Blackmore's Night @ Alexandra Theatre

Jun 19 2007 By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail

THE most unpredictable man in music sprang another surprise at his latest Birmingham show.

Former Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has a track record for refusing to play encores and getting into a strop.

Now performing renaissance music with Blackmore's Night, reports suggested he was as moody as ever, playing for just 75 minutes at last week's show in Reading. Rumour has it he was unhappy with the catering.

But in Birmingham he and the band, fronted by the sassy Candice Night, performed for two hours 10 minutes, with two encores.

There was plenty to pack in from Blackmore's Night's 10-year career - plus one or two extra goodies. As Candice quipped: "From Ritchie's bands, BC - Before Candice!"

So the enthusiastic audience, which included current Deep Purple keyboardist Don Airey, was treated to Soldier Of Fortune, Child In Time and, best of all, Ariel, from the final Rainbow album, when Ritchie strapped on his electric guitar and cranked up the volume.