The legendary guitarist of Deep Purple and Rainbow Ritchie Blackmore turns 80 today!
Unfortunately, the musician is not celebrating his anniversary in good health.
Ritchie's wife Candice Knight revealed that he suffered a heart attack in 2023 and since then his musical activity has been on pause, zrockradio.bg reported.
Doctors advised him not to fly by plane, and then other health complications followed, she shared. Candice also admitted that the situation has led to arguments between the couple about their future.
“Ritchie's cardiologist has banned him from flying“, Knight said in a recent interview with Total Rock. “He had a heart attack a year and a half ago, they put in six stents. I can't believe he's turning 80 - crazy stuff“ He doesn't look that old, he certainly doesn't act that old. But sooner or later, medical problems catch up with you.“
According to Knight, Blackmore also suffers from gout, arthritis and back problems that have plagued him for years.
“So it's getting harder for him“, she says. “I've seen people much younger than him go on stage in a wheelchair“ but I think he probably wouldn't want people to see him that way. From a fan perspective, I think they would be happy just to be in the same room with him and hear him play.“
He adds: “So we have this discussion, or argument, if you will – all the time! And now we're waiting for the cardiologist to clear him to fly again – hopefully things will change soon.“