Ritchie was correct!. West London was a hotbed of Rock guitarists: Jeff Beck was from Richmond, Pete Townsend was from Acton, Clapton was out of Ripley, Surrey, Brian May was Hampton Hill. Ritchie (and Me!) were based in Heston, as was Jimmy Page but he moved to the Epsom area. I've always maintained it was the water that did it, but the truth is that all of us musicians were restless souls who wanted to escape the rat race and the 9-5 grind of everyday life. It was either be a Footballer, a Musician or a career criminal!. No brainer!.

Ritchie Blackmore reminiscing is  a magical insight for me. In England during the early 60s a lot of regular imports from America would have included guitars and records. Thank you Ritchie

Because of the music it was a great time to be alive. Thank you for lighting the way so we could see the path to our future.

Thank you Ritchie for all you have done and continue to do for music !!!

This guy really grows on me. He’s laughing and smiling a lot during this interview but still is very focused. Aside from his incredible guitar playing of course.

What a Pantheon, Beck, Blackmore, Clapton and Page! Enough said.

The funny thing is that a third notable guitarist, Mick Abrahams, from farther north of London (Luton), joined Neil Christian's band, possibly replacing Ritchie directly. He went on to help form Jethro Tull, and started his own band called Blodwyn Pig. Blodwyn's first two albums were big hits, and The Pig could've been up there with Zeppelin and Purple.

You are my hero

I'm listening Charlie NEW JERSEY USA

This interview is 11 years old

This is so interesting!

John Cleese comes from Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset too.

So true

❤

There were talented musicians all over the country, but you had to be in London to make you mark. Especially back then.

If you remember those Prince's Trust and ARMS concerts in the 80's with Clapton etc, I always joked about that as if someone said, let's get a supergroup together, luckily everybody lives in Surrey.

Blackmore is always pictured with a beer, but he is never seen drinking any.

I was lead to believe that Ritchie blackmore was born and brought up in weston supermare!.

A generation of British rockers took American blues/rock, turned it to 11, and played it back to the continent from which it came. I realize reality is more nuanced, but the general concept is accurate.

Where can i watch the full length interview?