Ritchie Blackmore recently called off a couple of performances for his band Blackmore’s Night and cited medical reasons in official announcements shared on Facebook.
Ritchie Blackmore called off two shows
The legendary guitarist has announced the cancellations through his social media account without disclosing specific details about the medical situation.
“Tonight’s show in Newton, NJ postponed due to medical reasons,” Blackmore stated in the first announcement.
A second statement followed and addressed the Delaware date: “Unfortunately, the Delaware Blackmore’s Night show will be postponed due to medical reasons. We are sorry for any inconvenience.”
The recent back-to-back postponements are uncommon for the veteran performer. Currently, there is no timeline for rescheduling the affected dates, but further updates may be provided as more information becomes available.
These cancellations arise as Blackmore continues to manage serious health issues that have increasingly affected his touring schedule. The 80-year-old musician is dealing with multiple significant medical conditions that require careful attention. As a result, he has had to make tough decisions regarding his performance commitments.
Blackmore suffered a heart attack in 2023 that required the implantation of six stents. This massively changed how he approaches touring and physical exertion. His medical team has advised him to avoid air travel due to the strain it places on his heart.
This guidance has significantly limited his touring options and has forced the band to carefully select which shows can go ahead. In addition to his heart condition, Blackmore also suffers from gout, which severely impacts the mobility of his feet and fingers. He struggles with chronic back pain as well.
These combined health challenges make it increasingly difficult for the guitarist to maintain a regular touring schedule. The physical demands of performing—including standing for long periods, the repetitive motion of playing the guitar, and the stress of travel—have become increasingly challenging due to his medical situation.
