Deep Purple rifts re-emerge ahead of Rock Hall of Fame

Great bands are often motivated to reconcile when inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not so with Deep Purple.

The influential English hard rock band has stated unambiguously that its classic lineup will never reunite -- either at the Hall of Fame ceremony on April 8 in New York, or in the future.

The announcement in December of Deep Purple's induction had raised fans' hopes for a reunion with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore -- whose heavy blues riff on "Smoke on the Water" is among the most famous openings in rock.

Blackmore, who left the band in 1993, said he was "honored" by the induction and had been considering an appearance but was told that the current Deep Purple did not want him.

"Therefore Ritchie will not be attending the ceremony. He sincerely thanks all the fans that voted for him for their support," said a message Friday on his Facebook page.

Deep Purple's singer Ian Gillan explained that the band had been surprised that Steve Morse, the guitarist who replaced Blackmore, and relatively new keyboardist Don Airey were not to be inducted with the rest of the band.

The band decided as a compromise that members listed in the induction would accept the award and then the current lineup would perform, he said.

"It should be stressed that there is no slight intended nor any desire to upset anyone regarding this decision; it is purely a mark of respect to Steve and Don," Gillan said in a statement.

"Outside of this event there are no circumstances under which a 'reunion' could or would take place.

"So, let's all get up there, shake hands, smile for the cameras and get it done with dignity and respect for all the existing and past members of a very special family," he said.

He did not mention Blackmore, who is listed among inductees. But he pointedly referred to fellow inductee David Coverdale, who fronted the band for several years in the 1970s after Gillan left amid tensions with Blackmore.

Gillan said that Coverdale, best known for his band Whitesnake, "expressed complete understanding" and was "a gent."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will see a reunion by soft-rock giants Chicago, who will perform with singer Peter Cetera for the first time since 1985.

Gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. have left open the possibility of performing with original member Dr. Dre, now a wealthy Apple executive.

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