Breaking News: Legendary Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore Revives Iconic Band with a Powerful New Lineup
June 13, 2025 – Rock fans around the world are celebrating today as legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore officially announces the revival of his iconic band with a bold and dynamic new lineup. The move marks a thrilling return to the spotlight for the influential musician and promises a fresh chapter in rock history.
After years of speculation and quiet studio work, the 79-year-old guitar virtuoso confirmed the long-rumored reunion in a press release earlier this morning. The announcement comes with the launch of a new single, a world tour schedule, and a lineup that blends classic rock roots with cutting-edge talent.
“This is a new beginning,” Blackmore said in the statement. “The spirit of the music remains the same, but the energy, the chemistry—it’s all been reignited in a way I haven’t felt in years.”
A Legendary Legacy Rekindled
Blackmore is best known as a founding member of Deep Purple and the creator of Rainbow, two of the most influential rock acts in history. His unmistakable guitar tone, classically influenced riffs, and fiery stage presence have inspired generations of musicians.
Though he turned to Renaissance and medieval-inspired music with Blackmore’s Night in the late 1990s, fans have long hoped for a return to the hard rock and neo-classical sound that made him a legend. That hope has now become a reality.
The revived band—tentatively named Blackmore’s Reign—includes a diverse mix of rising stars and seasoned musicians, handpicked by Blackmore himself.
Meet the New Lineup
- Vocals – Adam Cross: A 29-year-old British powerhouse known for his soaring range and gritty delivery, Cross made waves as the frontman of progressive rock group Velvet Chain. His vocal style has drawn comparisons to Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale—two former Rainbow vocalists.
- Bass – Linda Vega: A breakout talent from the Los Angeles metal scene, Vega brings fierce rhythm and precision, along with a stage presence that has quickly made her a fan favorite.
- Keyboards – Dmitri Petrov: Hailing from Moscow, Petrov is a classically trained pianist whose technical prowess and atmospheric textures bring a new depth to Blackmore’s compositions.
- Drums – Marco Ruiz: A veteran session drummer from Madrid, Ruiz has worked with numerous European rock and metal acts. His hard-hitting, intricate style complements Blackmore’s dynamic playing.
- Guitar – Ritchie Blackmore: Though now approaching 80, Blackmore shows no signs of slowing down. In rehearsal footage shared on social media, he appears revitalized, tearing through solos with precision and passion.
New Music and Tour Plans
The band’s first single, “Shadow King,” dropped on major streaming platforms today and has already garnered rave reviews. The track blends the dramatic flair of Rainbow’s early albums with a modern production edge, driven by Cross’s thunderous vocals and Blackmore’s blistering guitar work.
The full album, titled “Winds of the Eclipse,” is set for release in September 2025. According to sources close to the project, it will feature a mix of new originals, reimagined classics, and a few surprise collaborations.
Alongside the album, Blackmore’s Reign has announced a 30-date world tour kicking off this October in London, with stops planned across Europe, North America, Japan, and South America.
Pre-sale tickets for the “Winds of the Eclipse Tour” go live next week, with demand expected to be massive. Fans are already flooding social media with excitement, with hashtags like #BlackmoresReign and #RitchieReturns trending globally within hours of the announcement.
Reactions from the Rock World
The news has sparked an outpouring of support from fellow musicians, critics, and longtime fans.
Joe Satriani tweeted, “Incredible news! Ritchie Blackmore back in action with a fresh lineup—can’t wait to hear what they’ve got cooking.”
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm added on Instagram, “Ritchie is a guitar god. Stoked to see him rocking again with such a killer lineup!”
Classic Rock magazine called the move “a seismic shift in the modern rock landscape,” adding that “Blackmore’s return may be one of the most significant comebacks of the decade.”
A New Era Begins
For Blackmore, this new chapter represents more than a return—it’s a reawakening.
“In many ways, this band feels like the beginning of something completely new,” he said in a behind-the-scenes video. “The music is heavier, the ideas are fresh, and I’m playing with some of the most talented people I’ve ever met.”
With renewed energy, a powerhouse band, and global anticipation building, Blackmore’s Reign is poised to light up the rock world once again—reminding everyone why Ritchie Blackmore remains a titan of the genre.
