#Japan #Tokyo #Rainbow #Deep Purple #Richie Blackmore

Tribute Concert to Richie Blackmore: Deep Purple Edition

The highly-anticipated third part of the Richie Blackmore Tribute Concert series has been officially announced, focusing on the legendary hard rock band Deep Purple. As a founding member of Deep Purple, Richie Blackmore is celebrated globally, and in Japan, he boasts an enormous fan following. This concert promises to revive the band's greatest hits and showcase Blackmore’s exceptional guitar work.

Event Overview

The tribute concert will take place on December 11, 2025, at the EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo. The concert will begin at 19:00, with doors opening at 18:00. Fans can expect to hear famous tracks like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Burn,” all performed by a talented lineup of musicians dedicated to bringing Blackmore’s music back to life.

The concert series began on February 21 last year, when the first tribute was held at the same venue. That event showcased songs from both the Deep Purple and Rainbow eras in a two-part format and received overwhelming praise from hard rock fans. Following this success, a second event themed around Rainbow took place in April, replicating the legendary “Live in Munich” concert from 1977, which was equally well-received and celebrated.

Performance Details

The upcoming tribute concert will be produced by Kazuki Hirose, editor-in-chief of the renowned heavy metal and hard rock magazine BURRN!. The event will feature an unparalleled lineup including:

• - Akira Kajiyama (Guitar): Known for his exceptional technique and a play style reminiscent of Blackmore, Kajiyama has often collaborated with former Rainbow member Joe Lynn Turner on albums and tours.
• - Takenori Shimoyama (Vocals): A powerhouse vocalist with a remarkable range and emotional depth, Shimoyama is celebrated as one of Japan's leading singers, having performed with many prominent musicians.
• - Hiroshi Honma (Drums): A drummer par excellence, Honma has played in iconic bands like LOUDNESS and ANTHEM, earning recognition for his ability to replicate Cozy Powell's dynamic playing style.
• - Toshio Nagakawa (Keyboards): A notable keyboardist who has been part of prestigious bands like SCHEHERAZADE and EARTHSHAKER, Nagakawa's work has garnered respect throughout Japan's progressive rock scene.
• - Jun Hasegawa (Bass): Hasegawa, the former member of GERARD, is a sought-after bassist known for his professionalism and skill. He complements the ensemble superbly, especially during collaborative performances.

Expectation from the Concert

This concert promises to delve into the intimidating live performances characteristic of Deep Purple when Blackmore was at the helm. It is not merely a nostalgic revisit; it aims to showcase the essence and raw power of live rock music that the band epitomized during its height.

Hirose notes that they aimed to provide a unique perspective, moving away from studio versions and focusing on the thrilling live experiences that fans associate with Deep Purple. With all musicians returning for this event, attendees can expect an extraordinary show that would far exceed their expectations.

Ticket Information

Tickets go on sale starting October 6, 2025. The prices are set at ¥11,000 for an exclusive original towel package and ¥8,800 for general seating. Given the high demand seen in previous concerts, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their spots.

How to Purchase

For early-bird ticket sales, visit the TV Asahi ticket page before the deadline on July 27, 2025. The registration for the TV Asahi ID is free of charge and is required for ticket purchases.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please reach out to the Zexceed team via email at info@zexceed.com.

This is a concert series that promises a grand celebration of Richie Blackmore's contributions to rock music and an unforgettable experience for all fans. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to relive some of the greatest moments in hard rock history!