A message posted on the official Whitesnake website informs us that the band will be put on hiatus for the rest of 2012:

At this time the band plan to spend 2012 in the studio, mixing live recordings made during the 2011 tour.

There are also plans to edit & mix a live in-concert DVD from the tour.

Other ‘Snake related projects are also in the works, including new material, though there are no definite plans to record a full studio album at this time.

Some of the band members will be keeping busy with other musical projects throughout 2012 & whitesnake.com will try to provide information related to their activities, as well as the individual member’s websites.

K-97 from Edmonton did a rather interesting interview with Ian Paice when the Purps were in town. Ian talks about the changing face of music scene, his experience of working with Paul McCartney, living where he lives and many other things. Around 15 minute mark he talks about Jon Lord, that his treatment is proceeding really well, and he’s hoping to get back to work around April.

Listen to the interview (mp3, 23MB).

Thanks to Nigel Young for the info.

Times Colonist from Victoria, BC, has published Roger Glover’s interview/profile:

Now, every night I step on stage I value it immensely. [Performing] is something very few people get to experience, therefore I can’t take it for granted. That’s the only time when there’s no distractions. There’s no phone calls, there’s no computers, there’s no family, there’s no children. There’s nothing except for your music and the audience. . . . It’s a lovely moment in time, and you’re so in the moment. You brain is whizzing along at light speed, because you react to what the others are playing. It’s a moving, liquid thing. You keep it together as possible, and also as expressive as possible.

Read more in Times Colonist.

Another interview with Roger, rather interesting, was done at the beginning of the tour by a Maritimes’ radio station Q104. You can listen to it in their blog or directly: part 1 and part 2 (mp3, 17MB total).

The coveted Blooper Award of the tour goes to Vancouver Sun, whose review of the local gig reads:

It took a few songs for Paice, who was wearing an ankle brace, to find his vocal footing, the rather unforgiving Highway Star proving challenging right off the bat, the rest of the band overpowering him.

And if you thought it’s the only blooper of the article, no. It is illustrated by a photo of Big Ian, whose name is spelled (you’ve guessed it right) Gillian.

Thanks to Monika Schwarz and Yvonne Osthausen for the info.

Ian paice will be a guest on My Planet Rocks radio show this Sunday, February 26, at 9pm GMT:

This week’s My Planet Rocks sees DEEP PURPLE’s IAN PAICE take the hotseat to pick out his favourite songs.

He talks about his band’s longevity, their plans for the future and he’s got an update on Jon Lord’s current health.

He also talks about the music that has inspired him over the years.

Planet Rock broadcasts online and worldwide.

Calgary Herald has published Ian Gillan’s profile/interview, which for once, is a little better researched than you average mainstream press fare.

On the news album he sounds rather enthusiastic:

“I think it’s time for some new material it always injects a spark and I think we need a little lift now. There’s a lot of energy going into this . . . and we’re still having a good time,” Gillan says, noting they held a jam session in Spain earlier this year with thoughts on writing new material for the long rumoured new record. “But nothing really happened and we weren’t really in the mood for it. So I think we’ll start from scratch and then see what happens. I imagine the juices will be flowing pretty well because we haven’t written anything for quite a while.”

Mind you, the article once again has only brief quotes from the interview and does not provide the context of what was said.

When asked about the recently popular in the interviews topic of RnR Hall of Fame, he replied:

I wouldn’t go to war over it and I wouldn’t hold out too hard on it but my position is this: One of the things I fought against as a kid, when I got into this line of work, as I rebelled from my post-Victorian background and childhood and upbringing… is to avoid being institutionalized. And that to me seems as near as an institution as you could possibly get. So, I’m not in favour of it, I’ve never looked for it, I don’t want it. If it happens, it happens and I’m staying well clear of it.

That makes it three for three.

Read more in Calgary Herald.

Thanks to Nigel Young for the info.

Date: 2012/2/13

: Hamilton Place

: Hamilton

: Canada

First the good stuff.
Good crowd on a cold night and a nearly full theatre. Hamilton Place seats 1,500 would say there were between 1,300-1,400 there.
The guys were on fire despite some problems for Mr. Glover during Strange Kind of Woman. (Finally back online with a third bass).
Steve Morse showed once again why he’s one of, if not the best. Great interpretation of Blackmore licks and positively stunning work on Rapture of the Deep, Contact Lost and in his solo spot.
Especially impressed with Don Airey. His keyboard patterns sounded closer to Mr. Lord’s work than what Jon was playing the last time I saw the Purps. Either that or he was higher in the mix that Jon was that 2001 show at the Molson Amphitheatre.
The musicianship was top-notch as always although Ian Gillan seemed to be struggling at times, which leads me to…
Playing it safe on the set list. Add more Morse-era tunes — please.
Could have done without Hard Lovin’ Man, Woman From Tokyo, Well Dressed Guitar and Blind Man.
Don’t get me wrong, love Hard Lovin’ Man but it really sounded as if it presented a problem for Big Ian.
So… How about Ted the Mechanic, The Aviator, ’69, Seventh Heaven, Bananas, House of Pain or even Wrong Man? Most would present less of a strain on Mr. Gillan’s voice.
That being said, Lazy was killer and it was really nice to see The Mule get an airing complete with a Paicey solo.
Nitpicking about the set list aside, a thoroughly enjoyable evening for me and my wife.
A great night from fourth row centre in a great venue.

Date: 2012-02-17

: TCU Place

: Saskatoon

: Canada

Just returned from the Purple show – been a long wait since I bought the ticket…

Had heard that the Canadian shows were being well reviewed – just added to the anticipation, especially seeing as this was only my second Purple show. First one was the Perfect Strangers tour…

The guys came out flying with the usual opener and never let up on the throttle. Fourth row center and the sound was a little muddy at times with the vocals sometimes lost in the mix. Nonetheless, a very well played show. Highlights for me were Hard Lovin’ Man, When a Blind Man Cries, Rapture of the Deep and No One Came. Didn’t record the set list, but, was somewhat surprised that they didn’t play anything from Purpendicular or Abandon.

Gillan sounded in fine form for the most part (walking cast and all) and was quite powerful in his natural, lower register. While he certainly appears to be working hard to produce those trademark “Eeeeaaaooouuwww’s”, they were often drowned out. Paice did this one handed drum roll in his solo that, if you had your eyes closed you’d be pretty sure he was using two hands. Without knowing better, at times it was almost possible to believe that Jon Lord was still on the organ (get well soon, Jon). Amazing skill from all the players.

Great show – bought the T-shirt. And the CD’s (Roger’s “Guilty Party” is signed)…

Glenn Hughes will appear live on KNAC internet radio on Monday, February 20. He is scheduled to be on the air at 4 pm PST, but exact timing is not confirmed yet.

Of course, KNAC being the internet-only radio (and the good guys), broadcasts worldwide without restrictions.

Thanks to GlennHughes.com for the info.

Ian Paice is one of the musicians confirmed for the Buddy Rich memorial concert to be held on the 25th anniversary of jazz legend’s passing, April 2, at the London Palladium. The show will feature members of the US-based Buddy Rich Big Band reinforced by prominent session musicians from the UK. Other musicians confirmed are Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, John Blackwell, Gavin Harrison, Elliott Henshaw, and Tony Christie. The event will be co-hosted by Buddy’s daughter Cathy Rich, who will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to “three rock legends”.

Tickets £30-£60 are available through seetickets.com.

Thanks to BraveWords for the info.

Rick Wakeman writes in his blog entry for February 2012:

There is so much other stuff in the pipeline that I will be trying to bring to fruition this month which include a possible trio album with Tony Levin and Ian Paice. Early stages of discussions with all concerned, but looking very promising.

This is what it is — “early stages of discussions”, don’t read too much into it. But a few of us, THS editors, are getting very, very excited.