The two artists Ritchie Blackmore blamed for the dumbing down of music: “It’s slipping back”
In a 2016 interview, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of popular music, stating, “It’s slipping back.” He specifically pointed the finger at two artists, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix, as major influences on the “dumbing down” of music.
Blackmore argued that these iconic guitarists, while undeniably talented, had a profound impact on subsequent generations of musicians, leading to an overemphasis on flashy techniques and a decline in compositional complexity. He felt that many modern guitarists prioritize virtuosity and showmanship over songwriting and musical depth.
It’s important to note that Blackmore’s comments were met with mixed reactions. Some fans and critics agreed with his assessment, citing a perceived decline in musical sophistication in recent years. Others, however, criticized his comments as dismissive of the contributions of Page and Hendrix, two of the most influential figures in rock music history.
Regardless of one’s opinion on Blackmore’s views, his comments sparked a debate about the evolution of popular music and the role of virtuosity versus songwriting in contemporary music.