Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

Ritchie Blackmore: In His Own Words – Episode Two.The Doubts, the Family and the Journey Back to Deep PurpleAfter deciding to step onto a stage with Deep Purple again, did Ritchie Blackmore ever have second thoughts?In the second part of my exclusive 13-part interview series, Ritchie talks about what happened after he'd agreed to play “Smoke on the Water” — and what the family journey to the venue was really like.Once again, Ritchie tells the story entirely in his own words.This original interview was recorded exclusively for Now Spinning Magazine.A huge thank you to Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night for making this series possible.Please subscribe to Now Spinning Magazine so you don't miss the next episode.This is an original Now Spinning Magazine interview with Ritchie Blackmore, recorded exclusively for our 13-part “In His Own Words” Series. Copyright belongs to Now Spinning Magazine

Steve Hackett returns to the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast for his seventh conversation with Phil Aston, ahead of the Best of Genesis & Solo Gems 2026 UK tour.We discuss the response to The Roaring Waves, his collaboration with Steve Rothery, and the fresh energy keyboard player Lalle Larsson and drummer Felix Lehrmann bring to his touring band. Steve talks about choosing music from the Genesis and solo catalogues, allowing familiar pieces to evolve, and balancing the legacy with his continuing creativity.We also explore the practical and personal sides of life on the road: his Fernandes guitars, string choices, backstage playing, books, and the inspiration he finds while travelling with Jo.One particularly inspiring moment finds Steve describing how, earlier that day, he had played something he could not play the day before. After everything he has achieved, he is still learning, discovering and moving forward.A warm, revealing conversation with a musician whose enthusiasm for music remains infectious.Tour dates and tickets: https://hackettsongs.com/toursSubscribe to Now Spinning Magazine for more interviews, reviews and conversations about the music we love.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Ritchie Blackmore: In His Own Words – Episode 1.
In the first part of this exclusive 13-part Now Spinning Magazine series, I ask Ritchie how the idea of appearing on stage with Deep Purple again first came about — and what happened when that idea suddenly became a reality.
Ritchie tells the story in his own words.
A new episode will be released each week, covering Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore’s Night, his guitar playing, musical influences and much more.
Please subscribe to Now Spinning Magazine so you don’t miss the next part.

Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, leaving behind an extraordinary catalogue of music—and a legacy of kindness, generosity and humanity.In this personal tribute, I reflect on Dolly’s connection with my late mum, who introduced me to country music, and how I gradually discovered that country and heavy metal were often singing about the same people, struggles and hopes.Dolly gave us timeless songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Yet her legacy reaches far beyond music.Inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write, Dolly created the Imagination Library. It has now provided more than 300 million free books to children around the world. She also funded scholarships, supported families who lost their homes in the 2016 Tennessee wildfires and donated millions of dollars to medical research.I also look at how Dolly built bridges between musical worlds—from singing “Jolene” with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to making Rockstar with artists including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Peter Frampton.Dolly Parton showed us that music can cross genres, generations, backgrounds and beliefs. She also demonstrated that kindness is not a weakness. Kindness is a superpower.This video is dedicated to Dolly’s family, friends and fans—and to everyone whose life was made a little better by her music or generosity.Please share your memories of Dolly Parton and the songs that have meant the most to you in the comments.Rest in peace, Dolly, and thank you for everything.Phil AstonNow Spinning MagazineMusic is the healer and the doctor.

Ritchie Blackmore has performed with Deep Purple for the first time since 1993, joining the band at Jones Beach in New York for an unforgettable version of “Smoke on the Water.”In this video, I share my emotional response to those extraordinary six minutes—not simply the notes Ritchie played, but the smiles, affection and very human interaction between him, Ian Gillan and the rest of Deep Purple.This was not about recreating the past. Neither Ritchie Blackmore nor Deep Purple has anything left to prove. It was about old musical brothers putting their differences aside while there was still time and allowing the music to bring them together again.I also pay tribute to Candice Night, Simon McBride and everyone who helped make this remarkable moment possible.Music is the healer and the doctor.What did this reunion mean to you? Did you ever believe that we would see Ritchie Blackmore sharing a stage with Deep Purple again? Please share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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