Demon’s Eye started as a Purple cover band back in 1998, and progressively graduated into playing their own music. They are releasing a second album of original material — called Under the Neon — in September. This is again a collaboration with Doogie White, who did vocals on the album. Their previous effort The Stranger Within came out in 2011 and was very Rainbow-esque, to the point that truly your characterized is as sounding like a follow up to Stranger in Us All. Well, if the first preview track is any indication, the band has definitely matured, and while the influences are unmistakably there, this is a very solid original effort. It would not find itself out of place on any family tree album.

Judge for yourself:

Lineup:
Doogie White – Vocals
Mark Zyk – Guitars
Gert-Jan Naus – Organ & Keyboards
Andree Schneider – Drums
Maik Keller – Bass

Track listing:

1. Epic
2. Road to Glory
3. Closer to Heaven
4. Five Knuckle Shuffle
5. Welcome to my World
6. Finest Moment
7. Fallen Angel
8. Master of Destiny
9. Dancing on Air
10. Blood Red Sky
11. The Messenger

Total Time: 53:04

Produced by:
Andree Schneider

The album is due out on September 18 and can be preordered from the band’s website.

Demon’s Eye featuring Doogie White on Tour:

02nd Oct. 2015 D-Siegburg, Kubana
03rd Oct. 2015 D-Siegen, Lyz
04th Oct. 2015 NL-Limburg, Asta Theater
09th Oct. 2015 D- Soest, Alter Schlachthof
10th Oct. 2015 D-Bensheim, Musiktheater Rex
11th Oct. 2015 D-Karlsruhe, Festhalle Durlach
15th Oct. 2015 D-Wilhelmshaven, Pumpwerk
16th Oct. 2015 D-Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano
17th Oct. 2015 D-Isernhagen, Blues Garage

A vintage interview with Ritchie Blackmore has appeared recently in Ultimate Guitar. The backstory as told by Jim Esposito, the interviewer, is kinda interesting in itself. Just mentally replace 1974 with 1973 as from the sound if it the interview was taken on or around June 17, 1973, when the band was playing at the Palm Beach International raceway in Florida:

As a rock journalist Deep Purple was always one of “my groups.” Freelancing through this era every time the band came through town I talked my way backstage with my notebook and cassette recorder for an interview and a story. Like every other writer I got on best with Roger Glover and Jon Lord, who were the most out-going. Drummer Ian Paice was very quiet, and vocalist Ian Gillan was usually with a girl.

Ritchie Blackmore was withdrawn, temperamental and intense. I tried talking to him, but he was not a good interview – two word answers, obviously an imposition.

Circa 1974 Deep Purple was playing at the West Palm Beach Fairgrounds. Meeting up with the band at their hotel to ride to the gig in their limos, I was surprised when Ritchie motioned me over, told me to ride with him, he’d give me an interview. Guess he felt like talking.

I had no idea the interview I’d be getting. A blockbuster. Basically I broke the story about Deep Purple replacing Roger Glover and Ian Gillan with Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale.

To this day I’ve never read an interview where Blackmore was more forthcoming. I used quotes from this discussion for a story in Circus Magazine on the band’s shakeup, but the transcription of the entire interview has been in my files ever since.

In other words, the interview is a real gem, taken at the critical point in band’s history. Ritchie swings from winding the reader up:

Sometimes Jon doesn’t even walk on and we start without him ’cause he’s p-ssed off. He walks off a lot.

We usually beat up the manager about once a week.

I’ll never do a solo LP because whoever I work for has got to be a team. I could never call a band the Ritchie Blackmore Group because I just wouldn’t take that responsibility.

…to being extremely candid:

Did anybody ever agree with you that the band was stagnating?

Nobody’s ever said they’re stagnating. That’s the type of thing they’ll never say to you. But if you’re sharp enough, and you want to keep on as a successful band, you realize it yourself. When you’re stagnating in whatever you’re doing you can tell. There were certain people in the group that were saying: “Listen, we’re stagnating a bit.” And then other people in the group were going: “What do you suggest then? With the lineup we’ve got, and the members we’re not limited, but we’ve played as much as we can put out as the five people we are now.” That is why, now, there’s going to be a change. Deep Purple isn’t going to break up. It’ll be three certain members staying together. There’ll be two new members, and it’ll still be call Deep Purple.

Read on in Ultimate Guitar.

Thanks to Yvonne for the info.

A guitar signed by Deep Purple (at the Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow), Whitesnake, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai amongst others is being auctioned in aid of British charity Rockin for Tots help to raise funds for Simpsons Special Care Babies, which is a registered charity (SC002013). These funds will help with the purchase of a travel incubator for the Neo Natal Unit in the New Royal Infirmary Of Edinburgh., a charity in Scotland raising funds for specialised equipment for local children’s hospitals.

You can view the auction here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EPIPHONE-LES-PAUL-STUDIO-SIGNED-BY-DEEP-PURPLE-WHITESNAKE-VAI-SATRIANI-AND-MORE-/181833043759?&_trksid=p2056016.m2516.l5255

Best wishes to our favourite singer. Many happy returns, and take good care of yourself!

Thanks to Igor Gruden for the video (via deeppurpleos)

Steve Morse takes you on an extensive video tour of his rig: the Musicman #1, the Y2D, Engl heads and cabinets, and TC Electronics pedals. On a side note, the video also reveals that the glove he’s been wearing recently on his right hand helps him to control inflammation from arthritis.

Thanks to Premier Guitar for the video.

It’s a busy summer for the Purple family. As Deep Purple and Whitesnake are trawling the North America, at times almost crossing paths, Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich have headed down south. Here’s an excerpt of their performance in Lima, Peru. Bear in mind that it’s a power trio covering songs that were written for a 5-piece band, so some parts ought to be missing.

Thanks to despiadado777 and marko666arze for the video and to Yvonne for bringing it to your attention.

Wymer is preparing for publication a new book by Jerry Bloom — The Road of Golden Dust. The press blurb reads:

A comprehensive story of Deep Purple’s golden years 1968-76, which saw the band come from nowhere to have a top 4 US hit with it’s debut single. Within two years the band was in the throes of potential dissolvement
when the record company went into liquidation.

Fortunately, focussing on their homeland in Britain they relaunched their career with the groundbreaking In Rock LP in 1970 – the platform that ensured by 1973 Deep Purple was the biggest selling album artists in America.

Band break-ups and in-fighting continually rocked the boat before finally calling it a day in 1976 after a brief UK tour. The Road Of Golden Dust documents the ups and downs, drawing on the author’s interviews with various band and road crew members including founding members Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord and Nick Simper, as well as interviews with Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, roadie Ian Hansford, tour manager Colin Hart plus co-operation from the management company Deep Purple (Overseas) Ltd, that all help to unveil some new stories that help to explain the whys and wherefores that shaped one of Britain’s greatest and most influential rock bands of all time.

Title: The Road of Golden Dust (The Deep Purple Story 1968-76)
Author: Jerry Bloom
ISBN: 978-1-908724-23-6
Format: Paperback, 216 x 138 mm, 224pp
Publication date: October 26, 2015

We hope to review the book some time before the publication date.

Thanks to Gary Hibbert and Cameron Hons for the info.

Another promo clip from the upcoming …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) video release. This time it’s Perfect Strangers:

Thanks to Blabbermouth for the info.

A retrospective video documentary on Ritchie Blackmore is being prepared for release by Eagle Rock. Titled Uneasy Rider — The Talented Mr. Blackmore, this release will consist of an hour and a half documentary proper, plus 43 minutes of additional interviews. The interviews include the man himself, Steve Lukather, Brian May, Joe Satriani, Gene Simmons, Steve Vai, Lars Ulrich, David Coverdale, Phil Collen, Ian Anderson, Malcolm Dome, Martin Birch, Chris Welch, Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, Chris Charlesworth, Jim Ladd, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner, and Pat Regan. Release date is penciled in for October 30 (at least, in the UK). The video has been approved by the British Board of Film Classification for DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms.

Thanks to Darker Than Blue and Daniel Falaschi for the heads up and BBFC for additional info.

This was quite a highly anticipated show for me. Last year down at the Hard Rock in Biloxi, we saw Purple and was able to chat with Roger and Don after the show.
Don revealed to me that he really wanted to play a gig at the historical Ryman Auditorium some day.
I remember posting this in my review last year and making points at how strange it is that Purple never plays in Nashville.
Especially now that they had recorded NOW WHAT with Bob Ezrin in Nashville it seems even weirder.
Well Don’s wish came true this year and we were there to witness it. Finally, Deep Purple plays a gig in MUSIC CITY.
I was able to contact “Stoffer”, another Purple fan whom contributes here at THS and we actually met up before the show.
We shared in some brews and food at a Bar and Grill just down from the Ryman on Broadway called “Rippy’s Smokin’ Rib House”. Good music, beer and food.

We still had some time before the show and headed across the street to “Tootsies”.
Another popular watering hole where another band was playing that included a killer young female violinist who rocked the house.
Well it was time to head to the Ryman after throwing down a few more brews. Stoffer holding his and his wife’s tickets, ready to rock.

I then checked with ‘Will Call’ for a possible envelope for me and my wife containing some Guest Passes.
YES! Roger came through for us again. 2 passes for the after show Meet & Greet.

We entered the main door of the Ryman and parted ways. Stoffer and his wife headed up to their seats on the Balcony (gotta love the name).

We went to ours on the main floor at row J over to left of center toward Rogers’s side of the stage.

7:30 rolled around and the opening band started playing right on time. A 3 piece band that really was good called SIMO. See picture below.
They were a hard driving jam band with a sound that combines with Mountain, Govt. Mule, Cream and maybe Led Zep. There are some good
clips of them on YOUTUBE so check them out. Great opening act for Purple. They played around 45 minutes then Purple was to go on at 8:30.

At promptly 8:30, the lights went down and intro began…. HERE COMES DEEP PURPLE!!!!!
They opened with a cranking rendition of Highway Star from Machinehead. The band had a couple of days off before this gig and it showed.
They were well rested and ready to ROCK the Old Opry House Down. Gillan came out balls to the wall and truly has taken back command of his voice.
He put on a few pounds also which I think is helping with his energy. Truly impressive.

Next was Après Vous from NOW WHAT. This song really does work live and they did a great job with it.

Next up was Hard Loving Man. They did another stellar performance of this old classic from In Rock.
Gillan brought out his GONG as usual and though I have seen this done a couple of times now, it is quite funny and the crowd loves it.

Strange Kind of Woman from Fireball followed and Gillan really shined on it with a great vocal/guitar battle with Steve Morse.

Back to NOW WHAT with Vincent Price. It has really become a great concert song and they have arranged it really well. Great reception too.

CONTACT LOST from Bananas came next. This song was originally about 2 minutes long but has now progressed into a 5 minute
intro into another NOW WHAT song… Uncommon Man which is a tribute to JON LORD and combined is really heart felt. CHILLS.

WELL DRESSED GUITAR from Rapture of the Deep followed. As much as I had grown a little tired of it, it has evolved into quite a crowd pleaser.
This is one song that fits better and better and the band has taken it to a much stronger level than when first introduced years back.

Ah yes, The MULE from Fireball along with a very well executed drum solo from IAN PAICE including his lighted sticks in the dark.

The loud growl of the Hammond from Don Airey lead into LAZY from Machine Head. The band really kicked in on this one.
Love seeing Ian Gillan break out his harmonica. He should re-establish use of the bongos too. Maybe some day.

Yet another tune from NOW WHAT…. HELL TO PAY. This has actually become one of my favorite Live tunes. It has great energy and vibe.
Especially the middle of it where Don Airey takes off really gives it some punch. Awesome to see and hear the crowd interact on it also.
“GONNA BE HELL!” This would have been a major hit in the 80’s. Gillan raising his fist…. “Up the revolution…..”. GREAT STUFF!

This leads into an awesome solo by Don Airey including some very touching Piano work that you just didn’t want to end.

Then came the intro to PERFECT STRANGERS from Perfect Strangers. Another great crowd pleaser and never tiresome. Great rendition.

Big Ian introduces the next tune, SPACE TRUCKIN’ from Machinehead and the crowd jumped up and got really involved.
Roger really let loose on this one. He even mimed playing the drum roll at the beginning. Big Ian got a kick out of it.

The final song of the main set? SMOKE ON THE WATER with a 1 minute long intro of a song by Steve Morse that I didn’t recognize but the crowd did
and were very responsive. SOTW might be old and warn out to me but the crowd loves it and brings the house down every time.

With a farewell and typical walk off stage moment, they waved in appreciation to the audience throwing pics and drum sticks out to the crowd.
Roger motioned and pointed to each of the band members and they acknowledged back while the crowd cheered for each.
They left the stage momentarily but returned quickly due to the roaring demand from a very engaged audience again with thanks from the band
for a blistering encore which began with a nice1 minute sampling of GREEN ONIONS which was the intro to HUSH.
Another tune that brought down the house including a great keyboard and guitar duel from Don and Steve. Nicely done for sure.

Finally and unfortunately, the final song of an incredible show beginning with a very well done Bass Solo intro from Roger.

which lead into BLACK NIGHT.

And once again, the farewell ensues and the band again graciously thanks the audience and waves, threw pics and drum sticks out to the crowd.

The show may be over, but the night is long from over. Time to head back to the Hospitality Room and chat with the band.

First of all, we spent some time with Roger whom came through again. The beer was flowing and there were a lot of folks back there so they
were spread pretty thin regarding one on one chat time. As usual though, they really try and accommodate.

Don Airey as usual is his delectable and distinguished self sipping on a glass of wine. CHEERZ DON!

Steve Morse had a huge crowd that he brought in from down in Florida, including Sarah Spencer whom he
recorded the album “Angel Fire” with, and it took him a while to get out and mingle with the rest of us but he did and shared a story with us
regarding the last time he played the Ryman with his band around 10 years ago and was sabotaged before the show by a rival guitar company.

Then my all time favorite drummer and drumming mentor. IAN PAICE approached. Man talk about a kid in a candy store. THAT WOULD BE ME!

Ian Gillan didn’t make it to the Greet. Based on how well he is singing, I think he is really taking care of himself on tour and cutting down on too much
Interaction with us Strange Folk. Less chance of catching a bug and also allows for some good rest. Wish he had come down though. Still have that
one of a kind album sleeve from his solo career that I am trying to get him to see and sign. Maybe next time. As a bonus, I was invited to hang out
with them the next evening at an Irish Pub along with some friends they made during the recording of NOW WHAT. So I did just that.
Don Airey and Roger arrived along with a local band that plays this pub and some other friends. I got to sit at the bar with Roger and Don chat and throw
down a couple of ales. Great little pub with some great food. What a great time I had seeing my favorite band in the world and being able to
Sit and chat with them also. Please don’t wake me from this lifetime dream I am living……

Well all I can say here is that I was truly impressed with the band and their performance. I remember 10 years ago when they finally came out
with Rapture of the Deep after almost 8 years since the previous album Bananas before saying, This is going to be the last time we see them.
But, every year they prove me wrong and hit the road again and each time over the last 5 years, they actually seem to be getting better and better.
Gillan really did surprise me with his energy and power on that stage. I have said it before and I will say it again….. GO SEE THEM! They are slated to go into
the studio around February and are pushing to get an album out before the end of 2016. Bob Ezrin was in attendance also here at this show.
Can’t wait for that and yet another chance to see them live. As with most here at THS, I would also like more songs from other MK7/8 albums.
Also it is time to exchange out a couple of NOW WHAT songs. Drop Après Vous for either Weirdistan or Out of Hand.
These are perfect live songs that have yet to be played. Still going to bitch here about the
the time frame also. No less than 2 hours should be played. 90 minute sets from a band like this is way too short and that extra 30 minutes allows
for just the right amount of time to really throw in some good obscure stuff along with the 5 or 6 staples that must be played. Yes I know, I am
a broken record regarding this issue but I know I am not alone in this. Most folks have to shell out lots of money and drive a long way to see Purple
because they only hit a small section of the States each time and like myself, the majority of folks go on a long road trip or fly to see them.
2 HOURS! PLEASE!
My buddy Stoffer is a perfect example. He drove down from St. Louis. When you are a band that draws in a fan base like that, you have to give back.
OK, I will get off the pulpit now and close with this. We are just 3 years away from Deep Purple’s 50th Anniversary. I feel fairly confident they have a
desire to be around for that so I am comfortable with the fact that there should be some more time to see these amazing players live over the next few
years. By all means go and see them as often as you can. When is over it is over. Don’t let a show pass you by if you can make it there.

CH-BEERZ

Tracy (Zero the Hero) Heyder