Ritchie Blackmore Shares Emotional Tribute To Late Duane Eddy
via Mercedes-Benz Enthusiast Channel / Youtube
Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of rock and roll pioneer Duane Eddy. Eddy, a true innovator known for his iconic twangy sound, passed away on April 30th at the age of 86.
Taking to social media, Blackmore revealed that Eddy was his “first guitar idol”, citing classic tracks like “Rebel Rouser”, “Shazam”, and “Some Kind of Earthquake” as major influences. He fondly recalled rushing out to buy Eddy’s albums and declared The Lonely One as his all-time favorite song by the guitar maestro.
Blackmore’s heartfelt tribute highlights the profound impact Eddy had on the music world, inspiring generations of guitarists with his unique style and undeniable talent.
Eddy Was “The First Rock And Roll Guitar God”
While the music world mourns the loss of Eddy, the cause of his death has been revealed as complications from cancer. Eddy passed away peacefully at Williamson Health Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. His wife, Deed Abbate, confirmed the news, and a statement from a representative further highlighted the lasting impact he had:
“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakable signature ‘Twang’ sound. He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.”
Eddy’s legacy extends far beyond his chart-topping hits. He revolutionized the sound of guitar music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and influencing countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his music and the inspiration he provided will continue to resonate for generations to come.
No One “Twanged” Better Than Eddy
Eddy’s impact transcended mere chart success. He popularized a distinctive style of guitar playing, focusing on the lower strings. This unique approach, coupled with his collaboration with producer Lee Hazlewood, led to the development of his signature “twang” sound and rhythmic innovations that became hallmarks of his solo recordings.
Eddy’s work left an inerasable mark on the music world, inspiring generations of guitar players. His influence extends beyond Blackmore, as countless musicians have followed in his footsteps, carrying the torch of his innovative sound and rhythmic approach.
Beyond his immediate influence, Eddy’s legacy lives on in the enduring appeal of his music. His iconic songs continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of his pioneering spirit and lasting contributions to the world of guitar music.
Unfulfilled Dreams of Meeting His Idol
Beyond his admiration for Eddy’s music, Blackmore also expressed his deep regret at never having met his idol in person. He described Eddy as “a brilliant guitarist in his own right” and specifically praised his innovative use of the lower strings.
Blackmore revealed his numerous attempts to catch Eddy live, recalling a particularly memorable incident from his youth. At the tender age of 12, he even waited for hours at London airport, hoping for a glimpse of the guitar legend. Sadly, due to a miscommunication, he missed Eddy’s plane by a hair’s breadth.
Despite this near miss, Blackmore’s admiration for Eddy never wavered. He stated, “That was my first of many futile attempts to see him. But I would play his music night and day.”
“He Will Always Be My Number One Inspiration”
Despite the missed opportunities to meet in person, Blackmore’s story took a heartwarming turn in 2023. He revealed, “He was very kind to me last year, because I had missed him on so many occasions, he sent me a Gretsch Guitar as a present for Christmas. I couldn’t believe it.”
This gesture solidified Eddy’s place as Blackmore’s lifelong inspiration. He concluded his tribute by stating, “He will always be my number one inspiration from the time I took up the guitar until now. He was so unique in his playing. The world has lost a great guitar player. A truly unique guitar player.”
Blackmore’s heartfelt words echo the sentiments of countless others who were touched by Eddy’s music. His legacy extends beyond the music industry, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of generations of musicians and fans alike.
