A Guitar Hero Turns 80: Bob Tyrrell Pays Tribute to Ritchie Blackmore

 

April 14, 2025 — It’s a special day in the world of rock music. Ritchie Blackmore, one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock history, turns 80 years old. As tributes pour in from fans and musicians alike, one that stands out comes from legendary tattoo artist Bob Tyrrell, who credits Blackmore as a major influence in his life—not just as a fan, but as a fellow guitarist.

“Wishing Ritchie Blackmore a huge Happy 80th Birthday today!!! One of my favorite guitarists since I was a kid, and a huge influence when I started playing guitar when I was 14. Lifelong guitar hero. Deep Purple and Rainbow are two of my favorite bands of all time,” Tyrrell wrote on social media, summing up a sentiment shared by countless others who were shaped by Blackmore’s groundbreaking music.

For many, Blackmore isn’t just a guitarist—he’s *the* guitarist. With a career spanning over five decades, he carved out a distinctive sound that bridged blues, classical music, and hard rock, helping to shape the genre into what it is today. As a founding member of Deep Purple and later Rainbow, Blackmore didn’t just play riffs—he created anthems. His iconic intro to “Smoke on the Water” is arguably the most recognized riff in rock history.

Bob Tyrrell, best known for his jaw-dropping black-and-gray portrait tattoos, shares a lesser-known but deeply personal connection to music. Before he picked up a tattoo machine, he picked up a guitar. “I started playing guitar when I was 14,” he recalls, “and Ritchie was one

of the first guitarists that truly captivated me. His playing felt dangerous, mysterious, and full of emotion. It was unlike anything I’d heard.”

That feeling isn’t uncommon among musicians who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Blackmore’s playing had a dramatic flair—dark, moody, and often infused with classical influences that made his solos feel like operatic movements. In a time when guitarists were judged by how loud and fast they could play, Blackmore introduced dynamics and melodic storytelling that made each solo an experience.

With Deep Purple, Blackmore helped pioneer the heavy rock sound. Albums like *Machine Head*, *In Rock*, and *Burn* are still held up as masterpieces of the genre. His work on songs like “Child in Time,” “Highway Star,” and “Lazy” showed a depth and complexity that went beyond typical rock guitar playing. His interplay with Jon Lord’s Hammond organ was electric—sometimes playful, sometimes confrontational, but always thrilling.

When Blackmore left Deep Purple and formed Rainbow in the mid-70s, he further expanded his musical palette. With Rainbow, he ventured into more mystical and theatrical territory, especially during the Ronnie James Dio era. Songs like “Stargazer,” “Man on the Silver Mountain,” and “Catch the Rainbow” showcased his love of medieval themes, minor scales, and intricate arrangements. For young musicians like Tyrrell, it was pure magic.

“Rainbow felt like a gateway into another world,” says Tyrrell. “It wasn’t just music—it was mythology and storytelling, all wrapped in killer guitar work.”

It’s not hard to see how Blackmore’s influence could inspire not only musicians but also visual artists. His music painted pictures with sound, conjuring images of stormy castles, thunderous battles, and cosmic journeys. For an artist like Tyrrell, who specializes in vivid, lifelike representations, Blackmore’s evocative style resonates on a deep creative level.

Even after leaving the world of hard rock for the renaissance-inspired acoustic project Blackmore’s Night, Ritchie has remained true to his artistic vision. Though he stepped away from the spotlight of arena rock, his legacy continues to shine. Modern guitarists often cite him as an influence, and his techniques—like combining harmonic minor scales with blues phrasing—have become essential study material for aspiring players.

At 80, Blackmore stands as a true original—a guitar hero who never followed trends, but instead carved his own path. His playing continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate musicians across generations.

Bob Tyrrell’s tribute is more than just a birthday shoutout—it’s a thank-you to a man who helped shape the soundtrack of his life. “Ritchie’s music made me pick up the guitar,” he says. “And that changed everything.”

As fans around the world crank up their favorite Deep Purple or Rainbow tracks today, one thing is clear: Ritchie Blackmore’s legacy is immortal. And for artists like Tyrrell—and the millions who have followed in Blackmore’s footsteps—that legacy will continue to echo for generations to come.