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Reality intervenes
There is no other way of putting it: Steve Morse is permanently retiring from the band.
The following message was circulated today, July 23, 2022, on social media:
Deep Purple announces that Steve Morse will be stepping back from the band, having been its guitarist for more than a quarter of a century.
Steve’s personal circumstances have made it impossible for him to commit to the band’s schedule throughout 2022 and beyond. A few months ago, Steve openly shared with the band´s fans the sad fact that his wife, Janine, is battling cancer and, in his own words, “I simply must be there with her.”
Since joining the band in 1994, Steve has written and recorded eight studio albums with the band:
Purpendicular
Abandon
Bananas
Rapture of the Deep
Now What?!
Infinite
Whoosh!
Turning to Crime
In addition, Steve has also recorded many live records with Deep Purple over the years.
Steve will be greatly missed by band, crew, management, record label and all those that had the pleasure of working with him over the years.
Steve has always been hugely grateful for the support and love of Deep Purple fans across the globe.
A true master…
In the words of Steve Morse:
Last Autumn, I suddenly left the Purple writing session in Germany because my wife was having a real medical crisis. Almost a year later, we are learning to accept stage 4 aggressive cancer and chemo treatment for the rest of her life. We both miss being at shows, but I simply couldn’t commit to long, or far away tours, since things can change quickly at home. I suggested lining up a substitute guitarist last Autumn, hoping we could see the miraculous cancer cure all of us have heard about. As time went by, I could see the way things were heading though, after 28 years of being in the band.
I’ve already played my last show with Purple back in Florida on the Rock Legends Cruise. I wish to thank the listeners who so strongly supported live music and turned every show from a dress rehearsal to a thundering, exciting experience. I’ll miss everybody in the band and crew but being Janine’s helper and advocate has made a real difference at many key points.
As Janine adjusts to her limitations, she is able to do many things on her own, so we will try to play some shorter nearby concert tours with friends to, hopefully, get both of us out of the house!
I know Simon has the gig nailed already, but I’m now handing over the keys to the vault which holds the secret of how Ritchie’s “Smoke on the Water” intro was recorded. I guess you have to jiggle the key just right because I never got it open.
In the words of Ian Gillan:
In circumstances like these it is normally difficult to find the right words, but not in the case of Steve Morse; I know what I want to say.
He came from a different background to the rest of us in Deep Purple and yet his musical genius has been somehow compatible and played a big part in the fresh direction adopted by the group when he joined and made his first album with us in 1996, and then onwards, for over a quarter of a century, enjoying the longest incumbency of any DP guitarist and contributing to the longest unchanging line-up, which started when Don Airey replaced Jon Lord – who retired in 2002 – until the present day.
I first became aware of Steve through the Dixie Dregs, particularly the track ‘Take it off the Top’ which was the theme tune for Tommy Vance’s BBC rock show and impressed me mightily. I didn’t realise at the time that one day I would be lucky enough to stand on stage with Steve and enjoy his consummate skills up close and dangerous.
I got to know him as a very kind man, full of ideas and the patience to see them developed. He would say, ‘You never know until you try it’. We sure had some fun debating that approach, but mostly in good humour and he always gave as good as he got.
Steve has a legacy with Deep Purple that can never be forgotten, and that smile will be missed. It would be wrong to comment on his personal circumstances, suffice to say he’s in a bad place right now but dealing with it bravely and as best he can; we all admire his devotion; he’s been a strong family man all his life.
All this has come at a terrible time for everybody, including the other musicians in Deep Purple. After two years off the road because of quarantines everywhere, we had to get back to what we do, and that is perform live around the world and make music in the way we have always done, since 1968. As we get older, we realise that we’re much closer to the end, and that triggers an urgency that won’t be tamed. From Steve’s perspective, I can only imagine that there is no possible ‘nice’ way of continuing with a new man, but it is either that or call it a day, because the lack of momentum was gradually becoming something more significant; it felt terminal.
The best way I can describe this is by using Steve’s own words; when I sent him a love letter a few weeks ago, he replied that it was weird being at home whilst we guys were out there, but ‘reality intervenes’… and that’s what has happened.
I can only put out love and respect, and positive vibes at the memories of good times together.
In the words of Ian Paice:
From the moment Steve joined us in Purple, it was obvious he could open up new musical possibilities for us. Like most great creative musicians, he has the ability to come up with musical ideas that no one else has thought of.
I think the easiest way to say it is he’s always “thinking outside the box”. Not many of us can do that!
We learnt he is also an incredibly nice man, who put up with our lack of knowledge of US sports teams and stars, and our continual talk of UK football, (soccer to our US friends!), with great patience. But there is one important truth here and that is “family comes first”.
Steve is adhering to that truth with his wife Janine’s health situation. We will miss him.
In the words of Roger Glover:
In the early 80’s, on tour with Rainbow in Germany, I heard ‘Go for Baroque’ by the Dixie Dregs on a car radio. I was captivated and immediately bought Unsung Heroes. Then I bought Steve’s first solo album. What a guitar player. Never could I have dreamed that twelve years later we would be in a band together.
Deep Purple was at a pivotal point in the mid-90’s and needed to refresh itself. Steve was an inspired choice and brought his talent and limitless imagination to us – evidenced by ‘Purpendicular’, a favourite album of mine – enabling the band to start an amazing journey for the next twenty-eight years… no mean feat. He’s a teacher, he inspired us, me in particular, with his energy, encouragement and wisdom, and his contribution and legacy in this band is beyond words. He will be missed but our friendship will remain. Sadly, life has intervened, and different challenges are upon us. Janine needs him now, and my best wishes and thoughts go out to them.
In the words of Don Airey:
Thanks Steve for being such a shining light both musically and personally to me over the last few (20 !!) years. All I can do is wish you and Janine
the best for the future, in the new course that life has taken you. I know it would take a lot more than this to extinguish your talent and your music, so hopefully we’ll see you down the road a-piece.
Cheers DA
There will be no further comment from the band. We kindly ask that Steve and Janine’s privacy is respected and to keep them in your thoughts at this time.
Thanks to Merlijn Rotte for the heads up.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
The saddest day for Deep Purple fanbase since 16th July 2012… Thank you Steve!
July 23rd, 2022 at 13:15Thank you Steve for reviving Deep Purple in ‘96. This is so sad, God bless Janine and your entire family. All Purple fans all over the world are pulling for you! You will be sorely missed, especially your American vibe for all us US fans, and smiling always😊. Thank you so much and good luck! You (and the band) are a DP legacy with those 8 LP’s🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
July 23rd, 2022 at 13:32Just saw in social media. Steve will be missed, but his wife comes first. We can all pray that she gets well and he can return some day. In the mean time, from what I have seen on you tube, Simon is a more than competent replacement.
July 23rd, 2022 at 13:54Steve Morse is a great musician and a great person. RESPECT 👍
July 23rd, 2022 at 15:19What a loss. But a good reason. Wish Steve and Janine all the best in times they have left. As good as a substitute Simon is, I really think this will be the end of the band after this tour. A fair and good ending.
July 23rd, 2022 at 16:05This is excruciating news from a principled man of extraordinary character and compassion. Steve has brought only joy to our world for at least the past 28 years. I am thinking healing thoughts and praying for Steve and Janine every day.
July 23rd, 2022 at 16:14I remember listening for the first time to Ted the Mechanic on Purpendicular, never having heard of Steve, and wondering whether Purple had found a first-rate guitarist. By the end of the solo I had my answer: yes, absolutely. I love the Morse-era albums, even the ones that other people look down on. I think it’s a body of work equal in quality to that of Mk. II, but of course very different: less brash, less raw, but richer, deeper, more mature. It has suited me perfectly in middle age, as the Mk. II era suited me perfectly as a young man. Thank you, Steve.
@#1: Yes, indeed. And my heart bleeds for Steve and his wife, and their children.
July 23rd, 2022 at 17:10The end of a very significant era in the history of Deep Purple. I met Steve after a gig at Bournemouth BIC. A very modest, talented and inspirational musician who who will be sorely missed from Deep Purple line up. Difficult indeed to replace and maybe now time for the band to retire.
July 23rd, 2022 at 17:32Sad, sad news indeed. All the best to Steve and Janine.
July 23rd, 2022 at 17:36A sad sad day ! Thanking you Steve for everything , I really hope you will come through this , you have been an absolute superstar in all that you have done and given , my prayers are with you .
July 23rd, 2022 at 17:38Thank you for the fabulous Music Steve! Best wishes and prayers to Your and Janine!
July 23rd, 2022 at 17:59Being younger, Steve was my Deep Purple guitarist, not Ritchie. He saved the band, and I will always be thankful for everything he brought to the band. Thank you Steve for everything. You will be missed.
July 23rd, 2022 at 18:08Yes, that was kind of to be expected. His health (arthrose) is also not at its best.
Really very, very sad. Steve has shaped Deep Purple twice as long as Ritchie Blackmore. Good 27+ years.
His quality and style have made Deep Purple a completely different but equally fascinating and successful band. With great albums from “Purpendicular” to “Turning To Crime”.
Maybe he’ll be a guest someday. There was no fight in the band.
I wish him all the best.
I would be happy if Simon stayed and am looking forward to an album. Now it’s probably officially Mark IX.
Steve’s wish and the band’s promise that he remain the last DP guitarist did not come true.
I would also be disappointed if the band ended in this good period.
All the best to Steve and his wife.
July 23rd, 2022 at 18:21All the best to Steve going forward. People are what count the most, not music. But his presence kept the DP engine going with high-quality music for decades. And he is first-class and friendly all the way. May the Lord watch over he and his wife and family.
July 23rd, 2022 at 18:56“I guess you have to jiggle the key just right because I never got it open.”
No worries, you had your own key, Steve, and unlocked plenty other doors. Thanks for the lengthy and satisfying ride you took us on, we went places we had never been before. And if I was Janine, I‘d like to have a husband like you too. Good luck to both of you.
You‘ll remain a part of the family – I‘ll continue buying anything you‘re on!
*** *** *** ***
I‘m saddened, but I‘m not surprised. I had expected this so much in fact I dared not put it in writing here – sort of don‘t throw the dice about his garments while he and Janine are still putting up a fight. Touring was never the be- and end all of Steve (to the others in Purple it‘s a way of life), he has mentioned that in interviews often enough. And there was that health impairment with his arm plus the long term perspective of Janine‘s health, you want and need to be there.
*** *** *** ***
And so the seasons change, welcome my friends to the show that never ends and to Mk lX !!! I‘ve seen Simon twice now with the boys, I‘ll be happy if he is in with them for the long haul, he seems like a good fit and audiences liked his gung-ho‘ness, he could be for Purple what Richie Faulkner became to Priest, a kick in the butt. Of course it’s his decision, but he is too old to still be discovered as a blues overnight sensation, yet young enough to not have to end his career with DP – realistically, they only have a few more years left. Simon can still have a solo career basking in the glow of being ex-Deep Purple afterwards.
Looks like we‘ll have a new album coming up! With some very slight Gary Moore influences and perhaps some harmony vocals?
July 23rd, 2022 at 19:01Dear Steve, thank you for the music and all tge best for your wife Janine.
July 23rd, 2022 at 19:18It breaks my heart to be honest. I think Steve should stay as a permanent member no matter what. Until his ready, no matter how long it takes, you can have a replacement. I don’t think antibody would mind.
July 23rd, 2022 at 19:18I really don’t know what to say. I am stunned beyond words, I am fortunate to have met him several times and he is such a great guy. I wish nothing but the best for him and his wife. Someone said to me a long time ago the only thing that’s guaranteed in life is change. It seems to me whenever change comes it’s always sad. He will be missed!
July 23rd, 2022 at 19:40Dear Steve, thank you for all the years!
July 23rd, 2022 at 19:46Truly the end of a great era. It’s hard to comprehend the contributions and sacrifices he’s made. When RB left in 1993, my Grandmother passed away the same week. After I got the call that I lost my Mother, on my phone, I saw the news about Steve leaving…inside of one minute.
July 23rd, 2022 at 20:06Dear Steve,
They all came out to Montreux, but
July 23rd, 2022 at 20:12since ’96 you came up with unequalled melody-lines and solos with a technique nobody else equals.
You got Deep Purple back on track and I hope you’ll both get the chance to do the same on the home front. Thanks for putting the Deep back in Purple. Seize the day. And move forward with courage. Strength for your wife and yourself and yours.
Peace to Steve and his family. Thank you for many years of wonderful music!
July 23rd, 2022 at 20:34I saw Purple the first time in 96 with Steve, and the last time was in 2019, and many times in between. If I get a chance to see them again I will, but if I don’t I still have a great deal of satisfaction. Good luck to Steve, his wife and family.
July 23rd, 2022 at 21:46I’ll pray for Steve and Janine, that’s it. And with Purple, I’ll accept whatever their decision will be.
July 23rd, 2022 at 21:59Steve, thank you. You truly have no idea. Thank you……
July 23rd, 2022 at 22:29Petr #1 said it best…saddest DP day since June 16, 2012. What an amazing guitarist and gentleman Steve Morse is! No one could have respected Ritchie’s legacy yet still was his own man better than Steve did. He reinvigorated the band in a way that broadened the Purple sound into new and exciting directions. I’m as happy listening to “Purpendicular” and “Whoosh” as “In Rock” and “Machine Head,” and that’s saying something. And that’s Steve’s influence.
While I’m sure Steve will miss Purple as much as the other guys will miss him, he is absolutely making the correct decision. Prayers to him and Janine on their journey ahead. Thanks, Steve, for all the joy you gave so many.
July 23rd, 2022 at 22:59All the very best to your wife Janine Mr Steve Morse & to your good self & other family members.
July 24th, 2022 at 00:11What a loss…
A fabulous guitar player and musician but even more fantastic human being.
I’ve just seen the band twice and they are just incredible, especially Gillan whose performance level is stunning, so I really hope they’ll keep on touring some more time with Simon.
July 24th, 2022 at 00:29So sorry to hear this but sadly expected. You have been a huge part of Purple and our thoughts and best wishes go with you and your family.
July 24th, 2022 at 01:10This fits now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymcVYp89goM
Thanks for all the great music.
July 24th, 2022 at 01:59To one of the best who gave so much to Deep Purple. Listening to Junkyard Blues. Unbelievable. No group touches these guys
July 24th, 2022 at 02:03Much out to Janine, we are all with you. Much encouragement Steve, and thank you for all these wonderful years. We hope everything goes better for you.
July 24th, 2022 at 06:36Genius guitarist and musician. Had just played my favourite “Steve” driven Purple track .. “Sometimes I feel like screaming” when I saw this sad news. My abiding memory is having the pleasure of sitting … then standing/dancing, right in front of Steve in full flight … and witnessing his kindness at the end of the show when he made sure a 10 year old kid nearby, got one of his plectrums. Thinking of him, his wife and family and of what he gave to this great band and it’s fans. ❤️
July 24th, 2022 at 06:56Tears reading this. Hope everything will turn out good.
July 24th, 2022 at 07:06For me, now’s not the time to think about the future of the band, but instead to think of Steve & his family.
Over 10 years ago I was exactly where Steve is now & his music was (& still is) part of my on-going healing process.
Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming …
July 24th, 2022 at 07:08This is very emotional day for me. Never expected this. Fan since 1982… this man puted DP concept on totally different level. He is now so big part of the band so I’m not sure if this ship has to continue. So huge personality, inventive and magical. The prospect is unclear. If I was a factor, next album must should be done with him, Sach and Simon. The last should get the position of guest guitarist. The Four should continue as quartet, honoring Steve. Period
July 24th, 2022 at 09:40Steve has made the right decision. Good on him – Family first always. I hope his Wife wins her battle in good style. Simon is an excellent player with great tone, but not a ‘name’ guitarist. This further dilution in the guitar department does concern me. I feel sure the band will continue and make at least one more album, but I think the upcoming UK shows may well be the final ones for me.
July 24th, 2022 at 10:22Best wishes to Steve and his wife.
July 24th, 2022 at 10:30My first Depp Purple gig was at the Barras in Glasgow. I had kind of lost touch with the band over the years so was unaware of the changed line-up. I was hypnotised by this guy with long golden hair who spent the evening loving his guiitar to death. I’ve seen them more than 20 times in a variety of countries and they never disappoint. I’m looking forward to seeing them again later this year.
I was so sorry to hear about Janine and wish her and Steve all the very best. Like the other band members have said Steve’s priorities are right on the button.
I just wish I could do more, but Steve and Janine will be in my thoughts.
July 24th, 2022 at 10:49Here’s to maybe the (imo) best guitarist Deep Purple ever had.
July 24th, 2022 at 12:55Steve Morse worked really hard with the rest of the band to take Deep Purple to the privileged place they now are , countless hours and miles traveling around the world and always playing at his best, recording some great new music as well, thank you Mr. Morse we the fans love you and wish all the best to you and your wife
July 24th, 2022 at 13:38I’m tired of the bombs
I’m tired of the bullets
I’m tired of the crazies on TV
now what ……we got to miss the aviator !
Thank you Steve, I have meet you once and shortly, but your smile and your honestly will I never forget !
You are …..THE AVIATOR ! ( also on guitar ) , all the best !
July 24th, 2022 at 14:28Steve, all the best to you, your wife and your family!
Thank you for the music…
July 24th, 2022 at 15:31The whole wide Purple family is so indebted to Steve for bringing new life, joy and innovation to the group. He has been simply fantastic, musically and comrade-ly. A huge big up to him for this and all the other wonderful music he has created in his long career. And a huge amount of sympathy, love and empathy to him and his loved ones is due. Thanks Steve, you’ve been ace.
July 24th, 2022 at 16:07This is for Steve.
July 25th, 2022 at 03:32Thank you for saving my favorite band. Every album and tour that you have been on is wonderful, including Rapture (shut up, you deniers), but I am very happy to know that you value your family before your music. All the very best to you, and especially, Janine.
We love you.
Onward!
What I really love about this is the way all the band members loved and respected each other for the time Steve was in the band. They were a sold unit and produced amazing songs and Perpendicular is up there in the top 5 best DP albums after In Rock, Machine Head, Burn, Perfect Strangers.( In my opinion)
July 25th, 2022 at 07:19I wish him and all the best in his new chapter in life and he is a legend in my eyes.
Peace ✌️
First, my heart goes out to Steve and Janine.
Every woman deserves the love of a good man, and Janine obviously has one of the best. Celebrate every moment you have together.
That he was also one of the best musicians in the world is just a bonus.
Simon has big shoes to fill.
I am sure that whenever Steve is ready, assuming the rest of the band are still going, he will be welcome to join them on stage.
Remember
“Your souls had been touched
July 25th, 2022 at 10:59Are forever entwined”
The Best.
July 25th, 2022 at 12:05Godspeed!!
They replaced the impossible before, he will be replaced also life goes on. Thank You Steve, bless you and your
July 25th, 2022 at 12:18wife in all life’s journeys.
A sad day for Deep Purple indeed, but there is a valid reason, and Steve has taken the right step for him and his family.
When Steve joined Deep Purple in 1994, I was already familiar to him, and some of the Dixie Dregs album were among my top favourites. To say that I was excited would be an understatement. I realised that it may not last for long – I know that Steve already had had a brief stint with Kansas. So seen from that perspective, the fact that he stayed for 28 years is amazing. I think it also tells something about Deep Purple as a band.
This new guy is completely unknown to me so far, but I have the ticket I bought in late 2019 and the show will eventually take place in October, so I will learn to know him then.
July 25th, 2022 at 12:30Sad months. July 2012. July 2022.
July 25th, 2022 at 15:42I just realised I saw Stevie more often than Ritchie in concert.
DP is my life and Stevie SAVE DP in 1993. If they did not get him to join the band we will only have a few things to watch on Youtube. For sure we will have In rock, Machine head , MIJ inside us but hey!!! What we will have missed.
It is extraordinary what Stevie and the guys brought us since over 28years. In 1985 and 1987 when I saw DP in Paris I was thinking already it could be the last time.
Therefore with DP we never know.
So for all these extra years , thank you so much Stevie and all the best for you , your dear wife and family.
48 years since I first listen to MIJ on my brother timetable. I don’t want it to stop. Its too sad to think about it. Like a little death , I know it will happen one day … But its too soon. They are still soooo good and love by the fans.
Long live Stevie and DP family.
Richard Legris.
Good luck to Steve and Janine.
July 25th, 2022 at 17:58Steve is doing the right thing. Family always comes first.
This is devastating news for us fans, but the right thing for Janine and Steve.
July 25th, 2022 at 18:47Steve’s contributions to music, especially Deep Purple, are hard to quantify. Hopefully, this is not the end of the musical journey for him, whether solo or with Purple.
In my various meeting with Steve, I always felt like I was in the presence of a truly genuine human being.
Thank you, Steve, for all your amazing music. Best wishes to Janine and you for the road ahead.
Well, its the first time I have posted on this site, but I have been a DP fan since growing up listening to Made In Japan. When the band reformed I saw them with Ritchie in ’87, 91 & the infamous gig in B’ham in Nov ’93. I remember leaving that gig thinking it would be the last time that I would see them as it could not go on like that much longer.
How wrong I was, they got Satch in short term then Steve joined. The first time I saw them with Steve was on the Perpendicular tour in B’ham in Feb ’96. Boy can I remember that gig as that night I saw the band as I always thought they should be (and that’s not being unkind or disrespectful to Ritchie). What a gig and what a set list, from starting with Fireball I was blown away with just how good they were, and it was so different to the ’93 gig.
Since them I have only missed them on one tour (the orchestra one) and every time i have seen them it has been an amazing gig with Steve always smiling & the rest of the band also enjoying themselves.
So Steve, a massive thanks for saving my favourite band and giving them such a new lease of life. All the best to you and your wife for the tough times that are ahead of you.
I will be seeing them again with Simon in October, I am sure that will be another amazing gig – but tinged with a hint of sadness as Steve won’t be there. But he will be where he is needed most. An amazing guitarist, but also a fantastic person.
Best wishes to Steve and his wife Janine.
July 26th, 2022 at 19:04When we were appraised of the news about Janine the few months ago, it stung sharply.
As a fan of Steve’s beginning 43 years ago, it feels like a family member especially with regards to my inner circle family who have, and had, this terrible affliction.
And now this news of having to leave the band is a bummer albeit paling in comparison to Steve, Janine, and their inner circle.
Bought my first Purple record (MH) at the age of 12 years. Fave British hard rock band from the outset. Fast forward to thumbing through Guitar Player magazine and seeing “Baroque on The Water” a snippet about Steve’s joining the band. Many phone calls were made to friends who were Dregs and SMB fans. Total disbelief! Purpendicular was not released here in The US straight away, but a record store had imported a few copies from The UK. Was blown away and remain as such. ‘Nuff said! :>
Paicey gave us a great quote of Steve’s. And to paraphrase, “I may not have been the first guitarist in Purple, but hopefully I’ll be the last”….
We shall see how things pan out….
Peace,
July 26th, 2022 at 20:28Ted
Great guitarist, better person and fantastic human being.
Thank You Steve
July 27th, 2022 at 05:08You know what I really somewhat selfishly regret, leaving Steve’s and Janine’s tragic personal circumstances and the general shock of his depature aside? We’ll now never have a tour where all that excellent Whoosh! material (or at least a substantial part of it) will be represented live. I don’t see that happening with Simon in the future, Purple will move on as they always have. Whoosh!, such a cracker of a late period work, will become a largely forgotten album just like Fireball, WDWTWA, Stormbringer etc. What a waste.
I’ve spent the last few days listening to all Mk VII-VIII studio albums again, several times over. It really is a cohesive body of work and would make a lovely triple CD compilation of latter day Purple. I’ve also listened to all the 1984-onwards albums with Ritchie (all of them good too, I’ve even grown to reappreciate TBRO – I never hated Slaves & Masters in the first place, it’s Purple’s finest AOR album after all, the kind of album Rainbow failed at ever achieving). But there is one striking difference between the 1984-93 and the 1994-2022 era studio recordings – the whole band studio performed more at ease, ‘loose but tight’ and intrepidly in the latter. Steve left more oxygen for the others and encouraged them to breathe. Thanks for that too. Ritchie of course provided edge and as a Purple fan you have to appreciate that as it was key for their 70ies success, but he did not instill creative abandon (!) in the others.
July 27th, 2022 at 17:53My heart is sad and goes out to Steve and his family and the entire Purple family. As I process this my grief might be in the denial phase because I believe that he’ll play with Deep Purple again largely because they are partin very friendly terms. It won’t be surprising if he can join them on at least part of their 2023 American tour.
I became a Deep Purple fan when the band didn’t exist. I’ve seen them live 10 times from the Permanent Strangers tour to Steve’s last show in Tampa before his last shows on the cruiseliner. I loved every show and never complained about the Machine Head-centric set list but was didn’t mind hearing a couple of new songs. My mindset the last fews years has been that each time I see them perform might be my last. But something that I never really thought deeply about until now is that I only saw Blackmore play once and only saw Lord play twice. 90% of my best concert experiences have been with Steve (and 80% with Don). So the “new guys” really are my music heroes and I hope that the last time I saw them play together won’t be the last.
July 28th, 2022 at 20:38I am really sorry, I hope Jannine go well. I love Deep Purple with Steve. Im not sure if the band must go on. I think my favorite band was really very lucky when then found Steve and he replace RB, I think I was very lucky at that moment, and I dont think luck knocks at your door twice. But we will see …
July 30th, 2022 at 00:12Thanks Mr Steve Morse for the incredible music I discover with you, you are one of my music heroes and I really hope I can see you again on stage, but the most I hope is your life and tour wifes life go well.
I met Steve after a ‘Bananas’ gig and he was a shy and friendly guy. I will always admire his playing and the way he virtually saved the band. The opposite of the man in black but just as brilliant in his own way. ‘Sometimes I feel like Screaming’ is right up there. All the luck in the world to him and his family. I hope he gets the opportunity to play with the guys again.
August 3rd, 2022 at 17:27We are very sad to hear that. Since the early 70’s Deep Purple were my favorite band. Nadine and me saw them dozens of times and we always loved them.
August 3rd, 2022 at 18:09Steve is an incredible guitarist and we will miss him. But sometimes in live there’re things that are much more important than Rock & Roll.
We wish Janine & Steve the very best.
Thank you Steve for all the notes, and all the humanity. Cherish the moments ahead. See you again at Rosa’s.
August 4th, 2022 at 03:33Listening to Purpendicular again (again), brilliant now to me as MH. Loosen my strings again DP.
August 9th, 2022 at 03:00