Legendary Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore Statue Set to Honor Iconic Rock Legacy
A statue honoring legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore is set to be unveiled, celebrating the profound impact he has had on rock and heavy metal music. Best known as the founding guitarist of Deep Purple and later Rainbow, Blackmore’s groundbreaking riffs and neoclassical style have earned him a permanent place in music history.
The statue will be erected in his birthplace of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, a location that holds deep personal and historical significance. Local officials and music fans worldwide have long championed the idea, citing Blackmore’s pioneering work on iconic tracks like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star” as defining moments in the evolution of hard rock.
Sculpted by renowned artist Douglas Jennings, the statue will depict Blackmore in his signature stage pose, Fender Stratocaster in hand, capturing his intense presence and fluid technique. The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for later this year, is expected to draw fans from across the globe.
“Ritchie Blackmore changed the way we think about the electric guitar,” said one local councilor involved in the project. “This statue not only honors his legacy but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of musicians.”
Blackmore, who now performs with his Renaissance-influenced band Blackmore’s Night, expressed his gratitude for the tribute. In a rare public statement, he said, “It’s humbling to be recognized in this way. I never played for fame—just for the love of music.”
The statue will be placed in a newly developed cultural square, part of a broader initiative to celebrate the town’s rich artistic contributions. For many fans, the monument is a long-overdue tribute to a guitar hero whose influence still echoes through every distorted amp and thunderous riff.
