Former Deep Purple guitarist doesn’t care about HOF Nomination
Hall of Fame, Schmall of Fame.
Former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore says he doesn’t care about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won’t show up for the ceremony if his legendary band is inducted.
Billboard reports that the rocker is unimpressed with the band’s nomination this year.
‘Personally, I couldn’t care less,’ Blackmore says. ‘I would never go. I’m not really a fan of that stuff. Considering some of the people that are in the Hall of Fame, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea, so I don’t care one way or the other, actually.’
The guitarist says the HOF means more to the band’s fans than it does to him, as he’s always been more concerned about financial rewards than trophies.
‘I think our fans seem to care more than I do,’ he says. ‘They’re always saying, ‘You should be in the Hall of Fame. You should be in this, you should be in that…’ If I can pay the bills, that’s all I care about.’
Blackmore left Deep Purple for good in 1993. The band currently features Steve Morse on guitar. Drummer Ian Paice is the only continuous, original member.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Deep Purple have been nominated for the Hall of Fame alongside hip-hop legends Public Enemy and N.W.A., disco’s Donna Summer, Kraftwerk, Heart, Procul Harem and seven other nominees. Most exciting for many was the inclusion of Canadian prog rock heroes Rush, for whom many feel the honour is long overdue.
Source: www.inmusic.ca
