Ritchie Blackmore has recently reconnected with Deep Purple for a surprise onstage reunion, marking an emotional return to the band he helped define. He cited shared friendship and nostalgia as reasons for participating, while Ian Gillan described the performance as a heartfelt tribute to their past. Blackmore also reflected on his complex relationship with the band's legacy, including his mixed feelings toward certain albums and his high regard for guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen.