Ritchie Blackmore recently commented on his show postponements. He addressed the health issues behind the cancellations in a statement shared on Facebook.
The legendary guitarist has a long history of back problems. Recently, he developed a new and more serious health challenge. A combination of poor hotel conditions and his susceptibility to migraines led to a severe health crisis during a tour.
“I have a long history of lumbar and neck herniated discs. Consequently, I would have back injections before a tour to help me over the pain. Recently, I have acquired debilitating migraines,” Blackmore said. “When I see the visual disturbance of these ocular migraines, I know they are coming.”
The incident occurred during a tour stop in the Northeast. Blackmore described the circumstances that triggered his severe migraine attack.
“When we did the long drive from Pennsylvania to Newton NJ we were booked into a hotel that had a wedding party going all night in the corridors. There was no heat in the room and the sheets were still damp. Which I assume culminated in me having a severe migraine attack. I couldn’t stop vomiting. The room wouldn’t stop spinning and I was extremely dizzy to the point of not being able to stand,” he explained.
Blackmore was hospitalized following the incident. Doctors diagnosed him with severe vertigo. He is now consulting with multiple doctors to determine the severity of his condition and plan his return to touring.
“Ambulance was called. I was taken to hospital and they gave me CAT scans and other tests,” Blackmore said. “When one tours, you have a lot of people who have to be healthy. Unfortunately, I was the one who got hit this time. Hope to see you all one day again when I’m healthy.”
Blackmore’s health challenges extend far beyond this single incident. The 2025 tour postponement reflects a deeper struggle with multiple chronic conditions that have accumulated over the years. These conditions make the demands of touring increasingly difficult for the rock legend.
Guitar World reported that all remaining 2025 tour dates for Blackmore’s Night were postponed indefinitely. No new dates have been announced at this time. The decision came after careful consideration of Blackmore’s physical condition and the demands of touring.
Blackmore is managing several significant health challenges beyond the migraines and vertigo. Blabbermouth noted that the guitarist has been dealing with gout affecting his feet and fingers, arthritis, and ongoing heart issues following a heart attack a few years prior. The prolonged sitting and travel involved in concert schedules have made touring particularly demanding.
The combination of these health issues has created a perfect storm for the aging musician. Ultimate Guitar reported that Blackmore and his wife, Candice Night, have apologized for the inconvenience caused to fans. They emphasized that the decision to postpone was made with the health and safety of both the performer and the touring crew in mind.
Blackmore’s transparency about his health struggles reflects a broader conversation in the music industry about aging performers and the physical toll of touring. The legendary guitarist is prioritizing his health and recovery at this stage of his career. He hopes to return to performing once he has fully addressed his medical concerns with the help of various specialists.
