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Venue: Brighton Centre, Sussex Date: Tuesday 19th February 2002
Set List: Woman From Tokyo, Ted The Mechanic, Mary Long, Lazy, No One Came, Black Night, The Aviator, Fools, The Well Dressed Guitar, Up The Wall, Riff Raff ( Morse guitar solo), Smoke On The Water, Perfect
Strangers, When A Blind Man Cries, Speed King.
Encores: Hush, Highway Star.
This was my first time seeing Deep Purple and I have to admit I was only going to see one of my fave guitar heroes Steve Morse, whose work I have admired with Dixie Dregs and Kansas.
Somehow, over the years even during my heavy metal period and having been a fan of Rainbow, I had never really got into DP and only 'Child In Time' had managed to capture my interest. All that however has just changed ... Ok, so somewhat late I've just "discovered" Deep Purple!
Anyone else who was there won't need telling what a totally brilliant show this was; over two hours of total entertainment from a band on almost top form.
I say almost because Ian Gillan's voice was not in the best of shape; he has presumably been suffering from a sore throat or cold which meant that his trademark vocals were reduced at times to little more than a croak rather than a scream. Nevertheless, he soldiered on and did very well while the rest of the band were totally on fire. The band's playing was superbly tight and well rehearsed, with every member of the group having a chance to shine. The sound was, of course, loud but mixed just right for crystal clarity of each musician.
The highlight for me was of course Steve Morse whose fluid guitar playing was simply outstanding throughout and the most memorable part of the show was his solo section that preceded 'Smoke On The Water'.
He played many famous rock tunes with incredible accuracy - 'Layla', 'Stairway To Heaven', 'Here Comes The Sun' plus many more before he finally came in with the timeless riff to 'Smoke' and the whole band joined in. There's no doubt that Morse has given Purple a huge shot in the arm and the whole band have found a new lease of life.
Jon Lord and Roger Glover also put in excellent solo spots, as did Ian Paice whose sense of energy and rhythm lifts this band way up high. The group are obviously enjoying themselves, as were the audience, and
even though I didn't know a lot of the songs (I pinched the set list from the DP website), I loved every minute. So a great gig then from one of the true rock legends; I would have have gone to the Hammersmith
show on Saturday too if there had been any tickets left!
Finally, a few words about the support act, The Planets.
A flyer handed to me on the way in showed an eight piece band comprising four very attractive girls and four young blokes looking like some dreaded 'girl / boy band'. However, I had read some reviews on the DP website that had mentioned something about "great musicianship" so I settled down prepared for maybe something interesting...
From their opening piece, an adaptation of the classical work Ravel's 'Bolero' it was obvious this group could play, and as their set progressed I became more and more astonished at the awesome level of musicianship
from these young players on the stage. The Planets play a startling fusion of classical and rock music and, as it turns out, are all highly trained classical musicians.
Their set was very entertaining and musically stimulating with the audience showing an increasing appreciation with every number and they did an excellent job of warming up the crowd. I won't go on too much about them now, but suffice to say a review of their newly released album 'Classical Graffiti' will follow soon...
Steve
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Venue: Portsmouth Guildhall Date: Sunday 15th September, 2002
Setlist: Fireball, Woman From Tokyo, Mary Long, Ted The Mechanic, Lazy, Well Dressed Guitar, When A Blind Man Cries, Space Truckin', Don Airey solo, Perfect Strangers, Speed King, Smoke On The Water. Encores:
Hush, Black Night, Highway Star.
A good time was had by all at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday night. There was a huge buzz of anticipation before-hand and Deep Purple delivered the goods, showing that even after 30+ years they are still
one of the best live acts around. The Planets once again did an excellent job of warming up the crowd and recieved much applause for their efforts.
At 8.30 the lights went down and Purple quickly took to the stage, launching into 'Fireball' to a huge welcome from the audience.
Song after song, solo after solo, it was a delight to watch the band enjoying themselves and radiating such a wonderful atmosphere amongst the crowd. After Don Airey's superb keyboard solo the lights went down and, as if by magic, Jon Lord appeared to a huge cheer as the band launched into 'Perfect Strangers'.
Steve Morse was on top form, providing lots of widdley widdley guitar and teasing the audience with the intro to 'Smoke On The Water' by playing the riff to AC/DC's 'Back In Black' while Ian Gillan was in great voice
and informed us that 'Highway Star' was first performed in this very hall...
The fifteen minute long version of 'Speed King' was just brilliant with lots of guitar, keyboard and vocal duelling and improvisation, and Roger Glover's bass solo was great too as he pretty much went into Chris
Squire mode; overdriving his bass to the limit. Glover also introduced 'Black Night' by playing the main riff on his bass and had the crowd all singing along before they even started playing the song proper.
All of the band gave Jon Lord big hugs at the end, and he was the last to leave the stage - no speech, but a huge roar from the crowd as he waved goodbye - Emotional.
A fantastic night, and I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at the gig to wish Jon Lord a long and happy retirement.
Steve
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