"Obviously, as you know from the post here," wrote Blackmore on Facebook. "I have my reason for not attending the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, although I appreciate the award. However, I do think that they should've given an award to Joe Lynn Turner for when he was in Deep Purple for his singing and writing on 'Slaves And Masters' - a great record, one of my favorites."

Deep Purple were honored at the event alongside fellow inductees Cheap Trick, Steve Miller, Chicago and N.W.A. The Rock Hall chose to induct most of Deep Purple's first three lineups, including Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Rod Evans, David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes.

"Congrats to Deep Purple for their long overdue induction," wrote Turner on Facebook. "And I am proud and blessed to be a part of the DP legacy. However, Blackmore's absence at the ceremony was truly noticed. His credo always was and is to know your own truth and walk your own path... follow no one. A true 'outlaw' til the end.