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“Last tour” rumours denied

Deep Purple at the Great Wide Open festival, Muhldorf, Germany, June 13, 2009. Photo: Nick Soveiko CC-BY-NC-SA.

A couple of days ago both Deep Purple official sites have posted denial of unspecified rumours “from an unknown source” that the current European tour will be the band’s last:

This is not the end.

We frequently receive emails from fans saying that they hear in the news that the fall/winter tour is the last tour Deep Purple will do. This is simply a rumor and should not be taken as a fact.

Deep Purple and the management, Thames Talent Ltd, would like you to know that this is NOT the last tour of any market place.

Frankly, that’s the first we have heard of such a rumour, although many a promoter is too eager to stretch the truth somewhat in order to boost ticket sales. If you came across an unscrupulous advertising, please post your experiences below.



84 Comments to ““Last tour” rumours denied”:

  1. 1
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Well, it’s funny that this surfaced. Here is what I think. I think it’s partially true. It will not be Deep Purple’s Last tour, but it will be the last one of This Line-up if 2 things happen.

    1. If they don’t do an Album by the end of the year
    2. If they don’t Tour the U.S. at all.

    If these 2 things hold true…….MK9 is on deck…..

    Cheers

  2. 2
    Phil says:

    The denial in the second paragraph appears on the official site and refers to the current tour. Here the denial appears to refer to the end of year tour. “This is simply a rumor and should be not taken as fact” does not sound convincing at all.
    Proof will be whether a new album appears during the 3 month recess. If not that is definitily an ominous sign.
    Bets anyone.
    Cheers
    Phil

  3. 3
    Ted says:

    That’s interesting Tracy. Is it just a hunch or have you heard it from a reliable source?

  4. 4
    George Fotis says:

    It will happen one day as they tour far to much , they will reach the stage where they have enough of it! That’s one of the reasons Jon Lord left.
    Steve will probabley want to spend more time with his family. He may wish to do something new, with his own band. Ian G might join Tony Iommi again as Tony’s looking for a new Sabbath singer. Or he might want to make solo records with Roger. I must say when i saw them Don Airey had a blank look on his face sometimes like he was bored.

  5. 5
    T says:

    Just the fact that this has come up hints at a germ of truth, especially given the vehement denial. Something set it off. The continued indifference toward a new album certainly does not help to dispel the rumours.

    For too long, Deep Purple has been a vehicle for everyone else’s projects except for its own. That the demise of this legendary band likely will come from neglect is a very sad prospect.

    Only a new album will demonstrate a continued commitment to the franchise.

  6. 6
    Boris says:

    Totally agree… we don´t have enough news about what the band is doing, besides it´s been a long time since their last album :/

  7. 7
    puhfessah says:

    I don’t see any reason to believe this lineup is ending. They continue to have fun playing together. Sure, they take half a decade to put an album together, but that’s been their pace for a while now.

    I haven’t heard of any issues to tug them apart (i.e. Steve wanting to ramp up his solo career or Don suddenly rejoining Ozzy).

    By this time next year, I predict a new album will be well worn on your player, and the Purps will be coming to (or will have been) in your neighborhood.

  8. 8
    kraatzy says:

    I woundn´t be astonished, when they will get retired. It´s definitly not my hope !

    But:
    Tracy, what do you mean with “MK9 is on the deck” ?
    Who will split off from MK8 ?

    *LLRnR*

    -kraatzy-

  9. 9
    A fan says:

    Everybody knows from where comes this rumour – It was stupid promoter in Reggio Emilia with aim to increase sales, I was there…the stadium was well packed,BTW

    http://www.deep-purple.it/notizie/deep-purple/5931-il-promoter-di-reggio-qi-deep-purple-si-ritireranno-dopo-questo-tourq.html

  10. 10
    hotblack says:

    Let me show you how easily such rumours can grow:

    On another forum, a guy had read the following somewhere in the Web:
    “La scaletta del concerto dei Deep Purple, in scena questa sera, venerdì 23 luglio, al Play Art Arezzo Festival subirà delle variazioni dopo quattro anni di tour mondiale ininterrotto”

    He translated it via Google translator, and panicked, as he was told the following:

    “The lineup of Deep Purple concert, on stage tonight, Friday, July 23, at Arezzo Play Art Festival will undergo changes after four years of uninterrupted world tour.”

    A simple translating error (LINE-up instead of SETLIST) has changed the originally harmless meaning into something rather – well, “interesting”…

  11. 11
    HZ says:

    Mk what? Mk23, and still playing Mk2? It’s better to go in retirement than that.

  12. 12
    Laur says:

    @Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero)

    what do you mean? what changes do you expect in the Band?

  13. 13
    George says:

    This rumors came NOT from the “unknown source”, but from the promoter of the Reggio Emillia gig in Italy. In an interview promoter said that the Italian + fall/winter European tour would be the last one. (you can read the whole story at deep-purple.it)
    On another gig the posters advertised “Deep Purple – Last chance to see them”.

    So, this rumors came directly from Italian promoters. (and the result was that the whole Italian gigs were sold out).

    So, we don’t have a reason for panic. Just stupid promoters’ hints to sell more tickets 🙂

  14. 14
    dale says:

    This line up has filled more seats than any other line up. Rapture was released in 2005 so they have toured for nearly five years on the back of one release. So they either release a new one or the fans will get nohing new for their money. Come on guys get recording it can not be that difficult with all your experience.

  15. 15
    George Martin says:

    Good point Tracy and I think Steve would be the one to leave. I heard him say so many times he’s really in to making new music and let’s face it, Deep Purple does not make new music that often.

  16. 16
    Marcelo Soares says:

    Don’t know.

    I never heard the affirmation also, just the denial. I hope it’s not the last tour, and I hope they still do at least one album before they decide it’s the last tour (preferrably in 10 to 20 years from now).

    Anyway I’ve got always a bad feeling when I read denials without affirmation. Can we go back to the THS archives of 2001, when they were denying that Jon Lord would leave the band?

  17. 17
    elprupdeep says:

    as I said previously ,after I saw THE BAND performing in Perth this is not, but certainly not, the time for retirement. they are still too good and in the top shape to stop. in about 5 years maybe I will understand but 2010 no way…
    long live DP.
    CHEERS.
    Richard.

  18. 18
    kraatzy says:

    I have a very big elefant in my throat – if it is true

    oh oh

    * L O N G L I V E R O C K ´N ´R O L L *

    -kraatzy-

  19. 19
    George says:

    Hotblack, unfortunately this “a guy from another forum” was me 😀 The news headline told that Deep Purple would appear on stage with new setlist (in Italian). I don’t know ital;ian and translated it by google translater, so, I read the headline like this: “this night Deep Purple will appear with new lineup onstage” and I was kind of panicked untill you helped me to understand what the news was actually about 😀
    —————-
    What about the band’s end, I repeat: this rumors came DIRECTLY FROM THE ITALIAN PROMOTER, who tried to sell tickets by such stupid hints. That’s why Deep Purple’s management HAD to answer everybody via official statement.
    —————
    on June 25 Don Airey said in interview ” we’re bursting with ideas and are going to record it [new albuM) PRETTY SOON”…
    Now this “pretty soon” has come at last. After the lastgig of this Italian tour they have three months OFF! so, they have A LOT OF time to record new album. I;m expecting it to be recorded this summer and released at least till the end of year.
    ————–
    I don’t think we have ANY reason for panic. calm down and don’t trust either stupid promoter or google’s translator 😀
    just trust the band…

  20. 20
    Rick Freeman says:

    Having spoke to a member of the band twice in the past year, I would not be surprised if this individual left. It is a question of not what he said but a what he did not say. As point out by Tracy, a New Record and a Tour of the U. S. would make all the difference. Of course this was/is my interpretation of our conversations. Someone else may have came away with a total different spin. HOPE I AM WRONG. DP has survived many changes thru the years. The only one that I hated was Jon lord leaving. Love Don Airey and I think Two Keyboard players would be nice!
    Regards, Rick

  21. 21
    George says:

    Marcelo Soares,

    Italian promoter said that it would be the last tour of DP.
    Management of course posted official statement that it’s just rumor and nothing more.
    What would you do if they wouldn’t have posted this statement? we all would keep saying, “ohh, look, they’re going to split, because management says nothing”
    instead, management said that it’s rumour. now you’re saying: “ohh, look, management said it’s rumour, it means they’re going to split”

    What would you do if you were the manager of the band?

  22. 22
    Svante Axbacke says:

    Don’t even trust everything the band says… 🙂

  23. 23
    George says:

    Svante, I trust DP’s management more than stupid promoters or google translator 🙂

  24. 24
    Peter says:

    As far as I know, that was reply for emails from fans who were nervous from that informations from promoter.

    About the trust everything the band says – I can give you a great example:
    – before the Feb 2009 show at opening ceremony in Liberec Ian Gillan visited a Prague in January and promoted One Eye To Morocco record. He made an online interview with fans and he said there that “they are going to play five or six songs on that opening show”…. Then I asked organizers of that whole event who said to me, that contract was made for full concert, so there is no reason why to be nervous. But Gillan´s words really made me nervous, so I asked on the “right places” and Bruce Payne himself answered me, that it really is going to be the full show… Finally – Deep Purple played 12 songs (9 in basic set, 3 in encore – without jams and long solos), for 75 minutes… I think their standard full concert for companies – a bit shorter than classic 100 mins shows.

    – about the last tour – I really dont know what is really going to happen, but I hope that I´ll have a chance to ask them for news in October. I really did not liked the comment by Ian Gillan when he was asked in the spring (March?) about the recording the new record – he said something like “people believe in things that may never happen”…. Nobody knows what he really meant by that, I hope that it was just bad mood. In December 2009 they said about recording in Feb 2010 – till tonight we dont know if that happened – comments from IG seemed that not, but Don Airey said in one interview (from May or June) that this planned visiting of studio will NOT be their first visit of studio for this year but he may meant Living Loud sessions… We have to wait to October, than I´ll let you know what´s going on next – Czech shows are first concerts after their (so hoped) studio break. 🙂

  25. 25
    Purpoz says:

    @17
    Totally agree – the Perth show was a ripper. You could tell the band was ON from the 1st note and the vibe was wonderful. It seems there are still plenty of legs left…

    @20
    I am hopeful but not at all confident that there will be another DP studio album. However, I am 100% convinced that if there is a new record, it will be the last.

  26. 26
    kraatzy says:

    Hey Svante …

    shall we trust any another guy, what they say ???

    Who can we trust …. I know … I only trust and believe in
    Jesus Christ !!!

    *Maranatha*

    -kraatzy-

  27. 27
    Bo says:

    What is right or wrong I dont know, but I have never seen (in any business) that negative news is out before it’s to late to change it. Remember when Gillan/Glover left in 73, Blakmore left Mrk III or Mark IV broke up?

    I hope for:
    They are still around for many more years to come, but only IF:
    1: they have a new Deep Purple rock (I say R O C K) CD out very soon = latest first part of 2011
    2: That the album is a true DP album – you can hear it after a few seconds.
    3: a new tour with an attitude of “this is an event – and not like the last few years “ok lets play the same songs AGAIN – on a naked stage with a few red and blue lights. I can see that at any small gig anywhere.

    Why can Black Sabbath (or what they call themselfes) still sell, or Iron Maiden, or Metalica, or Kiss or….
    Because they dont sell out of what they are. If they can do it then Purple can do it even better. But do they want that? I’m not to sure.

    I love the guys and always will – but Purple has gone from a MAJOR powerfull force to a party band like Status Quo. And I hate that.

    If they want just one more world tour then invite all living members and ex. members of DP to join. THen not even Wembley will be big enough.

  28. 28
    HardRockPete says:

    Go to YouTube and check out some of the resent concert clips. Does that look like a band on their last hoorah??? This is just a BS story from some promotors that wanted to make a few extra bucks out of their concert. Don’t believe everything you hear, believe only half of what you see!

  29. 29
    Cass says:

    Has anyone suspected that this could simply be a way to sell more tickets in Italy..A promoter couldn’t possibly have any other reason to spread such a thing, could they? If this in fact did come from the promoter.

    Also after spending almost five months of constant touring do you think the band members would want to go into a studio to record an album? One that would most certainly be downloaded for free after one person puts in the internet. There is almost NO reason for a band to put an album out anymore.

    Anyway just a few thoughts….

  30. 30
    Moreblack says:

    This will be the last tour with Steve on guitar.The next one will be with Ritchie at last.Just wait and see.

  31. 31
    Eddie6String says:

    It would be most beneficial for all concerned, if the guys took 6mnths from gigging – Got into the studio for more than 3 wks & recorded the next phase of their musical developement in the form of a double CD (Including Documentary DVD of the making of the album + footage of Production techniques [DEEP PURPLE logo can be seen on my anorak!]).

    Maybe they could gig under a pseudonym unannounced at smaller venues to add some spice to the experience of live peformances & it may help them re-invent themselves a little?

    There was something very raw & exciting about the ‘Hard Rock Cafe’ gig that launched RotD material ig looked like the caged Tiger from Cherkazoo due to the limited space available – most gigging musicians know how this one feels!

    I just feel that the current ‘line up’ (Not ‘set list’) has SO MUCH MORE TO OFFER, but the more radical the approach to making new music, the more they will enjoy the remaining years of playing Live & may even shed the worn attachment to a lost era of special music making brought about by the MK2 band?

    I think the Frank Zappa or Neil Young approach to set lists would benefit DP – Play what the band find exciting & current – there’s so much DVD material showing the Old DP tunes played the new way – that I’d rather hear an evening of predominantly new(ish) material with maybe a couple of ‘oldies’ for the encore.

    Speaking of rumours – someone did say that Bill Nelson was getting back together again – funny, I didn’t know he split ——- well, I know it’s an Old Joke, but until DP release new material, I’ll keep mine in reserve!

    Night all!

  32. 32
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Take a look at this….

    MK1 lasted 2 years
    MK2 lasted 3 years
    MK3 lasted 2 years
    MK4 lasted 2 years
    MK2a lasted 5 years
    MK5 lasted almost 2 years
    MK2b lasted almost 3 years
    MK6 only a finish up tour
    MK7 8 years
    MK8 8 years and counting

    The last 2 MKs have been the longest lasting Purple relationships overall. But looking at the past, it’s only a matter of time that they run out of “Oh Boy” steam and look elsewhere for that Creative spunk. That’s why they all do their separate outings and ‘do their own thing’. They are incredibly talented ‘individuals’ whom together make amazing music. But, they are getting older as we know and sometimes as each hits his own level of ‘age vs effort’, they seem to do so separately. That is when as in the past, they begin to look for that spark again.

    A line-up change is almost eminent. You can feel it in the air. It is evident by the lack of enthusiasm toward doing a Purple record….

    Here is what makes no sense regarding their excuse toward not recording. They always use the lack of record sales as their reason. The fact that the internet changed everything. Then why do they constantly make records outside Purple? Those records sell even less.

    Their time has come as it has 8 times before.

    No record or US Tour this year means somebody is hitting the road.

    Look for a 2011 revamp boys..

    Cheers

  33. 33
    Roberto says:

    “and the result was that the whole Italian gigs were sold out”
    this is unture…each concert there were 2000-3000-4000 people…They played 8 dates and so did 6 month ago in this country…the should have done a single date each decade and the stadium would have been full and their name would have been more legendary…but they are musicians, they play for fun, for the music…
    this is not the last tour but they are near that…they are becoming too old…

  34. 34
    Russ says:

    @21

    “What would you do if you were the manager of the band?”

    If it wasn’t true I would say it wasn’t true. Not say it is a rumor. Rumors can be true.

  35. 35
    A fan says:

    Thank you George and hotblack, but too many explanations here… let’s everybody goes thinking on his own way.

    For me everything is quite clear – Steve and Don told me that night in Reggio they going in studio after a month vacation. Period

  36. 36
    T says:

    As some of you may already know, I am a linguist–some might even say a cunning one 😉 ! I have been working with languages for over twenty years.

    One must take care with those translation engines because they translate literally word-for-word. Languages do not work like that. Words cannot be translated–only *meaning* can–and the engines cannot discriminate between the two.

    Most languages are fraught with idiomatic expressions–that is, expressions which cannot be translated word-for-word–and the technology does not yet exist to deal with that since these engines work in black and white and very little shades of grey.

    Even something as simple as “Il fait du vent” in French–“It is windy”–could come out literally as “He is making some wind,” which in English sounds like “He pooted”. 🙂 Languages have different syntax, and in some, the meaning changes depending on the word order.

    They are close to technology that can translate short, common phrases with reasonable accuracy even with common idioms. The engines are slowly getting better, but I still use a large hard copy dictionary. Denotation–if it is in context–is fairly reliably translated but connotation is another matter. Nuances such as puns are almost always untranslatable. Never use slang in a translation engine.

    Use translation engines with care. Put your discourse into the target language, then translate it back into your own language and see how it comes out. Sometimes the original sentence is not even close.

    George is not at fault.

    I took the sentence “The Deep Purple promoter said that this was not the band’s final tour,” put it into the Chinese engine, then translated it back into English and got: “The deep purple child said that this is orchestra’s final travel.”

    I don’t know about this being the orchestra’s final travel, but I hope the purple with a new record is about to begin.

  37. 37
    David Sanderson says:

    Whatever DP do, call it a day or carry on, I’m OK with the decision, they are masters of their own destiny.

  38. 38
    George says:

    @ T

    Ok, this chinese translation was kind of funny 😀 really. But what I got by google translator, was kind of “reason for panic”. Thanks to the people who knew Italian 🙂

  39. 39
    George says:

    @34,
    “If it wasn’t true I would say it wasn’t true. Not say it is a rumor. Rumors can be true.”

    go to deeppurple.com and check out the news headlines.

  40. 40
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Blackmore is said to have said about the demise of DP with Tommy….

    I could have told you so…..

  41. 41
    Pete says:

    DP is finished. They are like Smokie,an old,tired band who only plays their old tired shit.I´ve been a fan since 1979,from Gillan,Rainbow etcBut now i´m very tired of it. Ian Gillan Can´t sing,Don is the most boring keyboard player ever,Morse is doing the same solos in every song,
    Glover´s got no hair and Paice was good 1972.

  42. 42
    Maybe I'm a Leo says:

    Maybe they were talking the USA. I agree with Tracy Heyder, we need a new guitarist!

  43. 43
    Eddie6String says:

    ‘Lost in translation’ seems like a good album title to me!

  44. 44
    Perfectstringdangler says:

    Meanwhile, somewhere in LA, Glenn Hughes is working the phones…

  45. 45
    Reinder says:

    Sooo many people who are not in the band or in the management and yet know what’s best for the band. Let it go already. They will do what they want to do.

  46. 46
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Hey Trace

    What about your loyalty and such?

    Cheers, Mark

  47. 47
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Well, something indeed has to happen.

    Recently I read a review on one of the latest shows.

    It spoke about Roger s solo being the HIGHLIGHT of the show!!!!!

    Picture back to 1972 or something…..

    A review saying the basssolo the highlight of the evening.

    Oh my Good Lord.

    Please have mercy on our Purple souls, God.

  48. 48
    Cass says:

    To bad we all do not get older!!! If you all are this critical with people you do not know I would hate to be your friends..Times change, people change and band change its part of growing. Sometimes we like the changes that happen in life and sometimes we do not. DO you all like everything that happens in your life? Can you change it or do you just except the things we can not change.
    Bands change mostly because the people in the band change and they grow apart and just can not work together any more just like in some marriages.
    Pete… if you do hate DP that bad…why you here? To spread your negativity?

  49. 49
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    #28 & #31, a few of the few obvious observations/comments. HardRockPete, is one of your leg’s abode still in Calico? :>

    #30, Perhaps. Steve would be in the studio with Purple worst case every 2 years. Much to the chagrin of most all of us bloggers (buggers?), The Black Guy will never play another chord with Purple. Don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that. Shouldn’t think with emotion whilst in Fantasy Land…. :>

    #32 Beloved Tracy, Have never personally been into Numerology….

    Not convinced of any revamp at least for the moment. Which is all we have….

    #35, All too amusing, isn’t it? :>

    #41, With all due respect, you’re still kinda young to really get it. And last comment about Sir Ian Paice is truly mindless. Go have a drink, put on some hip hop and rap noize and then come back to the table… Yer killin’ me! :>

    Finally, #42, the utmost least of any “issues” with Purple, the King of Banjos…. And now off to watch some Three Stooges for more chuckles…. :>

    Peace,

    Ted

  50. 50
    fra says:

    ok, let’s clear a bit of air around this rumour. because it is, in fact, just a stupid rumour and it’s not even coming from any “insider” sources.

    first things first. the italian DP promotion agency is barley arts, and it’s NOT directly involved in this. they have NEVER used misleading or false information to boost ticket sales.

    barley arts (a national agency) often gives some of the dates to local promoters, who got direct connections with local councils, etc. especially when the locations and cities are not the “usual” ones, but somewhere in the suburbs.

    in the case of reggio emilia (22nd july), the local agency in charge of the show was medials live. head of medials is roberto meglioli. in an interview published on 14/7 on a local newspaper (and readable on the internet), meglioli clearly stated that “deep purple will retire from the international scenes after this tour”. the headline was like “deep purple, their farewell in reggio emilia”.

    as part of my daily “watchdog” job during the tour (i wish i got paid for that!!), i considered the interview news worthy – although i smelled bullshit straight away, what could possibly that meglioli guy know??

    so i contacted meglioli and asked him if he had anything to clarify about the matter. waited a couple of days, no reply (i haven’t called him, as i’m not living in italy and didn’t really want to waste an international call for this). so i published the news item on deep-purple.it which has been linked before. my article was like: “meglioli said that, we think it’s bullshit because he doesn’t know s#it, no worries”.

    still, after the article went online, no reply from meglioli.

    a couple of days later, on the facebook page of the support band linked to medials live (onelegman) there was a flyer advertising their support slot as “the last chance to see deep purple live”. that was too much for my eyes and ears, so i published another news item, and forwarded everything to deep-purple.com.

    after a while the management released their statements.

    —————–

    what i think of all this?

    the rumour is totally bullshit, as it really didn’t come from anyone close to the band. fact.

    a lineup change on the way? nah, would it make sense? “time is running out”.

    a new album? likely. they got august off; paicey and airey got the first 10 days of september to do their solo shows and clinics (they are being booked right now, dates to follow). so i believe that they’ll hit the studios in the 2nd half of september, and we can expect a fall/winter release, right before or during the german/french dates.

    2011? who knows… usa… europe again… no idea.

    last thing: the “setlist/lineup” rumour came from george and google translator, nothing to do with deep-purple.it. we know how to read italian at least 😉

  51. 51
    fra says:

    i’d like to add that i’m sorry if this story created troubles within the DP camp, as they felt forced to release a statement (which is pretty rare these days). haven’t heard from them and don’t wanna bother them, but i believe they weren’t happy about it.

    my intent wasn’t to spread a sensational story AT ALL.

    we just try to provide the most comprehensive and exact information to the fans when it comes to deep purple in italy. this means that when we stumble upon an incorrect story from the media, we have to make it straight.

    problem is that often the italian media, organizers, sponsors, promoters don’t get back to us even when we request plain and simple info (let alone free tickets or passes for competitions, which we can’t offer without their cooperation).

    if meglioli had replied me and withdrawn his quotes, this would have never reached the DP camp.

    it’s sad and it gets a bit of frustrating at times, as we put a lot of efforts in terms of time and energy in what we do.

    but i guess it’s part of the game of being a fan :p

  52. 52
    Nick Soveiko says:

    francesco, thank you for setting the record straight.

  53. 53
    fra says:

    you’re welcome nick.

    have a nice sunday all of you around the world.

  54. 54
    DTG says:

    New Album and US Tour with Joe Bonamassa on Guitar. Late 2011 – 2012
    You read it here first…

  55. 55
    Wiz says:

    “This will be the last tour with Steve on guitar.The next one will be with Ritchie at last.Just wait and see.”

    I wouldn’t give up the day job quite yet, but some of your material is really funny

  56. 56
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    the record may be set straight, but there still ain’t no record. Nor US Tour…..

    Whether that rumor was legit or not, the fact remains the same. So does the fact that they are all obviously frustrated and keep involving themselves in recording all over the place Except with Deep Purple.

    They have their meat and potatoes touring with Purple, but have totally lost the passion towards writing new music for Purple.

    Priest @46….

    Loyalty??? I am still loyal and enjoy all things Purple. Whichever and whatever they decide is obviously Their choice and within their right to do whatever they choose. This is just a conversation on the ‘Subject’ of this section. And my input is in regards to said subject. This may come as a surprise to you though. I think at this point it’s time to ‘Shake things up’. As much as I love Steve Morse, I believe they should enlist a New Axeman whom rattles the earth. Someone whom would on his own, bring major attention to the band. And with that new Guitarist, release a Cranking Ass Deep Purple Extravaganza of Epic proportions. Tour the New Album and center most songs on the setlist with MK7, 8, and even 9 if it happens.

    Either Gary Moore, Malmsteen, Satriani or Vai.
    If not, then at least do as I stated above with Steve. But DO SOMETHING!!

    Cheers

  57. 57
    ED says:

    hopefully this will not be the last tour– but from a realistic standpoint just look at the facts– ( im only speaking for the U.S. market) deep purple is not a big draw anymore (unfortunately) the same thing has happened with them that happened with the scorpions, they simply cannot fill the big venues anymore. the last time dp played here in chicago was at the house of blues (ok nice venue but near the size of the rosemont horizon that they sold out in 80’s) they had 2 shows scheduled and wound up having to combine the 2 dates into 1 due to lack of ticket sales. so sadly who knows when and if we may see dp in the states again, of course they never will admit this as they dont want to tarnish thier name but its a fact. i put alot of blame on promotions and radio– this band did do other songs besides smoke on the water and woman from tokyo every once in awhile we get perfect strangers on the radio but thats as new as it gets out here. and ill be the first to say that id love to see ritchie back but thats not to take away from steve and there have been some really good releases from the steve era (purpendicular was brilliant and bananas was great as well). i just think that dp touring the states would cost them money rather than make them money so they may pull a scorpions and call it a day who knows.

  58. 58
    stoffer says:

    @48 – WELL SAID……………
    50 & 51 – Thanks for the real story

  59. 59
    A fan says:

    Please read it,
    http://www.gillan.com/friends51.html

  60. 60
    George says:

    Thanks Francesco!
    Though I’m not Italian and don’t live in Italy, I check out deep-purple.it every week (and google’s translator tool helps me to translate news and forum posts as well).
    Thanks again for clearing the situation and your great dp site 🙂

  61. 61
    Purple Tickler says:

    I Dont believe this rumour at all.

    I have seen the band 3 times in the last 2 years, and they certainly do not look tired in any way.

    On the contrary, they have gotten better with age, and it would seem they enjoy each others company (noticed they hang around in the lounge after the gig for a long time, talking with the warm up band and each other etc etc.

    Seems a US tour and a new album is the way to go.

  62. 62
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    A fan @59….

    Thanks for your reference to Gillan’s take on this subject…

    Though he denies the rumor, he does so with a ‘Silver Tongue’ of sorts. Very obscure and misleading also. His constant expression regarding the fact that they have NEVER planned studio recordings since ‘Before Time Began’ is preposterous. As a matter of fact, they were under strict contract obligations during all of their 70’s and 80’s releases and pressured to produce Albums from the Record Labels. That pressure is something that was always eluded to regarding the ‘Bad Attitude’ in the band, combined with the constant touring. All they have done at the present, is refrain from Recording and extend and increase the Touring….

    Hell, in another couple of years, the lag time between albums will be as long as the Break-up period from 1976 till the Reunion in 1984….

    Sorry but that is really lame and unacceptable to fans whom long for something New from their Heroes. Even I have my limitations on patience toward this lackluster attitude Purple have put into the present status of their existence.

    Cheers

  63. 63
    purplepriest1965 says:

    @ 62

    This world is shaking on its foundations.

    Even overloyal fans coming to an end……

  64. 64
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Priest, don’t jump to any conclusions here. No matter what they do, I will be a loyal fan. If they quit today, that doesn’t end my interest or loyalty. It just ends future outings. But, while they are still chugging along, singing their songs, I do have opinions regarding the direction and whatnot of their activity. Doesn’t mean I am any less loyal or interested. On the contrary. It means I am very interested and critical at the same time…

    Cheers

  65. 65
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Btw, I think it is too late too do another shuffle of the line up.

    Hopefully I m wrong.

    Are they really not too old?

    Even The Stones announced their ending now.
    Gillan did athletic things compared to Jagger so hardly comparable at first…….

    But…..

    With what Jagger delivered since the beginning it was almost easy growing gracefully old doing it live.

    But Ian Gillan, MY HERO, has been on a gliding scale since around 1976, sometimes hitting back hard……
    I still think he was in very good shape on Double Trouble and MAGIC…….
    But lests be honest, he NEVER peaked like he did around 1973.

    Even on WDWTWA he sings like a GOD.

    So sad so many people disregard that album.

    It still shows things never heard of after……

  66. 66
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    #63 (We’ll stay with purplepriest1965 due to indecisive monikers),

    Is the world shaking on its foundations with the likes of scumbag Islamofascists who took down innocents in lower Manhattan, Middle and Far Eastern jihadist vermin from the bowels of HADES? A despicable “commander in chief” voted in by ignorant underread sheeple in my failing greatest nation jamming the sickening Marxist Socialist, spread my hard earned $ amongst the sense of entitlement masses? Snoring while petroleum spreads across the Gulf?

    That shet is serious….

    A new album by Purple, although beyond medicinal in this EFFED up world, is insignificant in the Grand Scheme of Things!!

    Just my humble take on things…

    Playing snooker this evening. But there’s a bloke across the table who hasn’t been employed in quite some time due to his own, er, uh, sense of entitled lack of work ethic and laziness thereof.

    I’m gonna be a good Christian, my decision, not them gov’t fules, and pay for him to shoot.

    It’s the least I can do with this world shaking on its foundations while almost mindless debate continues about a new Purple album….

    Peace,

    Ted

  67. 67
    patrick says:

    Deep Purple has no incentive to tour the USA as they are commercially dead in this country. In 2007 when Deep Purple toured they played here in Dallas at the House of Blues in front of maybe 900 to 1200 fans ( It was a fabulous concert by the way ). To put it in perspective a couple of months earlier rod Stewart packed the American Airline center with 17000 concert goers. AC/DC is selling out arenas in this country and Deep Purple as no commercial presence. This is sad, people have more respect for Led Zep or Bad Co here than Deep Purple. Deep Purple is they plan to continue needs to do the following. Ditch their management team . Get a manager that can do the same thing that the Eagles, Foreigner and AC/DC did, for the next album to be released sign an exclusive contract with Walmart in the USA. It would generate massive sales , if AC/DC pulled it, Deep Purple can do it… Of course they need to get into a studio and record an album, This team there is a need for a hit (another Highway star or Black night ). The problem is that the boys do not look like they are willing to do it. They are getting old and time is passing by . I am afraid that we are witnessing the end for legendary band. After all they cannot go on forever. I hope that there is a linup change on the way, before it is over. I wish for Jon Lord to come back, Paice and Glover to remain and Steve Morse and Ian to go. Ritchie should come back or Eddie Van Halen should jump in if the man in tight does not get the approval from Candice to rock again and Paul Rodger should get behind the microphone (after all he was ritchie first choice in 73 ). That would be a killer line up and the way for Deep Purple to go into the sunset . It would also generate enough interest stateside to generate sales and sell out some decent size arenas. I just attended two Bad Co concerts in the USA and Paul is in fine form. Aerosmith is in town this week and you better believe I will be there… in the meantime I keep listening to every purple albums from 1970 to 1975 on a daily basis. By the way my first rock concert was deep Purple at the palais des sports in Paris in 1975 and My first album purchased was Burn. I have every album and bootlegs that I can get my hands on.

  68. 68
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Loved your Rant. I actually concur with your US decline in civilization, but sure would love to have a New Deep Purple album to listen to as medicinal relief from our present terrible state we are in under this present regime….

    That would be just what the doctor would order, besides cleaning house in said regime of course….

    Cheers

  69. 69
    Svante Axbacke says:

    Oh, please, guys. Leave the politics out of this.

  70. 70
    Scott says:

    Deep Purple can’t possibly survive anymore Line-up change. Especially If it’s GILLAN, GLOVER, Or PAICE. If anyone of them decide to retire Then Purple should Pack it in. But if there still having fun playing and touring then more power to them.

  71. 71
    purplepriest1965 says:

    I d like to ramble on some more about politics but……

    There will be no end to it.

    Btw, I NEVER seriously implied the world was having a problem because we here are going on and on about a starving horse!!!!

    That would be so stupid and decadent.

    Ted, I think I do empathise with views having trouble with adding a so called Islamic outfit near then Ground Zero location but…..

    Isnt it a bit overexaggerated, all that urmoil?

    At first I thought they were actually going to place a MOSQUE on the destroyed area,that would be uhhhhhhhh at least awkward tand a bit too much political correct thinking IMHO.
    Then I read something which said it is only going to be some kinda facility NEAR the area and small.

    What has that unemployed poolman to do with the problems in the world and the perverts of BP wasting the environment with oil for many criminal days now????!!!!

    Probably I m confused again, will try to resort back to the SHED…

  72. 72
    George says:

    purplepriest1965

    Do not trust what The Sun writes about. It was The Sun which spread the rumors about Rolling Stones’ last tour. The band quickli declined it and said that they would continue touring and recording for a very long time.

    What about Purple loosing North American market, it can be said about USA, but in Canada they have quite big following. They play at such a big arenas as Bell Center and Molson Amphiteatre. they sold out a 17,000 capacity Molson Amphiteatre in 2004 and played in a packed Bell Center in 2007.

  73. 73
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Maybe this time Ian can write a song about a unemployed poolman his new solo album?

    Sorry Ted, no offense.

  74. 74
    elprupdeep says:

    well AFTER READING all that 73 or so messages I thought about something…
    I know 2 youngters (not like the majority of us… guys… I THINK) who went to see DP recently. and what do I heard…
    amazing ,very good band ,the singer is funny with his gestures his words
    the guitarist is god and all the members play beautiful rock. and they add… can’t wait to see them again.
    this is not my words (OLD FANS WORDS) BUT NEW FANS WORDS.
    So I think DP IS NOT GOING TO STOP YET.
    THEY CAN FEEL THEY ARE STILL IN NEED.
    Long live DP/
    Richard.

  75. 75
    purplepriest1965 says:

    @ 74

    Those youngsters probably are in the phase of hearing this band for the first time?

    After a while they might dig a bit deeper and realise where it all began, BEFORE THIS TIME BEGAN…….

    I ve seen youngsters jump completely overboard after hearing the origins of DP.

    Someone who still thinks Steve is GOD after comparing to Ritchies peak is hopeless and in need of an hearing aid or consult.

    Peoples minds are formatted differently, I think.
    Some or maybe most of us will never understand things the way they really are.

  76. 76
    Svante Axbacke says:

    Priest, what makes you think your OPINION is the TRUTH? Some people enjoy Morse, some people enjoy Blackmore. Some people enjoy rock, some people enjoy opera. Some people enjoy apples, some enjoy oranges. And some of us like it all.

  77. 77
    purplepriest1965 says:

    @76

    We ll see, Svante.
    We ll see.

  78. 78
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    You see Priest…

    this is where you come off as being totally negative, and totally a ‘blackmore’ worshipper, without reason. Why can’t you just enjoy Purple for what they have done since your hero bailed out? It wasn’t their fault. They were given a decision in life as musicians, just as they were given the same decision back in 1975 when he left and formed Rainbow. The Band continued without him, and I for one and glad they did. ‘Come Taste the Band’ is a great Purple Album. Just as ‘Purpendicular’ is. Both without Blackmore, and Both Awesome. Your constant bitching about the band without Blackmore has once again, gone over the top and you have become that same ‘Old Decrepit Soul’ whom just come’s across like a self centered repetitive whiner, whom can’t get his way….

    I for one only long for more of what the Present Purple has to offer. It’s what it is. It’s great and needs to be taken more seriously than what WAS…..

    Cheers

  79. 79
    Darryl says:

    I saw the band in Durban, South Africa last month and both times in London in November and to me Gillan looked disinterested. During every solo he was away behind the drum kit and there was no interaction with the crowd. I don’t like Morse but to his credit he looked like he was enjoying himself. I think they should bail before they ruin the legacy. Gillan does not look well to me either. Has anyone else noticed this, he is stick thin.
    By comparison I was dragged kicking and screaming to see Bryan Adams 2 weeks after DP’s Durban gig and was blown away by the energy of him and his band. He really looked like he was having the time of his life and it is the 3rd time he’s been here so it was not like he was ploughing a new market. Just some thoughts…..

  80. 80
    purplepriest1965 says:

    I m not a worshipper.

    If I was I d buy and attend everything that came close.

    I ll definitely not lick his ass for an autograph.

    A few days ago we revisited Paris Moon, the live dvd.
    I must admit it had lots more in the positive aspects than I remembered.
    Okay…..Still I feel that lots of the BN stuff becomes boring after a few songs.
    But man, hearing him rip on the electric still exites me.

    A few acoustic improvisations or extensions are very well received as well.

    I feel thats its a LIE to say she cant sing, like some people cry out.
    Thats defintely untrue and very stupid to say.

    For me it is this, her voice just does not exite me at all.
    Would have loved this stuff with Ronnie!!!
    Saw some tubes from the Heaven and Hell gigs and…..WOWWWWWWWWW, the man was on fire!!!!

    To realise that I did NOT go to a show is terrible.
    I did not fear the reaper, to begin with.
    And overhere I d have had to endure a festival setting, which I hate.
    I d loved to see the show indoors.

    Another aspect was the fact that I have to set priorities and just thought……
    I ll postpone this.

    Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

  81. 81
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Not a Worshipper???

    Dude, if one were to look up “Blackmore Worshipper” in the Webster’s Dictionary, your picture would be there….

    Lick his ass for an autograph?? Don’t know what that has to do with anything, but I have a feeling you might Kiss it….

    Cheers

  82. 82
    purplepriest1965 says:

    I have a Wolters dictionairy.
    It does not come with pics.

  83. 83
    Mark says:

    Hi kraatzy,

    Jesus being the only one to trust? AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!

  84. 84
    Svante Axbacke says:

    Ok, that’s it with trying to convert this to a political discussion board. I’ve deleted the last couple of political discussions and will now close comments on this article.

    Come on, guys. You know the rules.

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