Is Anything Original?
In this fascinating interview with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, he briefly explains and demonstrates how he came up with the riffs to some of Deep Purple’s greatest songs, including Mandrake Root, Black Night, Speed King, Smoke On The Water, Lazy and Highway Star.
Musicians and public alike look at Blackmore and see a complicated and private man who has an immense talent for songwriting.
What Blackmore acknowledges in this interview (which I wish was complete) is that previous works by others can play a big part in your own creativity.
Inspiration can come from anywhere. From Mozart to Jimi Hendrix.
UPDATE 2025
Unfortunately the original video was taken down> Here is a truncated version where Blackmore discussion of Mandrake Root and Lazy have been edited out.
But below that we have added Blackmore discussing Child In Time. A song that was clearly “borrowed” from the band, It’s A Beautiful Day.
This video is no longer available.
Thank you for pointing the dead link out. We have updated the story with a video that is edited but still points out the similarities of Deep Purple’s songs to other artists.