Ritchie Blackmore recently opened up about his future music plans and health struggles that have led him to reconsider touring. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Guitar Player.
The legendary guitarist discussed his recent health challenges and how they’ve affected his approach to performing live. When asked about his plans for music ahead with Blackmore’s Night, Rainbow, or other projects, Blackmore revealed the extent of his recent struggles.
“Despite having heart and back problems, I have never had such a horrible experience as that vertigo attack on our tour,” Blackmore said. “I don’t wish that on my worst enemy. It started off with a virus which apparently went to my ears and upset the balance of the small crystals in the ear canals.”
The health issues have intensified a lifelong aversion to travel that dates back to his childhood.
“After this I have come to the conclusion I hate traveling,” he continued. “I’ve hated it ever since I was a child and I used to travel with my mother when we went to Bristol and Bath, where my relatives were. Every time we would leave in the coach I would throw up over the passenger in front of us. For some strange reason they didn’t like that. I have hated traveling ever since.”
Blackmore explained how his condition has developed into a more serious phobia that affects his ability to tour.
“I now seem to have a phobia about being confined in a car or a van or anything that travels,” he said. “Since we live on Long Island, I’m hoping we can put some shows together in small theaters where people can come and see us. That way, I wouldn’t have to travel more than an hour.”
The guitarist’s comments came after he had to cancel some shows due to his health struggles. This signals a shift toward more localized performances for future musical endeavors.
Blackmore’s recent health revelations provide context for the series of tour cancellations that have affected his band Blackmore’s Night over the past year. The 80-year-old musician’s struggles extend far beyond the vertigo episode he described.
American Songwriter reported that Blackmore suffered a heart attack in 2023 that resulted in six stents being implanted in his heart. His cardiologist has advised him not to travel by airplane. This cardiac event has significantly impacted his ability to maintain the rigorous touring schedule that once defined his career.
The guitarist’s physical ailments also include a long history of spinal problems. Best Classic Bands noted that Blackmore has dealt with lumbar and neck herniated discs for years. He typically requires back injections before touring to manage the pain. These chronic conditions have been compounded by recently developed debilitating migraines that cause visual disturbances.
The cumulative effect of these health issues became apparent in late 2025 when Blackmore’s Night was forced to postpone multiple tour dates. Guitar World confirmed that the band canceled all remaining 2025 tour dates, citing medical reasons that affected five scheduled performances.
The severity of Blackmore’s condition was further highlighted when he described the onset of his migraines during a recent tour stop. He explained that upon arriving at his hotel, the debilitating headaches would begin. This made it impossible for him to perform at his usual standard and ultimately forced the difficult decision to cancel shows rather than disappoint fans with subpar performances.
