110% Gillan

My first Purple gig and I went not knowing what to expect. Would it just be a loud incoherent noise? My fears were not justified. What I heard was a set from one of the best live bands in the world. It was awesome. From the moment The Planets finished their excellent set, the Manchester crowd were buzzing with anticipation. Everyone sat quietly waiting for the moment till the lights went down and then sprang to their feet.

Ian Gillan looked and spoke as if genuinely moved by the reaction of welcome and pointed out to many familiar faces in the crowd. He and the band knew they were amongst friends. The set list was as other gigs before with one exception. Hush replaced Black Night as the first encore.

We had to leave after Highway Star to catch a train so can anyone tell us if they came back to do Black Night. [They didn't. Rasmus]

Ian Gillan's vocals at the end of the gig had virtually gone. He had very bad cold but from his performance you would never had guessed, although it's hard to see how he could carry on the tour being so ill. He gave 110% as they all did, and gave a true meaning to the words professional musicians.

My partner and I say keep it up boys and we will see you again soon.

Gary McGaffney

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