Ritchie Blackmore rejoins Deep Purple for one song after 33-year absence, while recovering from heart attack

Ritchie Blackmore performed "Smoke on the Water" with Deep Purple at Jones Beach, New York, on 12 August 2026 — his first live appearance with the band since 17 November 1993. Blackmore, 81, played only that one song. Rolling Stone reports he was recovering from a heart attack and had not played his own shows since November 2025. No further appearances are announced.