Before David Coverdale decided to make Whitesnake's new album a tribute to his years as the singer for Deep Purple, he contemplated a full-fledged reunion with former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
What Deep Purple fans saw at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England, wasn't anything like a promised 25th anniversary celebration of the band. It was, instead, one of the final nights with founding member Ritchie Blackmore.
It's been 20 years since Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, and by all accounts, both he and the band are happier now. Still, some fans will never stop hoping for a reunion -- something that, according to singer Ian Gillan, will never happen.