Ritchie Blackmore is recovering following surgery last month due to an excess of uric acid buildup in his finger joint.
The guitarist will be unable to play for about a month but the operation and recuperation time will have no effect on three upcoming shows this summer with a newly-reformed Rainbow.
Blackmore will be joined by Lords Of Black singer Ronnie Romero, Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, Blackmore’s Night drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau when they perform the Best of Rainbow and Deep Purple at the Monsters Of Rock festivals in Loreley, Germany on June 17 and Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany on June 18, as well as a solo headlining date at the Genting Arena in Birmingham, UK on June 25.
The guitarist recently shared a preview of what fans can expect from his first return to the rock stage in decades.
"The setlist will be Rainbow songs for about 70 percent, including 'Stargazer', because apparently that's a song everybody wants to hear,” explains Blackmore. “About 30 percent will be Deep Purple songs. We will focus on the best-known songs. The Dio era will be a central part of the show, but we will also play songs from the Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet periods. As far as Purple is concerned; we will play the Gillan era but will also play something from the David Coverdale period."
Ahead of the Rainbow shows, Blackmore will be inducted into the 2016 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on April 8 in New York as a member of Deep Purple.
The guitarist will not attend the ceremony following word that the present day lineup of the group have refused to perform with former members at the event.
See also:
Former Deep Purple singer says Rock Hall induction is a circus
Ritchie Blackmore previews 2016 Rainbow concerts
Deep Purple refuse to perform with Ritchie Blackmore at Rock Hall induction
Deep Purple update new album plans
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