EXPLAINED: Tommy bolin | Rare Historical Photos

“His death was an incredible loss, not only for the band but for guitar fans as well”: Every Deep Purple guitarist, from Blackmore to McBride

The British rock pioneers have survived almost continuously since 1968, partly because of their ability to choose the right players to stand in Ritchie Blackmore’s place

Guitar World · Jul 17

“I made a deal, paid him in cash, and he died two months later. His last text to his daughter was, ‘I buried the money in the desert’”: Joe Bonamassa tells the story of the strangest guitar deal he ever did

The Bolin ’Burst is famed for its association with Deep Purple guitarist Tommy Bolin – but its route to Bonamassa was considerably less direct

Guitar World · May 24

“I couldn’t believe he was a guitar player”: Ritchie Blackmore says most guitarists aren’t nice people – but names one player who bucks the trend

Blackmore reserves particularly high praise for one of his Deep Purple successors

Guitar World · Apr 20

“It really is a special set”: Joe Bonamassa’s newest signature pickups are inspired by his Bolin ’Burst – the infamous Les Paul he acquired under extraordinary circumstances

The original pickups found in the famed Gibson that was once played by Tommy Bolin have been recreated in great detail

Guitar World · Sep 30, 2025

“We went back to the castle, went down to the dungeon where we were set up, figured out what key we were gonna play in – and then Blackmore came up with that riff!”: Glenn Hughes recalls his magical time with Deep Purple in the ’70s

“I’m very proud of everything that I did with that band," he says

MusicRadar · Sep 1, 2025

“I don’t want people to be upset with me because I don’t mention Ritchie”: Glenn Hughes has worked with some of guitar’s all-time greats – now he’s named the best he’s ever played with

The rock legend has revealed how he’s split the difference between two superlative players to claim the top spot

Guitar World · Aug 18, 2025

“Him coming to my house at 3am and blowing my mind was incredible”: Ex-Deep Purple legend Glenn Hughes reveals the best guitarist he’s ever worked with – and it’s not Ritchie Blackmore

Look away, Blackmore fans

Louder · Aug 16, 2025

“At some point in time, we may have to get our head around the fact that these things we trade will be worth absolutely nothing”: Joe Bonamassa on the one thing you should never do when buying a guitar

Bonamassa says there are certain parameters a guitar should meet – and clear ones to be avoided

Guitar World · Jun 9, 2025

“I believe Tommy had lots of songs which were exactly what the band needed. And his style was more akin to Ritchie’s than mine”: Clem Clempson on the return of Colosseum, jamming with Jack Bruce, and that time he auditioned for Deep Purple

Clempson looks back on an epic career that has seen him replace Peter Frampton in Humble Pie, nearly replace Ritchie Blackmore, and tells us he's having more fun than ever with Colosseum

Guitar World · Jun 6, 2025

"We wrote a song based on a riff I had. The idea was to be Mahavishnu Orchestra with vocals": After Deep Purple decided not to hire him after Ritchie Blackmore's departure, Clem Clempson almost formed a wild supergroup with Glenn Hughes and David Bowie

The Colosseum and Humble Pie guitarist was in with a shot at joining the band –but says Tommy Bolin got the gig for one specific reason

Guitar World · May 16, 2025