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Deep Purple Performance at California Jam: The Infamous Ritchie Blackmore Incident

Venue: Ontario Motor Speedway Location: Ontario, California, United States Date: April 6, 1974

In the early '70s, Deep Purple was riding high on the wave of their groundbreaking album 'Machine Head,' which had released just two years prior and featured iconic tracks like 'Smoke on the Water.' By April 6, 1974, during the explosive California Jam concert, they were promoting their then-current album 'Burn,' which introduced new vocalist David Coverdale and guitarist Glenn Hughes, marking a significant shift in their sound. This live performance not only showcased their incredible musicianship but also became infamous for Ritchie Blackmore's dramatic exit during the show. Audiences were captivated by the sheer energy and theatricality of the band, solidifying their reputation as rock legends. Deep Purple's ability to blend hard rock with classically inspired instrumentation makes this performance a landmark moment in rock history.

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