Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The king of heavy rock is back! As previously announced the legendary Ritchie Blackmore will be back to the magnificent stage of rock in 2016 with only 3 shows. Two shows in Germany have already been confirmed and announced, taking place at the Monsters Of Rock Festival 2016 on 18th June and Loreley, Freilichtbühneon on Friday 17th June.

Now, the British fans of Ritchie Blackmore can be happy, as the manager has just announced the final and only show in the UK, which will take place on Saturday 25th June 2016 at Genting Arena, Birmingham. According to the manager, tickets will be on sale 6th November.

Blackmore recently told Billboard.com about his plans to revisit RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE classics: “I’m now 70, so I just felt like playing some rock ‘n’ roll for a few days. We’re going to do four or five dates” — most likely in England, Germany and Sweden — “of just playing the old rock stuff, PURPLE stuff and RAINBOW. I’m doing it for the fans, for nostalgia, and the singer I found is very exciting; he’s a cross between [Ronnie James] Dio meets Freddie Mercury. So this will mean exposing a new singer to the masses, and I’m sure he’ll become pretty famous because of his voice.”

Blackmore declined to reveal the other musicians that will participate in the shows because contracts are still being negotiated, but said that none will be known names from his previous groups. He plans to film and record the performances for future release.