Happy birthday! Ritchie Blackmore turns 80 today

By Lori Macatee
London
Last updated on April 14, 2025

The iconic and legendary guitarist turns 80 on Monday, Apr. 14, 2025.

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Deep Purple original guitarist Ritchie Blackmore is celebrating his 80th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed guitarists of his generation.

Popular guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 80th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Blackmore, a cultural icon

Born Richard Hugh Blackmore in Weston-super-Mare on April 14, 1945, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in English history. Blackmore's not just a great guitarist, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Ritchie hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Ritchie Blackmore as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 80.

Happy Birthday, Ritchie, you're the best!