“People think of Ritchie as an angry, unfriendly guy, and that’s not him. I knew him when he was in a very good place”: Ronnie Romero has sung for Ritchie Blackmore and Michael Schenker and lived to tell the tale….
Ronnie Romero, the powerhouse vocalist known for fronting bands like Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group, offers a unique perspective on two of rock’s most enigmatic guitar legends: Ritchie Blackmore and Michael Schenker. While both musicians are known for their brilliance, they also carry reputations for being notoriously difficult. But Romero, who has worked closely with both, paints a more nuanced picture—especially of Blackmore.
“People think of Ritchie as an angry, unfriendly guy, and that’s not him,” Romero said in a recent interview. “I knew him when he was in a very good place.” He describes Blackmore as focused and intense, but also witty, kind, and deeply passionate about music when he’s in the right environment. Romero’s time with Rainbow saw him not only performing iconic tracks like “Stargazer” and “Man on the Silver Mountain,” but also navigating the unique atmosphere that surrounds Blackmore’s return to rock after years with Blackmore’s Night.
With Schenker, Romero faced a different kind of fire. Schenker’s perfectionism and spontaneous creativity demand quick adaptability. “Michael wants to capture the moment—he doesn’t overthink,” Romero explained. The experience sharpened his musical instincts and reaffirmed his belief in honesty and spontaneity over polish.
Romero’s journey through these legendary lineups hasn’t just been about survival—it’s been about thriving among giants, proving that great chemistry comes from mutual respect and the right timing.