DEEP PURPLE's ROGER GLOVER Says RITCHIE BLACKMORE 'Has Isolated Himself'

On April 21, DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover was interviewed on the "Quinn & Cantara" morning show on Albany's classic rock radio station PYX 106. You can now listen to the chat using the widget below.

Asked what the "true story" was behind former DEEP PURPLE guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's absence from the band's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Glover said: "The true story is that Ritchie was free to come, but he was never gonna come. He always said he was never gonna come. I've read reports as well saying that we banned him. And that's ridiculous. We didn't ban him The word 'ban' never passed our lips."

Pressed about his current relationship with Blackmore, Glover said: "I'd be happy to be friends with him, but he's isolated himself. It's very difficult to reach him. That's his decision."

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony seemed like a rare opportunity for DEEP PURPLE to reunite with Blackmore, who wrote many of the band's most memorable riffs, but hasn't played with the group since 1993.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich inducted DEEP PURPLE into the institution, after which the current lineup of DEEP PURPLE performed a mini-set that included "Hush", "Highway Star" and "Smoke On The Water".

Blackmore later posted a statement on his Facebook page in which he said: "I have my reason for not attending the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, although I appreciate the award."

Despite Blackmore being a no-show at this year's Rock Hall, he was given several shoutouts during the induction speeches of the DEEP PURPLE members in attendance. In addition, Ulrich praised "Ritchie fucking Blackmore" for one of the most memorable guitar riffs of all time on "Smoke On The Water".