Deep Purple are among the first-time nominees considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2013.
"Personally, I couldn't care less," guitarist Ritchie Blackmore tells Billboard. "I would never go. I'm not really a fan of that stuff. Considering some of the people that are in the Hall of Fame, I'm not sure if it's a good idea, so I don't care one way or the other, actually."
"I think our fans seem to care more than I do," he notes. "They're always saying, 'You should be in the Hall of Fame. You should be in this, you should be in that...' If I can pay the bills, that's all I care about."
Blackmore, who left Deep Purple for good in 1993 after a third stint with the group, is busy with his current musical concern - Blackmore's Night, his Renaissance and Medieval music collaboration with his wife Candice Knight.
Last week, the Cleveland-based Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame announced a list of 15 artists (from which 5 will be chosen) which represented a variety of musical genres.
A group of 600 artists, music historians and members of the industry will choose 2013's inductees; the results will be announced in mid-December.
The April 18, 2013 event is set for L.A.’s Nokia Theater, marking the first time the ceremony will be held in Los Angeles 1993.
This week, Deep Purple released the 40th Anniversary Edition of their 1972 album classic, "Machine Head."
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