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Somewhat complicated situation

Steve Morse; photo © Jim Rakete; image courtesy of kayos ProductionsBillboard has an interview with Paicey (who seems to be the go-to spokesman for the band these days). He didn’t say anything he hasn’t already said to Rolling Stone, just reconfirming the talking points:

  • somebody probably will show up at the induction ceremony;
  • who that will be and who will be performing what (if anybody and anything) is still up in the air at the moment;
  • everybody who was and is in the band should have be inducted.

Not surprisingly, Glenn Hughes is very enthusiastic:

There’s a lot of mumbo jumbo from other members, but I’m excited. I don’t have anything to say negative about this. And more importantly this is really important to the fans of the band Deep Purple, the four or five decades this band has been around making music. It’s a grand step in music history for anyone. There’s only so many people who get into the Hall of Fame.

Read more in Billboard.



33 Comments to “Somewhat complicated situation”:

  1. 1
    timothy fote says:

    Go to guy?….Paice is Deep Purple. He has been there since DAY ONE! He should be the “Go To Spokesperson”!

  2. 2
    byron says:

    Glenn will be the only one to come.And he’ll sing a funky a-capella cover of “You keep on moving”,with a lot of screaming.

  3. 3
    George Martin says:

    Here’s how I would like to see it go down. They should all show up, play together and show the world why they were, are and will always be the greatest hard rock band that ever lived! And all of them should mention in there speeches how this should have happened a long time ago so there founding father Jon Lord could have been there. Also current members need to take a jab at the Hall of Fame committee for not inducting Don Airey and Steve Morse. Looking forward to see what happens.

  4. 4
    Wiktor says:

    Well, one thing is for sure; Deep, Purple wont “get into the the Hall of Fame” because of you, Glenn Hughes….

  5. 5
    Tracy(Zero the Hero)Heyder says:

    Great point from Paicey and he very well should be the Ambassador towards directing and mitigating a smooth order and maturity with the attendance, acceptance and performance of this celebration. Deep Purple should blow the roof off during this. Drop the drama and grab the instruments and microphones and PLAY. If you truly care about your FANS, that is what you will do. Its what you do best. YOU ARE A LIVE BAND of great musicians. Not drama queen divas. Don’t let Cheep Trick, Steve Miller or for God’s Sake NWA upstage you. Take this moment and capitalize on it. Treat it for what it is. Win Win for you and the fans.

    Also I noticed here that Simper was included in the list so as I stated elsewhere, it was an obvious oversight that he was left out previously. As for MK8 or 7 not being included in the actual official induction, I can understand that. But there is no reason for them to not be included in the Purple Jam moment as they are Present Purple and a true testament as to how important past MKs were since the band is still Rockin’ and Rollin’. As I stated elsewhere, if Purple performs, somebody is going to play the Hammond. Don Airey therefor is the only obvious choice and since that is already officially changing the true line-ups from the MK1,2 and 3 era, might as well bring in the present Official Purple members for part of the performance. Make it an all out Purple Night Extravaganza. I don’t presently have HBO but as a fan, I will definitely subscribe to it in time to see it on my big screen. Don’t let me down boyz.

    Ch-BeerZ

  6. 6
    Dr. Bob says:

    Deep Purple, Coverdale, Houghs, and Blackmore do not have any gigs scheduled for April thus far, so I expect them all to be at the induction with Ritchie as the wildcard.

  7. 7
    Fender123 says:

    Ha, how predictable is that?! Oh please, don’t let it be him……..

  8. 8
    dpdave says:

    good old Glen. anything to promote himself. you can bet your life glen will be there
    even if no one else turns up.

  9. 9
    CP says:

    From how it appears,Gillan on his Caramba site is intimating he won’t be there. Wish I could post a link on my phone.

  10. 10
    Kim Peters says:

    I hope it’s the current Deep Purple that performs.

  11. 11
    Tiny Lindhard says:

    Met Paisie in 1968, pre Deep Purple (Roundabout days). Already then he was an awesome drummer. Of cause he ought to be the spokesman as the “elder statesman” !

  12. 12
    al says:

    @ Tracy 6

    And Gillan posted this on his website:

    December 2015

    Dear Friends, Families and Fans,

    Putting the past shenanigans to one side, the induction is not – in clear fact – for Deep Purple.

    It is an arbitrary selection of past members, which excludes Steve Morse and Don Airey; both of whom have been with the living breathing DP for a very long time.

    Obviously this is very silly, and so my response is quite simple: ‘Thank you very much’.

    And….what a coincidence…This morning I got an invitation to a wedding from some dear old friends. Unfortunately my family was not invited and they said that I would be required to sit next to my ex (we divorced decades ago) at the wedding feast.

    They were shocked when I called to thank them and decline the invitation.

    Cheers,
    Ian Gillan

    I don’t like the sound of this:meaning next to my ex,divorced decades ago(aka Ritchie Blackmore) ….more drama and it is not a good sign,meaning he will be blowing off the ceremony.

  13. 13
    MacGregor says:

    George@ 3- Co-founding member Jon Lord, Blackmore was the other & he also named the band. Morse & Airey were not in DP back then, it is about the influence, impact & success when up in the lights. Gillan has stated what he thinks of it & with Blackmore not getting into these sort of things at all, there goes the fantasy that some have, of a minor very brief reunion. Yes the induction should have happened 20 years ago, at least then we wouldn’t have some fans waffling on about Morse & Airey not getting the nod! Cheers.

  14. 14
    Boswell's Johnson says:

    There is no way the three lineups could play together without it being absolutely terrible, especially given Glenn’s posing and penchant for screaming over everybody.

  15. 15
    nupsi59 says:

    There’s an interesting statement from Steve Miller. You can read it here:

    http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/milwaukee-native-steve-miller-among-rock–roll-hall-of-fame-inductees-b99636206z1-362825281.html

    And: it’s more difficult for the band Chicago than for Deep Purple!

    A proper group discussion and the clever band management will all bring it to a good end.

    Have a nice Day and let’s wait and see!

    Merry Christmas from Germany!

  16. 16
    George Martin says:

    Can someone answer a question for me? Some sites have Nic Simper included and some he’s not . What’s the deal? Is he in or out?

  17. 17
    rik_uk says:

    Looking at Caramba, Gillan certainly suggests that turning up isn’t going to happen, for him at least.

  18. 18
    Scoot says:

    I really have to give a high 5 ditto to what Tracy(Zero the Hero)Heyder said. Don’t let Cheap Trick, Steve Miller or for God’s Sake NWA upstage you.

    This is Deep Purples moment to show why the fans wanted the band in the HOF. There may be some push back from Mr. Gillan and Mr. Blackmore about the importance of the hall, but the fans have fought for this, previous inductees have questioned why DP wasn’t included, and fought for their inclusion. Do not show up and act like a bunch of immature dicks. Leave that behaviour to folks like Axl Rose.

  19. 19
    byron says:

    Why did they not include Sir Malcolm Arnold in the induction?
    No Malcolm=No concerto=No angry Ritchie=No In Rock

  20. 20
    Andrey Barabanshchikov says:

    On the one hand, Mr. Gillan seems to be drawing a rubicon line. Once you cross it you have to choose between publicity and loyalty – my goodness, the toughest choice. On the other hand, Billboard mag once bet they all would show up at the ceremony. Moreover, after the news surfaced on the Web the Rock Hall stated that the band management felt enthusiastic about the results of the voting. Since it is still a business enterprise the management factor is to be taken into account as well. My guess they will find a right solution. Ian Gillan would say more than once this accolade meant nothing to the band but it meant a lot for the families and fans at least part of them. He couldn’t help knowing the criteria of being inducted comes out of how innovative and influential the performer was back then during formative years. His statement may sound like stirring a storm in a cup and a serious heart-felt decision simultaneously. Who knows what’s gonna be next April? One thing almost for sure — Paice and Hughes are likely to be attending the show. I wish all of them showed up to put as fat dot upon the page (stage) as possible to turn it and move forward. DP finally won — Rock Hall whatever we fans would rhymed it with lost it battle and gave a nod to the Band. Accolades mean nothing to the authentic and brilliant musicians. Let it be just a symbol of a justice for the best band in entire universe.

  21. 21
    George Martin says:

    @ 13
    I really don’t need a history lesson on Deep Purple. I know more about this band than I probably should. Nor do I have any desire to see Ritchie play with Gillan again. As far as influence, impact and success no one can disagree with the past but don’t you think Morse and Airey have had any of these qualities as well. I could see if they joined a few years ago but this line up has existed for a very long time, longer than any other line up. I totaly agree with Gillan passing on this. I wonder if I was him would I ? I expect to see as time goes by the attendance growing thin on this. Let’s see who backs out next.

  22. 22
    uwe hornung says:

    Oh my – into the fire … A can of worms. So they have basically inducted the three line ups that featured the Lord-Paice-Blackmore triumvirate, i.e. Mk I-III, and I can see the logic in that. Mk 1 was the foundation (I don’t think there would have ever been a Machine Head if “Hush” had died a death in the US charts in 1968), Mk II were the creators of a certain sound and Mk III administered MK II’s legacy and crowned it with the California Jam event. I’m happy that Nic Simper gets some credit – I’m sure it means a lot to him – and Rod Evans (if he was around), Jon has to watch from somewhere else.

    My preference would have been to have later (Bolin and Turner) and current members nominated too (Morse and Airey). I’m a fan, there is no Deep Purple line up that I dislike (yup, I even think that Slaves & Masters is a worthy effort and the second Hammersmith night I saw with JLT was a good gig).

    But, let’s face it, Purple are getting inducted for their past of In Rock, Machine Head and Made in Japan and possibly Burn and Perfect Strangers, not for Come Taste the Band (one of my all-time favorite Purple albums, but hardly known outside of Purple-ite circles) or Purpendicular and Now What?! (two albums I love as well, but unlike the Mk II output not riding high on the contemporary waves of public delight – back in the 70ies, almost any record-buying home would have an Mk II album somewhere). For the record: If it wasn’t for Morse and Airey, current Purple wouldn’t have any new music to play and I really like what they do for the band. [Though Airey meanwhile has a dominance live with DP that makes them sound a bit like ELP with a guest guitarist in places! ; – ) ]

    Big Ian’s comments are of (still) emotional nature and, by the way, if you divorced your wife several decades ago, you should be able to sit beside her today. My wife and I are both into our second marriage and had our spouses at our wedding party (and they both honored us with their presence).

  23. 23
    Dr. Bob says:

    What Gillan is really saying is that he won’t show up if Ritchie shows up and that he won’t sing unless Morse & Airey are playing on stage. Negotiations begin….now.

  24. 24
    Tracy(Zero the Hero)Heyder says:

    Complicated? I don’t think so….

    The induction is about the BAND. Not separate musicians. THE BAND. DEEP PURPLE. Which have been eligible and worthy of the nod since 25 years after their first album “Shades of Deep Purple” which got them their first US Hit in 1968. That same band “Deep Purple” then went on to achieve some more hits with further albums and line-ups of players years later. The BAND, DEEP PURPLE has been a huge success and impact on many professional and semi-professional musicians throughout. DEEP PURPLE is still a band and since the BAND is what this induction is about, whoever was and is in DEEP PURPLE, living or DEAD should be recognized. Had the RRHOF done their true diligence and placed Purple in at a proper time, there wouldn’t be all of this controversy. RRHOF should bite the bullet and do the right thing. Make it simple. Deep Purple gets their place in line and whoever Deep Purple is and was is IN. The band is that good. Every MK is worthy (even JLT). If you look at many of those whom have been inducted prior to Purple…. (Madonna?), it is a no-brainer. The RRHOF fucked it up a long time ago by snubbing this incredible band for so long. Now they have fucked it up even further by the way they finally did it. All they had to do was induct the band Deep Purple. The rest of the puzzle would have just fallen into place on it’s own. Whoever shows up, shows up and whoever doesn’t, doesn’t. No need for the selective, specified members. That was pure Chickenshit.

    I say, fill the hall with every Deep Purple swinging dick out there and ROCK THE HOUSE DOWN. It’s your night. OWN IT! And when the show is over, “shoot a flair gun and burn the place to the ground”……

    Ch-BeerZ

  25. 25
    LPS says:

    Finally the best Rock band in the world gets inducted..
    Ritchie, Paice, Gillan, Roger, Don & Steve should perform Highway Star. When Don plays the Solo they must put up a huge pic of JON LORD in the background and then Ritchie & Steve should play a dual guitar lead 🙂 🙂
    Hoping against Hope that Ritchie will be there!!

  26. 26
    MacGregor says:

    @21- It isn’t about Morse & Airey being treated unfairly or deemed not having enough ability or whatever. The Hall of Fame, which I don’t give a toss about, have certain criteria that meets the so called induction process! When & if Yes ever get the nod, it will be very similar to DP, early & ‘classic’ lineups, plus Trevor Rabin for his success in the early 80’s with Yes. All other post 70’s members will miss out, that is the way of things! Many bands who change members that have been inducted, get the original members only, think Sabbath & Kiss for two recent examples! Regarding who shows up, Blackmore & Gillan have always been a no show for this. Although one does wonder if the criteria was shifted for DP & Morse & Airey were part of the induction, Gillan wouldn’t have his knickers in a knot & would show up big time! I could be wrong though on that. Cheers.

  27. 27
    George Martin says:

    @26

    I guess it pays to be original even though a lot of great music can come from different members later on but how do you explain Evans and no Simper?

  28. 28
    uwe hornung says:

    If it is true what I read that Steve Morse and Don Airey have simply not joined the band early enough and still need a few years (date of joining is more important under the RRHOF criteria than permanence of staying), then I can live with that. That’s not disrespect, just the rules. I don’t even think that the two would have too much of an issue with that. I hope the RRHOF rules would not prohibit them from playing live though in order to commemorate that what is also “their” band now is being inducted.

    Knowing Roger, I don’t think he would have an issue letting Nick Simper play bass on Hush – he has said nice things about Simper’s bass playing and sound in the past.

    I’m a hopeless romantic, I’d like to see them all do a track or two together. A 25 minute version of Space Trucking would give everyone enough room, too. ; – )

  29. 29
    LPS says:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04O-B5aAcqE

    Vintage Purple – for the true Purple fans!!!

    Merry Christmas from India.. Cheers.

  30. 30
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  31. 31
    john says:

    This is Deep Purples moment to show why the fans wanted the band in the HOF. There may be some push back from Mr. Gillan and Mr. Blackmore about the importance of the hall, but the fans have fought for this, previous inductees have questioned why DP wasn’t included, and fought for their inclusion. Do not show up and act like a bunch of immature dicks. Leave that behaviour to folks like Axl Rose.
    Gillan prefers Morse as his new wife to be in (just a logical analogue) and avoids to reunite with his old wife (Blackmore), which he hates. The other members like Coverdale, Paice, Glover, Hughes Lord (RIP) got very well with each other. This band should end their enigma, because the ultimate front man and the co founder guitarist are the egomaniac !
    The fans are tired with their tension that never ends.

  32. 32
    Dr. Bob says:

    I know the RNRHOF sucks, but so does the Baseball HOF, and so do most other HOFs. There have been many athletes who had to wait 20+ years before they are inducted into a HOF and some of them were inducted posthumously. I’ve never heard of a former player, or their family, or their fans react to their induction announcement with resentment and talking about not showing up. John Lord’s family will be there to accept the award on his behalf, so his DP family better be there too.

  33. 33
    Rock Voorne says:

    uwe hornung

    Exactly.

    It always came and comes down to the nucleus of the band : Blackmore/Lord/Paice.

    And yet I m not a sour puss I do understand a ceritan person calling himself romantic saying why should they not shove everything aside for a moment and show the world why they were so great.
    Even though I d be so sad to miss Jon 🙁
    (I find it more insulting to Jon than anyone else being inducted that late without him)

    On the other hand….

    This indeed might blow up in everyones faces wishing we had not got what we were wishing for 🙂

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