Orlando went Space truckin’

Orlando: While I realize people are reading this website because of their interest in Deep Purple, I don’t think it would be fair to begin my review of last Friday’s show without some mention of Edgar Winter.

The show started off slowly. EW doing his thing…. especially on Frankenstein, but when he did Tobacco Road and started the incredible extended jam, I found myself wondering how my favorite band was going to come close to the energy he was exuding onstage….

Now I’ve seen Deep Purple on every tour since the ’84 reunion except Slaves and Masters, both in the U.S and while traveling though Europe a few years back, and everybody who has seen them play live knows just how much of an improvement there has been in the “mood” of the band since Steve Morse’s introduction, but the energy level the past several tours just didn’t seem to compare to “Purpendicular”…. And Edgar Winter’s performance was the “hungry” kind that you just can’t get past….

Then Deep Purple hit the stage and all worries flew out the window… I won’t reiterate the setlist like the other reviews, but will mention my surprise at the reaction to “Space Truckin’”… sure Florida is the home to the U.S. Space program and all, but I was amazed at the reception that song received. People went nuts!

All in all, the show was incredible, Ian Gillan sounding better than I’ve heard him in years… still my all time favorite vocalist. Steve laid it down and even gave the crowd a quick taste of “Skynyrd”.

As noted elsewhere, his guitar was overpowered by the volume of the keys in a few spots, but I seriously doubt most of the crowd knew the difference. Roger Glover and Ian Paice were incredible as always… the drummer in my band (who was standing next to me) always remarks about how effortless IP makes things look, and Friday night was no exception… great tone, tasteful solo… big smile, and making it all look so easy… very humbling to see a band of this caliber…

I thought Don Airey did a really good job. He definitely seemed comfortable with the rest of the band on stage and his solo was impressive (except the nod to “It’s a Small World”… aww who am I kidding, even that was pretty cool!)

If you have the opportunity to see DP on this tour, please take it.

John Karp

We captured the rapture! Our heroes were finally going to make back to our home town. FLORIDA! YES!

We arrived at the very quaint and posh venue, The Chastain Park Amphitheatre just in time to see Steppenwolf begin to play. We’ve seen them a couple of times lately and I must admit, they weren’t why we were there and this gave us time to get settled into our seats and get ready for Purple.

What a very cool setting. This is a small, open air amphitheatre set in the middle of a very ritzy neighborhood with a very woodsy, forestry, motif. There are tables available for those who wish to bring their own goodies.

It was like a “Wine and Cheese Picnic” at the park. From what I figured out and also what I was told, the locals acquire annual passes and make this a neighborhood, who’s who, and gather for all the concerts, mostly as a social gathering as opposed to just going to see their favorite performer.

Well, this definitely was the case while Steppenwolf was on stage. Most of the attendees mingled with each other and just used the music as their background entertainment. This all changed, once Purple hit the stage.

The Show Begins….

At roughly 9:00 pm, the stage darkened and the seductive keyboard intro of Egyptian orientation begins and then comes “Pictures of Home”. A very good rendition I must say. Then they go right into “Things I Never Said”, which is a great choice from “ROTD”, even though it’s actually kind of a “B-Side”.

From here we get a very nice version of “Into the Fire”, complete with Gillan’s original “Growling Screams”. As the crowd is now introduced to the fact that “Social Time is now over”, the intro to “Strange Kind of Woman” embarks and the crowd is at this point redirected to what is. They now are in the zone. They have become enthralled in the magic that many of us Purple Fans are so familiar with, and even sometimes take for granted.

At the end of this classic, Ian remarks to the crowd about how “Civilized” they are and even describes it as playing at a “Tea Party”. The crowd responds with laughter and then we are given “Rapture of the Deep”. One of my personal favorites.

They really have found their groove here with this one. Steve and Don are now, “The Guitarist and Keyboardist of Deep Purple”. Make no mistake about it. The crowd seems to enjoy this new tune also.

“Fireball” is next and I must say, it was nice to hear them change it up a little as they did here. A very fast paced version with very different guitar and keyboard parts thrown in. Nice.

Ian introduces the “Freshly Laundered, Steve Morse” and here we get the combination of a very well played “Contact Lost, along with his very own Purple Instrumental “Well Dressed Guitar”. The crowd went “Wild” after this one. I was very happy for Steve.

Next up was a rather short version of “When a Blind Man Cries”. Very well played, but the second solo was skipped. Don Airey kicks in with very nice solo and intro to “Lazy”. I truly enjoyed this particular Airey solo. He actually played the ‘Hammond” with grace and precision this go, leaving out all of usual “Star Wars” sound effects.

Sorry Don, but the “Close Encounters-Star Wars” stuff you kept doing was getting rather stale. This was spot on the money, the best solo I have heard you perform and I must say, you have completely convinced me of your position. Kudos. Also, a great ending to the tune as well. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I did too.

“Perfect Strangers” is the next tune to enjoy. They followed the normal format with this one with some nice nuances thrown in by Steve. A four minute version of “Space Truckin'” is next.

Here is where I must say, they have dropped the ball. Though it was played very nicely, here is a tune that is the great song that it is, do to the extra long jamming part that is actually the focal part of the song. It’s what us Purpleites expect. this is where the Band gets to let loose and play back and forth off of each other. Space Truckin’ without the Jam is like certain other songs without the Screams. That was a No No.

OK, next Roger begins the bass intro to “Highway Star”, and Steve does a fantastic job playing off of Roger with his version of this great tune.He has put his stamp on this one with his “Race Car” sound and high pitched squeals. Funny…. I’m tired of hearing it live, until I hear it again. It’s that kind of tune. Very well played here.

“Smoke on the Water” is the closer. Actually, a rather lengthy, “Noodleing” intro, and a rather long version of the tune also. Very nice. Heard it a million times and even play it in our Cover Band, but none the less, it “Must Go On”. It’s just the way it is. The folks wouldn’t stand for omitting this one.

They say good bye, but of course, that won’t be it. They quickly return to the stage with “HUSH”. I am going to say hear that it was a great tune here with these blokes. Very well received and very well played. Nice version. They give their farewell adews, and the crowd shows that they want more, and that is exactly what they get.

“Black Night”. Here the band finishes with what they are famous for. Great stretching and jamming between all. Roger and Steve, Steve and Don, Roger and Don, Paicey throughout. A very cool, long version and checkered with improvisation. They definitely left with the crowd wanting more. That’s a good thing.

Now, my complaints: Simple and purely logical. TOO SHORT! Way TOO SHORT! That’s my only complaint. I’m not going to bitch about not hearing my favorite song, or whether or not I miss a particular Band mate. That is just too selfish and childish a stand point out.

But, I will gripe about the fact that less than 2 hours is truly not enough time to be satisfied by this great, great band. You can’t tease us with an Hour and a half or less of a show, and not expect to hear complaints.

More tunes from the Morse and Don era need to be added. It’s that easy. Especially tunes from the most current Albums. And most of all, from the “Last Album, ROTD”. Isn’t that what you are promoting? Only 2 Songs from this album is ridiculous. Not to mention that one of the 2, isn’t even on the original. “Things I Never Said” is actually a “Bonus Track” or if you will, a B-Side.

I don’t have a problem with what you are playing. I have a problem with what you are not playing. You aren’t playing enough. It’s that simple. Otherwise, a great show. The volume was a little low. But, from what I’ve been advised here, there is a volume level rule at this venue. Nothing the locals would complain about. They are used to it, so that probably didn’t bother them. I would have preferred it to BOOM. Not Purple’s fault though.

After the Show…

We got to say hello to the boys, in the “After Show Gathering”. Everybody but Ian Paice showed. He was apparently not pleased about something and opted out of the gathering. This was bad for me because I brought the drum head from my “Ian Paice Signature-Pearl Snare Drum” to be signed.

Oh well, we plan on making the trip to the “Pageant Theatre” in St. Louis, Mo. on the 24th. Hopefully he will show there.

We got to chat with everyone else and get some stuff signed and some more pictures with the band. (See pictures attached).

I got to express myself about their gig length and the lack of newer tunes. Roger took it well and advised they choose their tunes based on audience response. I said, “They can’t respond to songs that you don’t play”. He laughed and said, “Nice one”, then finished his “Heiney”.

Tracy Heyder

It was a special night in Clearwater. Purple gave us another amazing show with a cherry on top: a DP/Edgar Winter (sax) jam on Smoke!

Ruth Eckerd Hall is a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired auditorium that has a reputation for ‘quality sound.’ Of course, quality doesn’t just happen given interesting architecture (‘we’re going to take you through the roof… but… which roof?’ To quote ig) and large investments in technology. Quality is achieved by creative minds, with hard work, attention to detail, and a great deal of flexibility.

All of this is evident and yet nearly invisible at a Purple show. Skilled stage craft makes a substantial contribution to the overall purple experience. Flashing strobes set your heart racing for the opener Pictures of Home and give you that oh-my-gosh-I’m-seeing-Deep-Purple feeling, while a sultry crimson glow surrounds Don during his intro to Lazy setting the tone for a funky ride.

Not to mention the unforgettable light effects that go hand in hand with Knocking at Your Back Door and Perfect Strangers (the lights are really time travel portals, don’t be fooled).

Beyond the visual delights, their sound is flawless yet authentic – I don’t imagine it’s easy making ‘everything louder than everything else.’ But they do!

On top of that, the instruments don’t set themselves up, tune themselves, nor levitate into the hands of the performers mid-show – hats off to those who make it all happen!

Here is a the set list (copied directly to preserve its authenticity), with much appreciation to he who is responsible for helping everyone hear amidst the increasing volumes (and also he who finds mics at the last minute!):

PICTURES OF
THINGS I NEVER
INTO THE FIRE
STRANGE KIND
RAPTURE
FIREBALL
WELL DRESSED
KNOCKING
LAZY
POSS/KEY SOLO
PERFECT STRANGERS
SPACE TRUCKING
HIGHWAY STAR
SMOKE
—
HUSH
BLACK NIGHT

Steve’s solo was mesmerizing. Beginning with his very emotional Contact Lost he tore at our heart strings and yes, gave us just a little hint of SIFLS.

Don is playing great, which he always does, and he seems very charged up – something extra is going on in his vibe – a fantastic entertainer.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a Purple show is the way it feels to watch Roger having such a great time – he’s got rock and roll style and grace, and he loves it as much as you do – it shows. Besides that, the Glover/Paice acoustic and rhythmic presence makes me feel like my heart could well go on beating forever with their assistance.

A brilliant performance by Ian Gillan – he’s got a keen edge in his delivery, yet such a relaxed confidence that is a pure delight – rapturous!

It is simply impossible to not enjoy a DP show. Thanks to all who make it happen – here’s to hoping you reach Climax (and Other Towns Along the American Highway, to borrow from Gladstone).

Suzanne Quinn

Orlando: The venue was packed. Every inch of the house: in front of the stage, up the stairs, on the balconies, and overflowing into the backstage area was heaped with enthusiastic people.

It was a truly amazing show, with a very European feel. The audience had a quality response to Black Night, unusual for North America.

Steve really shined! His sound was crisp and vivacious! Don was really hitting it hard – crunchy is the way it felt – raaarrr – sounding a lot like Jon in those ways that I really appreciate… but also a lot like himself which is wonderful – teasing the audience with the Disney anthem ?small world.?

Ian Paice gave a solid performance which is often just taken for granted. Ian Gillan was delightfully playful – poised, relaxed… yet intense as ever! And Roger was spirited and funky – always that glint in his eye!

As I gazed out over the ocean of bodies I saw a lot of dancing, grooving, moving about… and certainly a lot of love … people having SUCH a great time that they don’t mind sharing heaps of affection [ie. hugs, high fives, sometimes kisses] when they hear their favorite song played so expertly and with such passion and soul (again, it felt like Europe! There *may* be some hope for my country yet…).

Aftershow was marvelous. When I gushed to Roger about the show and the crowd, he commented that when they walk on stage and see everyone smiling, they know everything is going to be all right – the rest comes naturally. Indeed.

Suzanne Quinn

I loved the show. They all looked and sounded great. Good light show for a small facility like House Of Blues.

I have been a fan of Deep Purple since the early 70’s and have bought all their albums up to and including Rapture of the deep.

I wish they would have played more of their newer material. It must get boring playing the same old songs every other night.

Jaye Clark

To me Deep Purple never got as much recognition as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath and it’s a shame. I grew up as a HUGE Ritchie Blackmore fan. I loved Made In Japan when all my peers were into the music of the 80’s. When I found out that one of the three axis of heavy metal and hard rock were going to be playing within an hours drive from me I HAD to be there.

I saw the Perfect Strangers tour in Lakeland, Florida in 1985. Loudest concert I ever saw. But tonite it was different it was Orlando it was the House of Blues. Smaller venue, a different line up, a few new songs some rare ones and all the classics.

I’ve always like Ian Gillan’s voice. He sounded great tonite just couldn’t really understand his in between song banter (must be the accent). What else can you say about Ian? He’s an amazing singer and he never fails to do his job and do it well.

Roger Glover was the consumate professional holding down the bottom end and having fun. It was good to see him enjoying himself. Ian Paice is so tight in the pocket what a joy to see him still behind the drumkit such an underated drummer.

When Jon Lord left DEEP PURPLE some wondered what would they do, who could they get? Don Airey stepped up and took over the role of keyboardist. His musicanship and interplay with Steve Morse’s guitar playing is incredible. Yeah some say they miss Jon Lord and some say that Don Airey is just recycling Lord’s parts. What would you rather he do? He is a perfect fit for Purple.

This leads me to Steve Morse. I’ve always been a Blackmore fan so seeing them without Ritchie is sorta awkward, however I am also a big Steve Morse fan so any apprehensions of how they would sound faded away once they opened the show with PICTURES OF HOME.

It’s no secret Steve Morse is a virtiouso, but what I think most people dont realize is just how down to earth and nice this man is. He had a smile on his face the whole time and was interacting with the crowd and passing out guitar picks.

What a wonderful man no ego there. He could easily have the biggest ego of them all considering his talent, simply amazing. Mr. Morse knows his instrument he knows how to play well with others and he’s not a selfish musician. He is wise and knows its about the songs & the performance not his own agenda.

As far as songs go they followed the same setlist they’ve been playing except for the inclusion of KNOCKING AT YOUR BACK DOOR in place of THE BATTLE RAGES ON. What a treat to hear that again live.

The setlist for Friday Nights show at The House Of Blues:

1. Pictures of Home
2. Things I Never Said
3. Into the Fire
4. Strange Kind of Woman
5. Rapture of the Deep
6. Fireball (”whew! That was Fireball, barely.”)
7. Steve Morse solo/Contact Lost
8. A Well Dressed Guitar
9. When A Blind Man Cries
10. Don Airey solo
11. Lazy
12. Knocking At Your Back Door
13. Perfect Strangers
14. Space Truckin’
15. Highway Star
16. Smoke on the Water

1st Encore:
17. Hush

2nd Encore:
18. Black Night

Randy Chapman

HOB was packed. Don’t know if it sold out, but it looked like it. Show was good, not great.

Edgar Winter was the opener and that’s all that needs to be said about that, now on to Purple.

The mix was good except that the keyboards were louder than Morse and we could hardly hear him. Set list was the same as Atlanta except they added Knocking at your back door.
Glover was amazing, probably the star of the night. Paice was way above his usual self and was brilliant. Morse was great as usual, from what we could hear.

Airey was average at best. He is a good musician but lacks the enthusiasm and emotion as Jon Lord. I just don’t know if he is the right fit.

Gillan was better than the Montreux DVD. I guess the long break did him some good.

The show started slow, but got cranking after 4 songs and rocked the rest of the way.
We are going to the show Sunday in Clearwater (closer to home) and hope they really rock the house.

We would love to hear them do “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming”. That is a terrific song and should be included somewhere. We are sitting 4th row on Glover’s side. He really had a ball Friday. Hope he has one on Sunday also.

The band looked like they were enjoying themselves and having fun. Looking forward to the show.

Del Ferguson

Orlando: Had to stand through Edgar Winter…. oh well. DP hit at about 9pm and set sail. Non stop for the first four with a little talk. Very crisp and clean and professional. No frills if you get my meaning. Nice to see a band actually look like they are enjoying themselves. I have a new found respect for Mr. Morse. Simply the finest player I have seen in a long long time.

setlist:
Pictures Of Home
Things I’ve Never Said
Into The Fire
Strange Kind Of Woman
Rapture Of The Deep
Fireball (hard to make out)
Morse solo
When A Blind Man Cries
Lazy (crowd pleaser)
Knockin At Your Backdoor (love that tune)
Perfect Strangers
Space Truckin’
Smoke On The Water (with sing a long finish)

encores:
Hush
Black Night

Michael Sizer

Deep Purple’s 2007 summer tour supporting “Rapture of the Deep” made it to the States this week, opening with a show July 12 in Atlanta. And at Chastain Park Amphitheatre – a spot known for drawing crowds sometimes more interested in picnicking and socializing than in the music coming from the stage – Deep Purple won the audience over, devotees and picnickers alike, with a spirited performance the band members themselves appeared to be enjoying.

A simple, clean-looking stage set-up washed in purple light greeted the band as they made a rather informal entrance. Vocals came across as a bit wobbly on the first song, but that didn’t last. The song list drew heavily from the band’s early ‘70s recordings. No objections from me on that choice, though it did make things taxing for Ian Gillan. He had to get creative at times to handle the many screaming lines, but he found ways to make it work and won new respect from me in the process. One time through “Into the Fire” and I’d be hoarse (and embarrassed at my effort) for days. A nice version of “Rapture of the Deep” gave him a bit of a break, but that was pretty much it for songs from that album.

The “new guys” (Don Airey and Steve Morse) in the band appeared humble on stage, just as I’ve seen them before. And their playing was dynamite. Things really gained momentum at the point that “Lazy” and “Perfect Strangers” (both sounded fantastic) were offered consecutively. It didn’t slow down from there. People were singing and jumping about – you might even call it dancing in a few instances – during “Hush,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star” and others.

All of it left me beaming purple with pride.

Les Thomassen

We receive quite a bit of inquiries about the August 13 date. It appears that the gig at the Hudson Theater in San Bernardino, California, is cancelled and another one is scheduled on the same day at the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, California. Tickets for Ventura are on sale through the Ticketmaster. Reports that the Ventura gig is on August 14 appear to be incorrect. Check our tourdate listings for full schedule.