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You can’t please everyone
Jeb Wright interviewed Roger Glover for the Goldmine magazine. They started with Now what?!, but quickly switched to topics not covered in recent interviews. Roger touched upon a couple of things that to say always cause heated debates on this site would be an understatement of the millenium:
GM: How do Steve Morse and Don Airey compare to Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord?
RG: In a word, they don’t. If we had replaced Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord with look-alikes, or sound-alikes, or anything-alikes, then it would have been a shame. It would have been hanging on to past lulls too much.
You have to change. When someone else comes into the band, you can’t expect them to be anything but themselves. Our band really works together when we are all 100 percent ourselves, as then there is nothing pretentious going on.
Steve and Don bring different colors to the palette. I love the early stuff that we did; don’t get me wrong. I am very proud of it, but we are who we are now, and that is really all we can be.
GM: “Now What?!” has a lot of songs that would sound great in concert, but how can you put these songs in a live set when the set is already filled with such classic songs?
RG: That is going to be a battle, isn’t it? We are looking at playing at least four or five of the new songs in concert. We suffer a little bit from the fact that we don’t change the setlist enough for most hard-core fans.
The truth of the matter is that people want to see and hear songs that they know. It is difficult to not recognize that people want to hear “Lazy,” “Highway Star” or “Black Night.” Although, most people around the world, most audiences we go to, in Eastern Europe especially, are teenagers and young people. We get to relive it all through them, which is a great experience.
To be honest, after so many decades of playing “Highway Star” every night, we dropped it this last tour. You can’t please everyone, so we will just have to continue to please ourselves.
Read more in Goldmine. As it is often with Roger’s interviews, there’s quite a bit more stuff in there that is quite interesting.
Thanks to Andrey Gusenkov for the info.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
This was published a few days ago, but not conducted by Jeb a few days ago. What appears to be new is clearly not, to any eyes reading the entire article. I’m not intrigued to discuss much of any of it. I suppose we’ll see about that, tho’. 😀
January 11th, 2014 at 20:10Excuse me?!
GM:
Deep Purple had several albums, but they struggled, as well.
When Ian and Roger joined, something immediately changed.
RG:
We were both songwriters, and that is what changed.
The original songs on the early three Deep Purple albums were not really good, heavy songs.
There was some interesting stuff, but the best songs they had were covers like “Kentucky Woman” and “Hush.”
The music they wrote themselves didn’t do a thing, so they were a fading force.
January 11th, 2014 at 20:59They were looking to change, and they wanted a songwriting partnership. – /
I’m sick of interviewers bringing up Ritchie in Deep Purple this, Deep Purple that. They must get sick of those questions. He’s been out of the band for years. He”s doing his own thing as are what the new line up of Deep Purple are doing. To me I don’t need to compare anyone in the new line up to Ritchie because I know there are other good guitarists out there as well [not meaning to disrespect ritchie at all] but I did miss Highway Star last tour 🙂 i’m glad the interview covers new thing and not the same questions over and over.
January 11th, 2014 at 21:40I am glad Glover is the ‘spokesman’ for the band, he is always modest, down to earth & realistic. Ian Paice has always come across as that also. The info about Rory Gallagher & the Priest was interesting & I haven’t ever read before. Yes, Morse & Airey are very much the ‘virtuoso’ musicians in the band, Paice also in my book! At least that way they keep the playing level up there, where it should be, the dynamic trio thing similar to the Blackmore, Lord & Paice trio thing!
January 11th, 2014 at 23:37There is also much relief that Ezrin ‘restored’ some form of resemblance to the Purple sound. It was lacking big time prior to the latest record! Cheers.
I fancy the new songs, time to move on, (musically) for the fans, as well as the band. I like the new songs, as well as the ‘classics’, but, if anything, I’m very sure the band would rather play something new, (mixed in with the odd oldie*). Deep Purple is just as vibrant today as they were yesterday. Carry on lads. Enjoy the moment.
January 12th, 2014 at 01:53As usual, Roger represents the band with stalwart finesse and keeps it quaint and pithy. I love the fact that he actually enjoys listening to the new album. Most musicians try and come off like they can’t handle it. He has no problem expressing his total approval of the finished product, stands by it and enjoys it. Hey, he should know… he is a producer and I agree whole heartedly. I have it sitting in my car’s CD player right now. When I am on the road I listen to the radio until I get frustrated, then I think Now What? Then I hit PLAY. All is well…..
!Ch-BeerZ?
January 12th, 2014 at 03:40Why do you turn on the radio in the first place? I see so many people complaining about how bad radio is, not only in the USA. And as when people complain about this or that lineup of Purple, I wonder, why are they listening?
January 12th, 2014 at 08:55Roger is a good soul DP, reading his interviews, He is a quality man, “a man of the earth”, and a great musician / author, instrumentalist, record producer /
small stories
/roduction company of his career in the mid seventies, best Ex Yugoslavia “Bijelo Dugme”, Roger was in combinations for producer
band filming in London new album
I guess Roger was busy
the outskirts have opted for producer Neil Harrison / Cockney Rebel /
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesdVZePtDQ&feature=related
great influence Hammond maestro Jon Lord and band /
Ritchie and Jon are unique, he created the sound of the band, their mutual games are memorable, inscribed in rock history, were an inspiration, role models for many musicians
but
Steve and Don rely on tradition, adding her musical personality.
They are compatible as people and musicians
It can be noticed on stage, virtuoso playing, by body language that boys are happy, enjoy
This is DP 21 century
concert set list has a lot of songs from the NW?! which is a beautiful album with no weak songs, a lot instrumetane quality so typical of sound DP, Ian vocal excellent , adapted his age and vocal powers, congratulations producer Bob Erzin
I look forward to the upcoming guest appearance in Belgrade
January 12th, 2014 at 10:38always afraid ,that I was perhaps the last to watch live?
happiness
guys are like old wine
@6 I was at work yesterday with the radio on for tens hours. It is frustrating listening to four Led Zeps –three Rolling Stones–and two Ozzy’s per hour. Not one DP tune in ten hours. C’mon ..really? Worst of all the CD unit was kaput so my new DP and IG’s One Eye to Morocco laid idle!
January 12th, 2014 at 13:56@ 2:
Thank you for picking that out. I got to say that this is a rather bold comment by Roger. I agree that Mark I lacked a distinctive direction which held them back in terms of success. Their style had already been yesterdays news when “Shades Of Deep Purple” appeared if you took a look at other bands like Vanilla Fudge. Though I’m still of the opinion that the songs had to offer a creativity which to me holds up to any line-up.
I think that at least Ritchie would have taken the band in a much harder direction anyway, with or without Ian and Roger joining the band. I always understood that Ian got the job because he was a heavier vocalist and I’m glad he did. Maybe the other guys thought that Ian’s position would have been (more) unstable if Roger didn’t join as well. To me Roger had to join because of Ian, because of the chemistry. Not to undermine Roger’s abilities but Nick’s bass playing was at least as good if not better and suited for a heavier direction as well. Nick had the bad luck of being sacrificed in order to have Ian on bord. The songwriting partnership back then was just a bonus but definitely not the main reason of having Roger in the band. The line-up change from Mark I to Mark II was paved with intrigues.
January 12th, 2014 at 18:14Svante @ 7;
It’s an old habit. Plus I actually like to hear stuff besides Purple. I do enjoy some of the newer bands. I also have CDs of many other music. The convenience of just turning on the radio and scanning through the stations, looking for a pleasing tune is what it is. Plus it depends on how long the travel is. If I am going to be on the road for a long time, it’s worth it to me to gather a batch of CDs for the trip. Otherwise I just endure the radio stations in hopes for a pleasant surprise, resulting eventually as I stated….. NOW WHAT? All you need is one.
!Ch-BeerZ?
January 13th, 2014 at 04:03I didn’t know Roger was the producer for a couple of Nazareth albums I owned many moons ago: “Razamanaz” and “Loud N Proud.” In those days I didn’t pay much attention to album producers, engineers, etc.
I was also surprised when I discovered (many years later) that Rod Evans was the singer for Captain Beyond. I remember being at a boyfriend’s house in the early 70s and listening to a song he was raving about on an album that had a 3-D cover. It was “Dancing Madly Backwards on a Sea of Air.” I loved “Hush” but at that point I didn’t know the name of DP’s first vocalist. You learn something new every day!
January 13th, 2014 at 04:31I listen to the ABC Classical radio station here in Oz when driving if I am in the mood for it & depending what is being played at the time! Opera, no way & it is turned off immediately, traditional acoustic instruments from afar & it stays on & I hope to hear melodies from many many years ago, played by astute musicians from different countries, usually Europe somewhere! I never listen to commercial garbage with bogan dj’s mouthing off like neanderthals (sorry, that is an insult to Neanderthals, my apologies), which here in Oz is far too common unfortunately! But I also listen to a cd as well occasionally, or at least a few tracks before I get bored or I arrive at my destination. Cheers.
January 13th, 2014 at 09:37Also Svante, I have Sirus Satellite radio which is commercial free and the channels are genre specific. Blues, Metal, Hair Bands, Country, Jazz, Classical, Classic Rock, Alternative Rock, Honkey Tonk, etc. Still haven’t heard anything from MK3 or beyond. We have a local college station that actually does play a lot of Purple. Stuff nobody else plays like Child in Time, Hey Joe, KAYBD, Fireball, Burn, Stormbringer, Kentucky Woman, Space Truckin’, SKOW and such. Haven’t heard anything from MK7-8. I’ve been meaning to call them and make a few suggestions….
!Ch-BeerZ?
January 13th, 2014 at 15:46Yeah, Roger is a great guy, no doubt about it. But I cant understand this, almost obsession, with trying to hammer it in that most of their audiences are teenagers or at least very Young people. Are they a shame of us “oldtimers” who was there the first time around in the early 70:s? I have looked at hundreds of photos from live shows and yes, there are many “Young people” there, and thats great, but, there are also many, many “oldies” there and thats great too. like the Stones once said; Its only Rock´Roll…
January 13th, 2014 at 17:07A small local radio station close to me does play some VERY unusual music that is why I listen to the radio, also my youngest was an intern there during college. That was 2 years ago but he still does a weekly segment for them of NEW music mostly indie rock but he has soo much purple in his veins that he has featured Now What ?! on 3 different occasions. They have an afternoon DJ that plays anything from The Raspberries to DP MK8, sounds corny but it is much better than the big corporate stations in the city. That’s why I listen to the radio and also to hear people call in requests of some off the wall stuff (which he will play if he can find it), but if its a long trip I bring CD’s, oldies, southern rock etc. and of course DP MK1 – MK8.
January 14th, 2014 at 00:00@15
January 14th, 2014 at 00:44I think the concert in Eastern European countries have lots of youngsters,The hard core “old timers” who grew up listening to Child In Time,have made sure to convey the real music to the young chappies and listen to the band and the good ole’ stuff of late 60’s and 70’s !I’m originally from there and we used to live and breath Purple and etc,you have to remember we didn’t have much pleasures during the communism,but I’m getting really nostalgic and bluesy with this …….lol
so nuff” said .
@12 check out Warhorse..another x-purp band like Capt Beyond. Both very excellent bands that went under the radar….
January 14th, 2014 at 08:38The 3 MK I albums were cut in a relatively short time.
And the Address
Mandrake Root
Chasing Shadows
Wring that neck
Anthem
Shield
April
Painter
Why didnt Rosemary…?
Blind
Bird Has Flown
Emmaretta
Hush
Help
hey Joe
Ofcourse there are covers, but I dont care.
Like Zeppelin they were able to put a great new stamp on it.
And the list contains more than just a few great selfmade numbers.
Make this 1 CD and compare that to Now That….? 🙂
Btw, I even left out some originals and overs who are worthy!!!
Those MK I albums were made in much less comfortable conditions and in within 2 years!!!
Maybe we should compare the songs to those Episode 6 made around that time? 🙂
Roger, stop talking out of your arse, please.
January 15th, 2014 at 12:15Then why Priest? Why did Ritchie and Co so disrespectfully throw out the old and take on the new? Roger and Ian didn’t come knocking at the back door that Evans and Simper were thrown out of. They were invited. As for Roger talking out his arse, he was being interviewed and answered a question. That was his answer. And yes, as Purple fanatics as most of us are, and whom love all the historic music they have produced, and some are inclined to defend anything TMIB was part of, it is obvious WE find those old MK1 tunes quite great and enjoy revisiting them. That aside, the 2 cover songs ‘Hush’ and ‘Kentucky Woman” were the only songs that got any attention. TMIB recognized that and even though I keep reading nobody cares about pleasing the record companies or making hits, they obviously made the decision for a line-up change and did so rather abruptly. I’ve heard all the Episode 6 songs and some live performances. Hardly anything from that band would give one indication build on a Hard Rock band by recruiting from it. It was a shot in the dark and an obvious emergency situation I think more to get rid of Rod Evens than to acquire Ian Gillan. It all worked out great, but I think it had to do more with chance than plan….
As for comparing the songs to Episode 6 that would be ludicrous. There is no comparison. Entirely different band with entirely different style and direction. Ian and Roger were not in charge and the rest of the band leaned toward the old 60’s Pop direction. Though there were a couple of standouts like Mr. Universe, 98 % of their songs were soft pop. If you want to compare something, try the first Captain Beyond album that Rod Evans put together after being fired from Purple. I personally prefer that album over any of the MK1 albums hand over foot. As for your Re-MARK about comparing to Now What, really? You are even at this point now going to state Now What is inferior to any of the MK1 albums? A stark reminder of the obvious bias you exude.
!Ch-BeerZ?
January 15th, 2014 at 14:23It is not just because of Ritchie that I prefer the MK I albums.
Lord was all over the place 🙂
They are fine gems on their own.
January 24th, 2014 at 13:43I also love the MK1 Albums. A different time, a different atmosphere about music in general. Quite progressive. The band lost a bit of that feel when MK2 came about. Although, ‘Fireball’ (IG’s personal favorite) started to go in a more experimental direction. I wish they could have pursued that direction more!
January 24th, 2014 at 21:35Good interview. However I totally disagree with Glover when he criticises Mk1’s songwriting. The first 3 albums feature wonderfully crafted songs (“Shield”), with interesting lyrics and adventurous musical ideas. If “Blind” is not a top-notch song, what is then ? Even the easiest songs are showing great songwriting abilities from Jon Lord, listen to “One More Rainy Day”…
January 26th, 2014 at 11:43And what is “Emmeretta” if not a perfect pop song ?
Mk1 may have lacked confidence and violence, but one thing can not be criticised: their songwriting abilities.
I don’t think the cover songs on the MK1 albums were better songs than their originals necessarily, though they are very good songs no doubt! The Shield, Anthem, One More Rainy Day, Emmeretta, Listen Learn & Read On & others are good songs, they are not heavy at all, but that was that era. Me thinks they would be better songs than Gillan & Glovers early songs! Gillan & Glover were extremely lucky to arrive at Purple after 3 albums. It was meant to happen for all concerned, but I bet you that if Gillan & Glover hadn’t have joined, Blackmore, Lord & Paice would have still made it no problem at all!
January 27th, 2014 at 09:53They were too classy to not to have been successful.
@ 19 thru 23,
Well there we have it. Deep Purple fans actually like the first 3 Deep Purple albums. Really? I should hope so. That wasn’t the issue Roger was discussing or answering. The question wasn’t how Deep Purple fans felt. It was about why they were in and Evans and Simper were out. His answer is as close to spot on as you can get. MK1 wasn’t going anywhere based on the MIB and the weak spots apparently were Evans and Simper. More Evans than Simper. They would have taken Gillan without Glover. Either way, it worked for the better but then again, it took 3 more albums before they saw anything in the charts. I guess we will never know what the outcome would have been if MK1 carried on for 3 more albums. One thing for sure, fans wouldn’t be bitching about the singer not being able to scream out the notes on Child in Time anymore like they do these days. It wouldn’t exist…..
!Ch-BeerZ?
January 28th, 2014 at 04:32Yeah, you really can’t please everyone. You open for Aerosmith and even Avenged Sevenfold on a Hellfest in France. Hope you please yourselves. Can’t escape the feeling it’s getting worse and worse. I’d get it if it were US but this is France where you always were really big! Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden are headliners.… Why again?!
January 28th, 2014 at 21:50Roger :
There was some interesting stuff, but the best songs they had were covers like “Kentucky Woman” and “Hush.” –
See more at: http://www.goldminemag.com/article/roger-glover-content-get-back-basics-deep-purple#sthash.L5O0yAyt.dpuf
See my list above and you ll know, something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
February 10th, 2014 at 21:15I think Purple had some very heavy songs during the Mark I era. Why didnt Rosemary take the Pill was absolutely brilliant. Hated to see Rod go but it was time for Bloodsucker and CHILD IN TIME and the rest is history.
February 20th, 2014 at 08:07