Ritchie Blackmore Discusses Rock Show Set Lists,

Ritchie Blackmore‘s upcoming rock shows will focus on music from across his storied career, with a 70/30 split between Rainbow and Deep Purple Songs. Blackmore told a Dutch magazine that Rainbow’s “Stargazer” has already been confirmed for the set lists, “because apparently that’s a song everybody wants to hear. … The [Ronnie James] Dio era will be a central part of the show, but we will also play songs from the Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet periods.” As for Deep Purple, “we will focus on the best-known songs. … We will play the [Ian] Gillan era, but will also play something from the David Coverdale period,”

So far, Blackmore has confirmed a trio of European dates for his long-awaited return to rock after years of focusing on acoustic, renaissance-themed music. He’ll play June 25 in Birmingham, marking the guitarist’s first U.K. rock performance in more than two decades, then travel to Germany for a pair of stops on June 17 and 18.

“I deliberately chose to only give three concerts, to see if I’m still able to do this,” Blackmore admitted. “The nostalgia aspect certainly has a role in the upcoming shows. Some people will use this project to check if I can still do it, while others will probably see it as an opportunity to see me on a bigger stage once again.”

An already-planned tour with Blackmore’s Night, his folk group, is set for July. After that, Blackmore noted, once again, that he may consider additional rock-focused shows. He added that there have been “attractive offers,” including potential stops in Sweden and Finland. A DVD is planned too.

“If we enjoy ourselves and the audience gives us a positive vibe back, then I won’t rule out the possibility of continuing,” Blackmore said. “However, the second round of dates will probably take place in 2017. But the crucial factor will be the chemistry between the musicians and the audience reaction. … But my heart will always belong to renaissance music.”