Colin Hart Reflects on Ritchie Blackmore’s Arrest in Vienna
August 14, 2024 — Colin Hart, who served as the tour manager for legendary rock bands Deep Purple and Rainbow for nearly 30 years, recently opened up about one of the most infamous incidents in rock history: the arrest of Ritchie Blackmore in Vienna. The incident, which occurred in the 1980s, remains a vivid memory in the annals of rock and roll.
The Vienna Incident
During a European tour with Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore, the iconic guitarist known for his fiery performances and intense personality, found himself at the center of a major altercation in Vienna. The incident took place after a show when tensions between the band and local security boiled over.
According to Hart, the trouble began when a misunderstanding between the band’s crew and security personnel escalated into a physical confrontation. Blackmore, never one to back down, became involved in the altercation, which quickly spiraled out of control. The situation culminated in Blackmore striking a security officer, leading to his immediate arrest.
Hart’s Perspective
Colin Hart, who was responsible for managing the logistics and smooth running of the tour, recounted the events with a mixture of humor and exasperation. He described the chaos that ensued, with the band’s entourage scrambling to diffuse the situation while Blackmore was taken into custody.
“It was one of those moments you never forget,” Hart said. “Ritchie was always passionate, sometimes to a fault. That night in Vienna was a perfect storm of misunderstandings and high emotions. Before we knew it, he was in handcuffs, and we were trying to figure out how to get him out.”
Hart also mentioned the challenges of managing a band like Rainbow, where the personalities were as big as the music itself. “When you’re dealing with someone like Ritchie, you have to expect the unexpected. But that night was something else entirely.”
Aftermath and Legacy
The incident in Vienna made headlines at the time, adding to the mystique of Ritchie Blackmore and his reputation as one of rock’s most enigmatic figures. Despite the arrest, the band continued with their tour after Blackmore was released, and the incident became part of rock folklore.
Hart, reflecting on his decades-long career with both Deep Purple and Rainbow, noted that incidents like the one in Vienna were part and parcel of life on the road with such legendary bands. “It wasn’t always easy, but it was never boring. Those were the days when rock and roll was truly larger than life.”
Conclusion
Colin Hart’s recounting of the Vienna incident offers a fascinating glimpse into the tumultuous world of rock tours in the 1980s. It serves as a reminder of the intense personalities that fueled the music of Deep Purple and Rainbow, and the high-stakes environment in which they operated. For fans of the bands, this story is a vivid chapter in the history of rock and roll, showcasing the passion and unpredictability that made these groups legendary.
Hart’s reflections not only highlight the challenges of managing rock stars but also underscore the enduring legacy of Ritchie Blackmore and the indelible mark he left on the world of music.
