Ritchie Blackmore Initially Denied Tribute In Hometown Because He Is Alive

Deep Purple and Rainbow founder Ritchie Blackmore has been honored in his hometown of Weston-super-mare with a plaque installed on the building where he was born.

The blue plaque petition to acknowledge Blackmore's place in history was initially denied on the basis that the guitar innovator and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Blackmore is still alive. But two of the parties involved have agreed to a work-around.

In the U.K., a blue plaque is a permanent sign and a historical marker used to honor culturally significant figures. The plaques are generally not granted earlier than 20 years after an honoree's death or more than 100 years since their birth.

Blackmore fan John Cadwallader led the effort to get Blackmore a plaque at what is now the Allendale Nursing Home in his hometown. He later explained to Guitar World that when his petition was denied, the home agreed to install an original plaque honoring Blackmore anyway.

"The good news is the nursing home (where he was born) has sponsored and installed a plaque on their front wall for all to see. And let me design it," he said. "We hope to have a full unveiling ceremony on Ritchie's birthday in April."

He says the unveiling ceremony in April is apropos, since Blackmore's birthday is April 14.

The plaque reads, "Born Here April 1945 / Rock Superstar and Guitar Legend / Ritchie Blackmore / Smoke on the water, a Fire in the Sky."

Cadwallader shared a photo of the shiny copper plaque via his Change.org petition, which amassed over 2,300 signatures. All are welcome to attend the unveiling this spring.