I was watching Classic Albums: Machine Head on AXS TV the other day, and something Ritchie Blackmore said near the end struck me.
He was discussing popular music and what it took to be successful;
"I'm very skeptical about what's a hit today and what isn't. And people, I think, mix up popularity with success, and to be successful, you have to be a good musician; to be popular, you have to just be fashionable."
It was a good show, especially when the band talked about what they had to do if they wanted to listen to a take they had just recorded.
Plus, they played excerpts from one song which was left off the album, a ballad, and when the lead guitar played, I thought it was David Gilmour. Must have been the Strat thing.

Saw that episode a few years ago, it's a good one.  Can't warm to Blackmore at all though, I've watched a few interviews lately and he comes across as a bit of an arse, especially when talking about other guitar players.

jamesg1213
Saw that episode a few years ago, it's a good one.  Can't warm to Blackmore at all though, I've watched a few interviews lately and he comes across as a bit of an arse, especially when talking about other guitar players.

What he said 

jamesg1213
Saw that episode a few years ago, it's a good one.  Can't warm to Blackmore at all though, I've watched a few interviews lately and he comes across as a bit of an arse, especially when talking about other guitar players.

I have read that since, well, back when Gillan and Glover left the band in '74 or so. I don't recall ever even hearing Blackmore speak until this show. 
About that ballad that didn't make the cut, the two Ians said "Ritchie no likey".