Ritchie Blackmore Announces Final World Tour with Rainbow: A Farewell to a Rock Legend

• 🎸 Ritchie Blackmore Announces Final World Tour with Rainbow: A Farewell to a Rock Legend

In what fans are calling the most anticipated announcement in years, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has officially confirmed a Final World Tour with Rainbow set to begin in late 2025. This marks a monumental moment in rock history, as Blackmore, now 80, returns to the global stage for one last epic journey with the band that helped define hard rock and heavy metal.

After a period of uncertainty due to ongoing health challenges—including a heart attack in 2023 and chronic issues like arthritis and gout—many feared that Blackmore might never perform live again. But in true rock-and-roll spirit, the iconic guitarist has defied the odds. The upcoming tour is expected to span Europe, Asia, and select dates in North and South America, giving fans worldwide a chance to witness his genius one final time.

Blackmore has promised a setlist that honors his entire legacy, featuring classics from Deep Purple, Rainbow, and even select arrangements from Blackmore’s Night. With a hand-picked lineup of world-class musicians and special guest appearances teased, the tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable tribute to decades of guitar mastery.

“This tour is not just a goodbye,” said Blackmore in a recent statement. “It’s a celebration of the music, the fans, and the memories we’ve created together. I wanted to give the fans one last chance to share this magic before I hang up the Strat.”

The official tour dates will be released in June 2025, and pre-sale tickets are expected to sell out fast. For lifelong fans and new generations alike, this final bow from Ritchie Blackmore is the news they’ve been dreaming of—a farewell fit for a legend.