Interview By Ali Blackdiamond
As part of our Tribute To Ritchie Blackmore week, we have invited well known names in the world of rock and metal to share their thoughts about Ritchie. The first in the series this week is with American guitarist Tracy Grijalva, better known as Tracy G, who is best known for playing with the legendary DIO from 1993 – 1999. Tracy has been involved with many other projects and is currently working on songs for his own band the TRACY G GROUP.
To find out Tracy‘s thoughts on Ritchie and his music, please read on:
Hi Tracy, welcome to Metal Shock Finland, and our Ritchie Blackmore Tribute. How are you today?
Cool. All is good.
Can you tell me what you are working on at the moment or if you have any upcoming plans?
Sure……I am working a lot in my studio–producing and writing tunes for other bands and my own……playing live shows with the Mike Beatty band and working on songs for the Tracy G Group.
As you know we at Metal Shock Finland will organize a week’s tribute to Ritchie Blackmore, the idea came from why shouldn’t we celebrate the artists who are still with us who we love, not just the dead artists. So what you think about this idea?
I think it’s cool to give it up to both, its all important.
What are your thoughts about Ritchie and as a musician, do you feel you have learned from him?
As a musician and player I think hes is awesome and has hes own sound.His lead playing and use of the whammy bar was very helpful to me, he plays with a lot of feeling and emotion..when he play a few notes I know it’s him. That’s big to me.
Do you think rock and metal music would be different today if Ritchie hadn’t picked up a guitar?
Yes……..he has influenced a lot of players, Van Halen for one…..and some guys have been influenced but don’t wanna say so, but he is a big deal to rock guitar playing for sure.
What is your favourite work by Ritchie and why?
A lot of stuff……….the CD I am most into would have to be Machine Head.
I mean for me growing up, every song is kick ass blues rock – Lazy…..Mistreated……..Space Trucking….All the songs are fucking classic, his solos are just his own thing. It’s tough to find the words…….just fucking great.
Would you like to leave a message for people reading this?
Well – there’s a lot of great guitar players in the world..for me Ritchie is one of the best.
Thanks a lot for your time Tracy and for contributing to this special week!
Thank you for asking me to say some words. You guys rock for sure!
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