Blackmore’s Night: Biography, Members, Discography, Awards, Fun Facts & Trivia
Band Biography
Blackmore's Night is a unique musical project blending Renaissance folk, medieval melodies, acoustic rock, and traditional European music. The band was founded in 1997 by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Candice Night.
Known for their romantic medieval atmosphere, traditional instruments, and historical themes, Blackmore’s Night created a distinctive musical style often described as Renaissance rock. Their concerts often resemble medieval festivals, with fans dressing in period costumes and performances featuring lutes, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, and acoustic guitars.
The project allowed Ritchie Blackmore to explore his lifelong fascination with Renaissance music, folklore, and medieval culture, moving away from the hard rock sound that made him famous with Deep Purple and Rainbow.
Blackmore’s Night officially formed in 1997 in Long Island, New York.
After leaving Deep Purple for the second time in 1993 and later disbanding Rainbow in 1997, Ritchie Blackmore decided to create a completely different musical project focused on acoustic music and Renaissance influences.
Together with Candice Night, the duo recorded their debut album Shadow of the Moon in 1997. The album became a major success in Europe and Japan and introduced their unique medieval-inspired sound.
Over the years, the band has released several albums combining:
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Renaissance melodies
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Folk music traditions
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Baroque influences
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Celtic sounds
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Acoustic rock
Their concerts often take place in historic castles, theaters, and festivals, creating a magical atmosphere.
Band Members Biography
Ritchie Blackmore (Guitar, Lute, Mandolin)
Full name: Richard Hugh Blackmore
Born: April 14, 1945 – Weston-super-Mare, England
Early Life
Blackmore grew up in Heston, Middlesex, England. His father bought him his first guitar at age 11 but insisted he take classical lessons.
He studied classical guitar and music theory, which later influenced his unique playing style.
Before becoming famous, he worked as a session guitarist in London, recording with several pop artists during the 1960s.
Rise to Fame
In 1968 he co-founded Deep Purple, one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal.
He later created the band Rainbow, featuring famous singers such as Ronnie James Dio.
Life After Hard Rock
By the mid-1990s Blackmore became increasingly interested in Renaissance and medieval music.
This passion led him to form Blackmore’s Night, where he performs primarily on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and lute.
Personal Life
Blackmore married Candice Night in 2008.
They have two children:
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Autumn Esmeralda Blackmore
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Rory Dartanyan Blackmore
Candice Night (Vocals, Multi-Instruments)
Full name: Candice Lauren Isralow
Born: May 8, 1971 – Hauppauge, New York, USA
Early Life
Candice grew up on Long Island, New York. She studied communications and broadcasting at New York Institute of Technology.
Before joining Blackmore’s Night she worked as a model, radio host, and songwriter.
Meeting Ritchie Blackmore
She met Ritchie Blackmore in 1989 after a Deep Purple concert where she worked as a radio reporter.
Soon after, she began writing lyrics for Rainbow, including songs on the album Stranger in Us All.
Career in Blackmore’s Night
Candice became the main lyricist and vocalist of the band.
Her voice and storytelling style helped define the group's mystical and romantic atmosphere.
Solo Career
Candice Night has also released solo albums with a more folk and acoustic singer-songwriter style.
Other Touring Members
Although the project revolves around Blackmore and Night, many musicians have participated in live performances and recordings, including:
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Bard David of Larchmont – keyboards
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Gypsy Rose – violin
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Lady Lynn – keyboards and vocals
Blackmore’s Night Discography (By Year)
Studio Albums
1997 — Shadow of the Moon
1999 — Under a Violet Moon
2001 — Fires at Midnight
2003 — Ghost of a Rose
2006 — The Village Lanterne
2008 — Secret Voyage
2010 — Autumn Sky
2013 — Dancer and the Moon
2015 — All Our Yesterdays
2021 — Nature's Light
Awards and Achievements
Blackmore’s Night has received several awards and chart successes, particularly in Europe.
Highlights include:
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German Echo Award nominations
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Top positions on Billboard New Age charts
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Gold and platinum album certifications in several countries
The band has also been praised for introducing Renaissance music to modern audiences.
Biggest Concerts and Festivals
Blackmore’s Night performs mostly in historic venues and folk festivals.
Some of their notable appearances include:
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Burg Herzberg Festival
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Castle Fest
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Faerieworlds
Their shows often feel like medieval celebrations, with fans dressing in period costumes.
Fun Facts
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Ritchie Blackmore plays lute and hurdy-gurdy inspired melodies in the band.
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Many songs are based on European folklore and legends.
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Candice Night writes almost all lyrics.
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Fans frequently attend concerts wearing Renaissance costumes.
Trivia
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The song Under a Violet Moon became one of their most famous tracks.
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Their debut album Shadow of the Moon reached top chart positions in Europe.
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Ritchie Blackmore rarely plays electric guitar in this band.
Did You Know?
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Blackmore’s Night concerts sometimes feature medieval instruments rarely used in modern music.
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Ritchie Blackmore once said he prefers playing lute music over hard rock today.
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Many songs are inspired by real historical castles and legends.
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