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 next in the series is Dutch composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, as well as the man behind AYREON, Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Arjen has worked with many musicians and has released many albums, the current one “The Theory Of Everything” in 2013.
To discover Arjen‘s thoughts on Ritchie, please read below:
Hi Arjen and welcome to Metal Shock Finland and our Ritchie Blackmore Tribute. How are you?
Hi Ali, good thanks!
What are you doing at the moment, any plans for this year?
I‘m working on a new project, but it’s too early to talk about it. It won’t be released this year, but definitely early next year. More news soon, I promise!
What are your thoughts on Ritchie?
Ritchie is in my top three favorite guitar players of all time. Great timing, sound and note choices. Besides that he’s one of my favorite songwriters as well.
Do you think rock and metal music would be different today if Ritchie hadn’t picked up a guitar?
Oh yes, absolutely! I know for sure that my music would sound different. He inspired me to pick up the guitar. I saw him live many times. I even caught a piece of one of his smashed Stratocasters!
As a musician, what do you feel you have learned from him?
How to combine power with melody, rock with classical music and throw in some medieval folk. He also taught me how to choose the best singers and musicians like Dio and Cozy Powell.
What is your favourite work by Ritchie and why?
Definitely the first three Rainbow albums, and Stargazer in particular. That is the best song ever written and performed.
Thanks a lot for your time Arjen and for contributing to this special week!
Kiitos and terveiset!
