Joe Satriani Was 'Offended' At The Idea Of Replacing Ritchie Blackmore

Following Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple was no easy gig for a variety of reasons, and Joe Satriani didn't even want the job when it was first offered to him in 1993 — in fact he was angry that he would even be asked!

Satch recalled to Ultimate Classic Rock that he hung up the phone on his manager and told him "don't call me again," just for bringing it up.

"I was offended that he would ask me that, because I was such a fan of Ritchie Blackmore," Satriani said. "Nobody can replace Ritchie Blackmore."

But as his initial shock subsided and his hackles lowered, Satch began to think about the dream opportunity before him. He reconsidered, hoping that he didn't blow it.

"Of course, 30 minutes later I called back and said, 'Hey, did you tell those guys 'No' yet?' And he said, 'No, I knew you'd change your mind."

Despite Blackmore's status as a hard rock innovator and guitar icon, by the early-'90s Deep Purple's star had faded and tension within the band was higher than ever. Finally, in a move that singer Ian Gillan said ultimately saved the band, Blackmore quit.

But since Deep Purple still had a tour to finish, they called Satriani, who helped the band play out its remaining tour dates.

Satriani departed the following year and Dixie Dregs guitarist Steve Morse joined the band permanently in his stead. Morse endured years of abuse from Deep Purple fans who reacted to his presence in the band — much like Satriani did initially — as an affront to rock 'n' roll.

Blackmore and his former bandmates have yet to reconcile, though bassist Roger Glover has admitted that his feelings on Blackmore have softened, though it's unlikely the two will ever be friends again.

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