Ritchie Blackmore Set to Play With Deep Purple After 33 Year-Estrangement

Ritchie Blackmore will perform with Deep Purple tonight. The 81-year-old rock icon announced his reunion with the band after more than three decades. Blackmore's return to Deep Purple is a significant moment for fans of the band, who have long hoped for a reunion. The announcement comes from multiple sources, including Blabbermouth.net, Louder, Men's Journal, Guitar World and Rolling Stone.

The reunion is set to take place tonight, according to Blabbermouth.net. Louder describes the event as rare, comparing it to a total solar eclipse. Men's Journal notes Blackmore's age and the length of his estrangement from the band. Guitar World and Rolling Stone confirm the reunion, with Rolling Stone specifying the duration of the estrangement as 33 years.

The specifics of the performance are not yet clear. Coverage does not yet specify whether this will be a one-time event or the start of a longer reunion. Blackmore's decision to reunite with Deep Purple comes after a long period of estrangement, during which he pursued other musical projects. The band's current lineup and the setlist for the performance have not been disclosed.