Rock Legend Ritchie Blackmore Honored with Award from the National Guitar Museum
Legendary British guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National GUITAR Museum — the leading institution dedicated to the history, development, and cultural significance of guitar music. This award recognizes more than sixty years of the career of one of the most influential rock musicians of our time.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors artists whose contribution to musical culture is significant and long-lasting. In 2026, Ritchie Blackmore became the sixteenth recipient, joining other legends such as Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Honeyboy Edwards. The ceremony attracted wide attention among rock fans and the professional music community.
HP Newquist, executive director of the museum, emphasized that Ritchie Blackmore has left an indelible mark on the history of rock guitar. He developed unique techniques on the electric guitar, creating recognizable riffs and harmonies that became a standard for future generations. His work with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and his collaborative project with his wife in Blackmore’s Night, exploring acoustic music of the Medieval and Renaissance eras, are particularly notable.
The award highlights Blackmore’s global influence on guitar music. His compositions, including the iconic riff from “Smoke on the Water”, have become a benchmark for rock guitarists, and his bold combination of classical and modern elements earned him worldwide fame and critical acclaim.
The National GUITAR Museum is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to the guitar and its cultural impact. Its exhibitions travel globally, showcasing rare instruments, unique artifacts, and illustrating the influence of guitar music on 20th and 21st-century culture. The presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ritchie Blackmore became a landmark event for both the museum and the music community.
Blackmore expressed deep gratitude for the award, noting that it is a great honor and a significant recognition of his work. He emphasized that the support of fans and colleagues inspires him to continue creating, explore new musical horizons, and remain relevant even after decades.
This award firmly establishes Ritchie Blackmore as one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, whose compositions and style continue to inspire musicians worldwide. His name will forever be synonymous with mastery, innovation, and dedication to guitar music.
