‘Smoke on the Water’

Here it is: video of Ritchie Blackmore joining Deep Purple on stage for a live performance of “Smoke on the Water.”

No, the solo isn’t as fast as the recorded version. That was decades ago and age happens.

Blackmore is 81 years old and has his share of health issues including arthritis. Not great if you are a guitar player. But still, he played live with the band he helped form. Was it the last time? Who knows. But at least it happened.

For those people at Jones Beach in New York on August 12, 2026, it was a historic moment.