by Chris Willow
— Guest Columnist —
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow – a supergroup reactivated in 2015 by ex-Deep Purple founding member and longtime lead guitarist and composer Ritchie Blackmore is going to hit the road soon. The touring lineup hasn’t changed since last year; Ritchie – lead guitar, Bob Nouveau – bass, Jens Johansson – keys, David Keith – drums, Ronnie Romero – vocals, and Candice Night and Christina Lynn Skleros – backing vocals. They have recently electronically released their new single, a dark-bluesy thing called “Waiting For A Sign” and the new live album Memories In Rock II is due to release on April 6, 2018.
The band plays old Rainbow and Deep Purple hits and perform a lot of improvisations live, echoing the group’s glory days of the past. Ritchie Blackmore is already a legend and he doesn’t have to prove anything. His genius is timeless and his emotional and magical guitar playing is timeless. His music speaks for itself and he is still a rocker giving us unforgettable feelings and excitement. If you want to hear Ritchie as a medieval minstrel just go and listen to, and enjoy his other group Blackmore’s Night – a band of minstrels which he runs together with his wife Candice Night.
Ritchie Blackmore’s longtime friend and bass player Bob Nouveau has kindly agreed to tell me his recent short story:
Chris: Hi Bob, How are you doing my friend? You guys have just released “Waiting For A Sign” single. How do you feel about this song and what are your impressions about it?
Bob: Hi! I am OK. “Waiting For A Sign” – is a simple Blues and it’s back to the roots of Rock and Roll. I once said to Ritchie, “If you can’t play the Blues, you really can’t play Rock and Roll,” and he said, “That’s Right.” It’s just a story about someone down and out, drinking whiskey and ‘waiting for a sign’ to make it through the hard times … perfect for a Blues tune.
Bob: I don’t think this was meant to be a ‘hit song’ … just something to put on an album. Still, Ritchie shows his unique style in playing the Blues even though he is not really recognized for that … he can play the Blues!
Chris: Are you happy Ritchie recorded a song like that now? Does “Waiting For A Sign” remind you of something? Is it an echo of the past?
Bob: I’m glad Ritchie recorded this song because it brings me back to the early days of Deep Purple when songs like “Maybe I’m a Leo” and “Lazy” were part of their Funky/Bluesy sound. The Blues was also a big part of my roots with music too.
Chris: Well Bob, so we all “Waiting For A Sign” … to drink more whiskey or more wine?
Bob: As far as whiskey … the more whiskey I drink the worse I play, but maybe not for Ritchie … (laughs). If I drink too much I won’t be waiting for a sign. I’ll be waiting for a taxi to take me home
Chris: What was keeping you busy musically apart from Rainbow rehearsals? Any your projects gonna come out soon?
Bob: I have many different projects in progress, one is an idea for the Broadway-style show (with comedy) I’m writing music for (I might call it “Your Favorite Nobody”) I think you know the story behind that title. Also, another interesting project is for me to collect all the lost recordings I have from the different people I’ve worked with in my studio; including The Backstreet Boys and Mink DeVille … no one has ever heard these recordings.
Chris: How about your stage outfit? I am sure you are thinking about something. What does Mr. Nouveau keep in his closet? Are your red boots shine and ready?
Bob: There will be some surprises with my stage clothes … no red shoes this time, but maybe another pair of my grandmother’s pants!
Chris: If you would be asked to put your own choice song on a current Rainbow’s concert list what it would be?
Bob: All I can say is that if I had my choice I would add some of my favorite classic Deep Purple songs … Ritchie is probably not very interested in that idea … (laughs).
Chris: What bass guitar and amplifier will you be using during the Memories In Rock 2018 tour?
Bob: There will be a change in my bass guitar. I will let this be a surprise but I’ll give you a hint. It is an iconic Rock and Roll bass and was played by an iconic bass player of the 1960’s. Hint: It’s not the Rickenbaker bass I’m playing in this photo taken when I was 19 years old …
Chris: Do you miss Ritchie smashing his guitar while performing with Rainbow now?
Bob: Do you really want to see a 72-year-old man smash a guitar? (laughs)
Chris: Well, I personally would like to see that because never ever saw him doing that live. Anyway, if he breaks it or not I wish you guys good luck on the 2018 tour and we all are Waiting For A Sign of a new album. Cheers!
Bob: Cheers!
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