When it comes to influential modern guitarists, names like Hendrix, Clapton and Beck are on the top of the list. Inexplicably forgotten is Ritchie Blackmore, who not only practically invented “metal” rock, but created one of the most popular riffs in all of music on “Smoke on the Water.” This dvd is a treasure chest of info on Blackmore, with a cozy, intimate, revealing and in depth series on interviews with Blackmore himself as well as commentary by the likes of Brian May, Ian Anderson, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and the late Jon Lord.
Reflecting back to his earliest days of youth, Blackmore either sits in his house while strumming with his guitar, or sharing a pint in a bar. What’s fascinating about him is that, being now in his 70s, his descriptive attitude is such that he seems to be talking about his wayward son instead of himself. He seems at peace with his career that mixed metal with classical music in his solos, and going from Deep Purple ear rattling rock to Renaissance type minstrel sounds of his current band with Blackmore’s Night.
The commentary by fellow bandsmate Lord is intriguing as well as the perspective of his place amongst the pantheon of guitar greats by fellow axe grinders like Gene Simmons and Steve Lukather. His days of on stage antics are well chronicled here, as are his recollections of the hard rock scene. A true piece of history.
Eagle Vision DVD