Read excerpts from the interview.
In an interview with journalist Mitch Lafon, Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover stated that Ritchie Blackmore's departure from the band was the best thing the guitarist could have done. Glover holds no grudges, but says the band wasn't functioning well.
“He was, and still is, a brilliant guitarist,” says Glover. “He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. People talk about Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton, and Ritchie should be up there with them. But in a way, he’s the one who built that. He’s very focused on one thing only, he works for himself. And while you work with him, you’re privileged. But there comes a point when he doesn’t need you anymore. We had some really bad times with him, but we also had some incredible times. He made the decision to leave the band, and it was the best thing he could have done. We thank him for that. Because at that point we were an unhappy band. And we became a happy band again.”
Ritchie Blackmore recently announced that he plans to return to playing live rock , and regarding a possible Rainbow reunion, Glover commented: “If he wants to go back to playing rock, I have no doubt that it will be great. I wish him the best of luck. But regarding a Rainbow reunion, I don't think so. I'm too busy.”
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