Deep Purple

Sheffield Hallam FM Arena - 02/05/07

This UK tour was originally billed as the closing stages of a World tour that has seen Purple cross the continents promoting their latest album Rapture of The Deep. However, the band aren't resting on the laurels as more dates have been announced for Europe in the early summer. July and August see them in the USA and Canada and then more dates in Europe in the autumn. I find it amazing that Gillan, Glover and Paice in particular wish to keep on touring at their age with such a gruelling schedule. Ian Paice is the youngest of the three at 58 while Gillan and Glover are both 61. Mind you, it has to be said that Ian Gillan looks slim, fit and in a condition that belies his years.

It's 35 years since the release of the Machine Head album and this leg of the tour celebrates this landmark with a set consisting of most of the tracks from the album including Pictures of Home, Highway Star, Space Truckin', Lazy and the inevitable Smoke on The Water. Other tracks from the set include Strange Kind of Woman, Speed King, Black Knight, Hush and surprisingly only the title track from Rapture of The Deep album. Other highlights include an excellent version of The Battle Rages On, a number with autobiographical overtones based on the strained relationships that used to be present within the band. However it should be stressed with the current line-up, good camaraderie and harmony on and off stage are the order of the day.

The set, perhaps not the longest in Purple history (about 90 minutes), was made up of good quality if not quantity and left you feeling "why didn't they do that number" but with such a large back catalogue of songs to choose from this is always going to be the case.

Deep Purple were supported on the night by Thin Lizzy featuring Scott Gorham on guitar and vocals. Good to see Lizzy still going though without Phil Lynott they will never capture the spirit of the original band. Also on the bill were the American band Styx who weren't quite my cup of tea but they performed an excellent version of The Beatles classic I am the Walrus which I really enjoyed.

I can't remember how many times I've seen Purple but over a period of 34 years the figure must be approaching double figures and following this show I conclude that I never tire of seeing this great band. - Rapture on.

For the first time in years I took my camera to a gig and below are the results of my efforts. It's frustrating that you can never get as close to the stage as you would like but on this occasion I gave it a good go!!!!