Christopher Cross shared details about substituting for Ritchie Blackmore at Deep Purple’s first U.S. show in an interview with Guitar Player.
“It was their very first show in the United States ever and someone advised them to get flu shots. So, they did, and Ritchie Blackmore got very sick,” Cross explained. “So I came down, and I had a Flying V and long hair, and I’m this big Ritchie fan. So, we played the songs that I knew and then we jammed some blues.”
“It was a great moment for me. And then, when they left town, I went to the airport and got to meet Ritchie, and he thanked me for covering for him,” he continued. “Max Vaccaro, who runs the [Eagle Rock Records] label, says he mentioned the story to Jon Lord, and Jon Lord said that never happened, ever. So Max Vaccaro was kind of like, ‘I think you’re bullsh*tting.'”
A clear discrepancy exists between Cross’s account and the late Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord’s recollection of events.
The alleged incident took place during Deep Purple’s early days in the United States. This period proved crucial for the band’s history.
Documentation from historical records shows Deep Purple’s American journey began in July 1968. The band released their debut album, ‘Shades of Deep Purple,’ which created their first significant impact on the American music scene.
The band achieved their U.S. breakthrough when their cover of Joe South’s ‘Hush’ reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success established their presence in the American rock scene.
Records from Setlist.fm reveal Deep Purple’s first-ever live performance occurred on April 20, 1968, in Denmark. The band performed under their original name, Roundabout.
These early performances cemented their reputation as a dynamic live act. The disputed incident with Christopher Cross filling in for Blackmore remains a significant, though contested, part of their early American touring history.
