Written by Mohsen Fayyazi
Heavy Metal is more than a genre of music now, it is a huge industry that includes many names, stars, super stars, heroes and legends. It seems that recently in this crazy industry, everybody is just taking care of and looking out for themselves, a cycle of torment, always wanting to be on top, which seems endless. I do understand it very well, everybody has their own dreams and they want to make them true, but we should not forget those who taught us, prepared us and showed us the way. But of course, there are still many people who care and do not forget. I believe you who read this article, are among them, if not, you wouldn’t bother to read this.
Metal Shock Finland ‘s Tribute Week To Ritchie Blackmore had a few goals; first of all, we wanted to send a message to Ritchie that we never forgot him, he and his music is in our hearts for eternity. Then we wanted to remind those who may have forgotten Ritchie Blackmore and his magical music. Also, we wished to introduce him to the newcomers and young people who haven’t yet had the chance to know him. In the end, we wanted to learn more about Mr. Blackmore from others and share our knowledge with our readers. I just hope we were successful in achieving some of those goals at least.
His riffs are like strong rocks on a mighty mountain, his solos are floating through the whole of music history and will be eternally! Ritchie Blackmore is one of those in the very beginning of Heavy Metal music as Martin Popoff said, he changed the way music sounded and his DNA is everywhere as Paul Bibeau said. Gus G and Niklas Stalvind reminded us that Ritchie is one of the originators of hard rock and heavy guitar. Some of our guests had the chance to meet him on stage and off it, they shared their memories and told us how great a guitarist Ritchie is. Graham Oliver and Nigel Glockler even told us that Ritchie is a huge football fan and they found him a nice guy.
Andy Sneap who seems always busy and can hardly find time to answer his messages, mentioned Blackmore as one of the major influences. The legendary Wolf Hoffmann told me that he is not afraid to confess that he worships Ritchie and the mighty Pumpkinhead Michael Weikath told me “I could say many things but given his position and history, who am I to say anything?” Simon Johansson went even further as to attribute Ritchie for being “a bit responsible” for his starting to play guitar!”
So yes I have learned many precious things but in the end, all of our guests agreed with me that metal music could be different today, if Ritchie Blackmore hadn’t picked up an electric guitar. I know he is one of those free and unique rainbows who does not follow the rules, as he has his own ideas about life and music.
I, Mohsen Fayyazi, should confess that I enjoyed every second of this tribute week. It was very busy, messy and noisy but in this final moment of the celebration I started to feel upset. It was just like being with him, or even living his life and experiencing what he saw and did again, like walking in a black masquerade of metal music history. However, something is certain, his riffs are like strong rocks on a mighty and magnificent mountain and his solos are floating through the whole of history and will be eternally! Long Live Ritchie Blackmore, A Light In The Black!
