A dream fulfilled

I'd never seen Purple live before tonight, although I've seen all of them before (except Steve Morse) in other acts (Gillan twice, Whitesnake, with Jon twice and even Rainbow once), and it was a dream come true. I really enjoyed the set and liked the fact that Mary Long, Fools and No One Came all made appearances tonight. Terrific.

Ian Gillan looked and sounded better than he did on the Gillan Magic tour 15-16 years ago and was droll and encouraging throughout. Messrs Paice, Glover and Lord were their usual immaculate selves and Steve Morse is a real talent. He plays a little bit too hard and fast for my taste but he seems a nice bloke and that must be a great situation for the senior members of the band to be in. Here is someone who delivers cracking guitar and gives off good vibes.

The fake versions of other peoples' songs as the preamble before Smoke was good fun (Sweet Home Alabama, Whole Lotta Love, Here Comes The Sun, etc) - I'd just like to hear a Coverdale period song thrown in - or even Whitesnake for a joke. I'd seriously like to hear Ian Gillan sing Might Just Take Your Life.

Really enjoyed it. Keep on rockin'.

Phil Walker

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