Atlantis Online - Blackmores Night Interview
This interview with renaissance duo Blackmores Night - or Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night - was done by e-mail in april 2001 for DEEP PURPLE FOREVER issue 31. I donīt consider it a very good interview but on the other hand Ritchie Blackmore is a living legend so anything anybody can get out of him is of high interest. I just wish that we had been in the same room so that this could have been a real conversation. Some of his answers are just too short, but with glimpses of interest. As interviews go, this is a bit of a rough diamond.
I saw a documentary about the japanese movie legend Akira Kurosawa the other day, and in this he said "When I grew older I said to myself I canīt keep making new versions of The Seven Samuris all my life and I felt that I had the currage to create a new direction". Is that a similar feeling to what you have gone through in your life, can you see what he was talking about?
- Yes.
In my eyes, it seems likely that you will never play hardrock again. Except perhaps for the odd concert. And I would respect you if that was the case. But is that a correct observation or do you simply donīt know?
- Both.
What, if anything, do you miss occationally from the rock years?
- Listening to other rock bands on the radio.
Since Rainbow, have you put any musical ideas at all together in the hardrock vein for possible future use?
- Not particularly.
Is it fair to say that you created a "monster" without really thinking about it, and that since the hardrock days "Ritchie" has given more room for "Richard". Could you explain why you simply seem a lot happier these days? Apart from your obvious quality time with Candie.
- Happiness is a frame of mind that is fleeting.
I hope you donīt hate me for this question, but in my opinion, your playing took a dive when Deep Purple reformed. Then it got better when Joe Lynn Turner joined the band(and has been very good ever since). But why this period of unmotivated playing? Where you simply not very happy at the time?
- Your frame of mind is what shows in music.
Ofcourse, Candie also came into your life around the time when you started to play very well again. To me, happiness looks like a possible answer. Do you agree that you have had mood swings in your career and that they have dictated your work to a certain extent?
- Suffering is reality to most musicians who care.
Will you ever write the book of your life? Or a book about your interesting voyage into the intruiging world of seances?
- It is written already.
I know that you read a lot. Are you interested in the UFO mystery? Have you ever seen anything like that yourself?
- Yes.
What went through your head after the sad death of a young fan in Sapporo in february 1978? How did you react to the news that somebody had died?
- It is a terrible feeling to be involved with someoneīs death.
Would you say that it was the worst moment in your career?
- Too many to mention.
What annoys you the most in todays music scene?
- The monopoly.
Who do you like in todays music scene?
- Des Geyers, Sarah Brightman, Michael Oldfield - any Renaissance Music.
Can we look forward to a Blackmores Night live album?
- Yes.
Do you have an opinion on the tv show Xena Warrior Princess? I only ask because I like the show myself and I am currently in the process of co-writing a book on the subject.
- Itīs nice to see another country make Hollywood nervous.
Singer Candice Night answered these questions at the same time as Ritchie, but thankfully with a little more input.
How would you say that your work with Ritchie in this venture has changed you?
- I donīt think it has changed me. I have always written, always loved to sing, always believed in magic, so, besides normal daily existence - I personally donīt think Iīve changed at all.
Ritchie is famous for practical jokes, did he ever pull one on you that you can share with us?
- I always think his magic tricks are much more fascinating. He has played practical jokes on me at the start of our relationship - but since Iīve been part of the inner circle for 11 years now - we work as a team playing jokes on others.
If he did, did you manage to get even?
- Sure, I get even every day.
What did you think of Ritchies interest in seances when you first got involved with him?
- I have been involved in that realm long before I met Ritchie. The supernatural world is more natural to me than most things in everyday life. I think it is more bizarre to find when someone doesnīt believe.
How about the two of you writing a book on the subject?
- Seance really just means a spiritual meeting - a natural meeting. We chronical them with our songs right now. We also live our lives very much by feeling. I donīt think at this point either of us would be to keen on playing reporter. Experiencing it is enough.
Europe will be a good place for Blackmores Night. How do you feel about the response for the band over here?
- The response has been amazing. Especially the fans who go above and beyond by dressing in Renaissance garb. Playing in castle courtyards with the moon rising over the stone walls and the fans dressed up - helps to make ones fantasy even more of a reality. It really transports you back in time.
Touring with a man that is a legend in his own lifetime(in many sane peoples opinion), does it still surprise you that the attention can be like the kind that royalty gets?
- No, because he deserves all of that attention. Iīve never seen or heard a more brilliant musician in every aspect. I think he deserves even more respect than he gets.
Can you give me an example when you just had to smile?
- Thatīs a hard question because it comes so easily in ones relationship. Each time he plays me a brand new song idea, his amazing performances on stage, and how boyish and gentle he is in our private life - all makes me smile.
How is the market for Blackmores Night in America? Is there outlets?
- Yes, there are many outlets. We have many Renaissance parties throughout the USA where to be part of the Renaissance era is the theme. We may not have the history in America, but we have brilliant imaginations.
What do you think of a Blackmores Night live album? Do you generally enjoy live recordings or do you find them less relevant than studio material?
- Weīve had so many requests for a live album. The arrangements, tempos, and vibe are so different in live recordings. I am sure there will be one released for Blackmores Night in the near future.
How about two or three live versions of earlier songs as a bonus on a new studio album? Could that be considered or would it interfere with the overall purpose of that music at that time?
- At this point we have so many original songs that it would be difficult for an earlier song to take the place of a brand new one. However, this all depends on what is taking place when the record is being recorded. Sometimes weīll just play and sing to pass the time while the producer is working, and weīll just say "Hey, this sounds really good. Letīs do it". When you love what you do, you have no limitations.
Are you aware of all the bootlegs - mostly coming out of Japan it seems - and what do you think about that? Have you listened to any of them?
- Havenīt heard any.
What do you like to do for relaxation?
- Write, draw, sing, do Yoga, read, walk on the beach, and spend quality time with my cat.
Do you enjoy to read books? If so, what was the latest that you liked?
- I just finished "The Wyrd Sisters" - which was recommended to me by some English friends. And Iīve just begun a book by John Edwards ( http://www.johnedward.net/ ), a Psychic Medium from Long Island.
Do the two of you go to the movies or do you prefere to watch films on television?
- We rarely go to movies, although we saw "Elizabeth" and the "Red Violin" in the theater and both were brilliant. We usually rent older Black and White films when movies had story lines and actors were so talented.
Do you have any thoughts about Sweden? Any distant relatives?
- Iīve only been to Sweden once, Stockholm, and the way the lights danced on the harbor at night - on the boats - was breathtaking. Iīd love to go back, and explore more and absorb the land. My relatives are more from Eastern Europe, though, Prussia, Odess, etc.
Do you have any thoughts on the tv show Xena? I ask for the same reason that I asked Ritchie.
- Ah Xena!!! Beautiful, strong, clever, The Ultimate Dominatrix, whatīs not to love.
