OVER THE RAINBOW guitarist J.R. Blackmore spoke to BeRock Radio about a number of topics including what it feels like being the son of a legendary rock guitarist and how it's affected his career.

Says the younger Blackmore: "I would say it is much harder to be the son of a hero, because everybody wants to compare you, but this is not possible! Of course it opens a door, because people listen and say...ohhh...you are? But immediately they compare you and try to see in you the guitar god, also they say who the fuck needs a son of Ritchie. But the point for me was never to be a hero with the guitar, I just wanted to make fucking fun music and I didn't care about practicing the hall day. I played soccer and had fun with girls, I really lived my life as a big rock n' roll party. Right now I am happy that I found many people in the world who accept me by my own....that always was my biggest dream."

Read the entire interview here.

The second annual Ritchie Blackmore Protégé Shred Off competition has been announced. Video entries will be accepted until April 7th, at 11:59PM.

Each entry must feature the guitarist playing a Blackmore-esque lead guitar arrangement over a backing that is similarly in a DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, and/or BLACKMORE'S NIGHT VEIN way. No actual covers of Blackmore's lead guitar solos or songs will be allowed into the competition.

Andy DiGelsomina, the composer-guitarist for the Wagnerian opera metal projectLyraka will be judging the competition again, along with Keith Langerman, the owner of Nightwatcher's House of Rock blog and Jim Manngard.

The top prize will be announced on April 14th - Ritchie's 67th birthday. The winner will be awarded a plaque with the person's name, country of origin, and current year.

For more info visit the contest Facebook page.

This competition is hosted by the Official Induct Ritchie Blackmore Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame organization.