 to 1994 Blackmore popped up sporadically and unexpectedly at various New York City clubs doing surprise jams with local bands, apparently in search of new people to form a band with.

1994 to September 1995 Rainbow

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Paul Morris (kbr); John O'Reilly (drm); Greg Smith (bss); Doogie White (vcl); together with Candice Night (bvc) and Mitch Weiss (hrm). Rainbow reborn. Albums & singles Stranger In Us All [cd] : Europe September 1995 RCA/BMG 74321-30337-2 Stranger In Us All [cd; bonus track] : Japan September 1995 BMG Victor BVCP-862 Hunting Humans/Stand And Fight/Black Masquerade [promo] : Europe September 1995 RCA/BMG 74321-30336-2 Ariel Edit/Ariel/The Temple Of The King Live : Europe November 1995 RCA/BMG 74321-32982-2

September 1995 to late 1996 Rainbow
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Chuck Bьrgi (drm); Paul Morris (kbr); Greg Smith (bss); Doogie White (vcl); together with Candice Night (bvc). Rainbow started touring in October 1995, at which time O'Reilly had broken a rib - thus Bьrgi stepped in and took his place.

Late 1996 Shadows Tribute
People involved Various celebrities, suich as, Don Airey (kbr); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Tony Iommi (gtr); Brian May (gtr); Mark Knopfler (gtr); Peter Green (gtr); Candice Night (bvc); Pat Regan (drm/kbr) and others. Ritchie does a tribute version of "Apache". Albums & singles Twang! A Tribute To Hank Marvin & The Shadows [cd] : US 1996 Pangaea 72438-33928-2-7

Sometime during 1996/1997 Pat Boone

People involved Pat Boone (vcl), together with (on "Smoke on the Water"): Maxie Anderson (vcl); Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); Wayne Bergeron (trp); Oliver Brown (prc); Lenny Castro (prc); Merry Clayton (vcl); Charlie Davis (trp); Mitch Holder (gtr); Dana Hughes (trm); Dick 'Slide' Hyde (trm); Clydene Jackson Edwards (vcl); Plaz Johnson (wdw); Alan Kaplan (trm); Steve Madaio (trp); Myrna Matthews (vcl); Lew McCreary (trm); Don Menza (wdw); Michito Sanchez (prc); Tom Scott (wdw); Dave Siebels (kbr); Alfie Silas (vcl); Andy Simpkins (bss); Paul Smith (pno); Frank Szabo (trp); Carmen Twillie (vcl); Yvonne Williams (vcl); Mona Lisa Young (vcl); Dweezil Zappa (gtr); plus many more. Blackmore makes a guest appearance on Pat Boone's heavy metal mood CD, soloing on "Smoke On The Water". He heard a tape with Boone's recording, and liking what he heard, layed down six different solos for Boone to chose from. Albums & singles In A Metal Mood - No More Mr Nice Guy [cd] : US 1997 Hip-O Records HIPD-40025

Late 1996 to April 1997 Rainbow
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr); John Micelli (drm); Paul Morris (kbr); Greg Smith (bss); Doogie White (vcl); together with Candice Night (bvc). Bьrgi was replaced with Micelli for the European tour. Rainbow's last (ever?) gig was at the Esjberg Festival in Denmark, April 1997. From then on, Blackmore decided to focus on Blackmore's Night.

Spring and summer of 1997 Blackmore's Night

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/bss/mnd/drm/tmb) & Candice Night (vcl); together with Ian Anderson (flt); Scott Hazell (bvc); Pat Regan (kbr); and the Minstrel Hall Consort = Tom Brown (cll); Gerald Flashman (rcr/trp/fhr); Lady Green (vla/vln). Ritchie's & Candice's medieval album. Some say it's bad, others say it's great. I say it's interesting... and damned good! Albums & singles No Second Change/No Second Change/Minstrel Hall : Germany 1997 Edel 0099365WHE Shadow Of The Moon [cd; extra material?] : Japan April 1997 Shadow Of The Moon [cd] : Germany June 1997 whatever... a project of edel 0099022WHE Shadow Of The Moon [cd; bonus track] : Japan 1997 Shadow Of The Moon [cd; different bonus track] : US February 1998 Edel America Shadow Of The Moon [video] : Japan April 1997 Shadow Of The Moon [laser disc] : Japan April 1997 Material from above appears on... Mystera VI [cd; Various Artists] : Germany October 2000 Polystar CD 9548-39074-2 Minstrels & Ballads (Blackmore's Night Compilation) [cd] : Japan 2001 Pony Canyon

During 1997/1998 Blackmore's Night

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/mnd/bss/prc) & Candice Night (vcl/pnw), plus: John Ford (vcl/bss); Miri Ben-Ari (vln); Mick Cervino (bss); Adam Forgione (kbr); Kevin Dunne (drm); Peter Rooth (bss); Jens Johansson (kbr); Jeff Glixman (kbr); Roy McDonald (kbr); Jason Chapman (trp/flg); Scott Hazell (bvc); Sue Goehringer (bvc); John Gould (bvc); Trich (bvc); Mike "Metal" Goldberg (drm); Thomas Roth (bgp); Albert Dannemann (bgp); Albrecht Schmidt (hrp); Jost Pogrzeba (prc); Christof Heus (trp); Adolf Lehnberger (trm); Gell Spitz (trp); Rolf Spitz (trm); Mark Pender (trp); Mr & Mrs Heller (hrd); and the Minstrel Hall Consort. Albums & singles Under A Violet Moon [cd] : UK June 1999 Cold Harbour Recording PCCY 01377 Under A Violet Moon [cd] : Japan 1999 Canyon Classics PCCL-00451 Under A Violet Moon [interview cd] : Germany 1999 Edel Records 0047732EREP Under A Violet Moon [single] : Germany 1999 Edel Records 00476EREP Material from above appears on... Mystic Spirits Vol. 8 [2cd; Various Artists] : 2003 ZYX Music Minstrels & Ballads (Blackmore's Night Compilation) [cd] : Japan 2001 Pony Canyon

During 2000 Blackmore's Night

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/msc) & Candice Night (vcl/msc), plus: Sir Robert of Normandie (bss/bvc); Carmine Giglio (kbr); Pat Regan (kbr); Chris Devine (vln/vla/rcr/flt); Mike Sorrentino (drm); Albert Dannemann (bgp); Richard Wiedermann (trp); John Passanante (trm); and Ruby's Choir (bvc). Albums & singles Fires At Midnight [cd] : Germany July 2001 Steamhammer SPV 085-72432 CD Home Again (Radio/TV Edit) [single] : Germany Aug 2002 All Because Of You/Home Again : Germany 2002 Steamhammer SPV 055-72733CDS The Times They Are A-Changin' [single] : Germany 2002 Steamhammer SPV 056-72463 CDS-E Material from above appears on... Minstrels & Ballads (Blackmore's Night Compilation) [cd] : Japan 2001 Pony Canyon Mystera VII [cd; Various Artists] : Germany October 2001 Miroque Vol. VII (Mittelalter Baroque Gothic Selection) [cd; Various Artists] : Germany Nov 2001 Fairies Elves & Angels Vol. 2 [cd; Various Artists] : Germany November 2001 Zoomica/SPV

May 2002 Blackmore's Night

People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/msc) & Candice Night (vcl/msc), plus a touring band. Blackmore's Night has toured extensively throughout the past couple of years. A live concert from Groningen, in the Netherlands, was recorded in May 2002. Albums & singles Past Times With Good Company [cd] : Europe October 2002 Past Times With Good Company [cd] : Japan November 2002 Past Times With Good Company [cd] : US/Canada February 2003

During 2002/2003 Blackmore's Night
People involved Ritchie Blackmore (gtr/msc) & Candice Night (vcl/msc), plus back-up. Albums & singles Ghost Of A Rose [cd] : Europe June 2002 Ghost Of A Rose [cd] : Japan July 2002

During 2003 Die Geyers
People involved Albert Dannenmann; Jost Pogrzeba; Thomas Roth; George Hesse; with Ritchie Blackmore (gtr) guesting. Blackmore in one of his rare guest appeareances, doing a guitar solo on the track "Shepherd's Walk" for Die Geyers. Albums & singles Un Dein Roter Mund [cd] : Germany 2003

Don't forget to check Ritchie Blackmore's & Candice Night's Official Website for the latest news on Blackmore's Night, their tours, recordings, any potential Rainbow reunion, and whatever else