In anticipation of the UK tour, a Welsh website published an interview with Roger Glover. The usual Roger’s eloquence didn’t fail him this time either:
Putting it mildly, as a band we’ve had a few ups and downs. But over 40 years you show me a life that hasn’t. Whatever people think of us, right now we are really happy playing together and that’s the best reason for doing this.
I love a blank canvas because you start filling it from nothing, sometimes with no idea of where you are going, and it ends up as something. It’s the same with an album – you start off with an hour of silence that you have to fill and you don’t know where to begin. Pretty much all our songs are accidental.
Read the full interview here.
There’s a new interview with Ian Gillan in the latest issue of Sweden Rock Magazine. On the Gillan split:
Q: The Gillan split was a bitter one. In case McCoy and Underwood would be reading this article, what would you say to them?
IG: Well, what can one say? They claim that I cheated them on their money, but the facts are: We split all profits between the 5 of us, and I had to add from my own pocket. I was broke by 1982. Those guys were brilliant musicians, especially Mick Underwood. And I had a lot of fun with John McCoy. But when he hit my manager with his bass guitar, I lost all respect for him. If you’re going to fight, at least pick somebody equal to your own size. I wish they could have done something better with their lives than to sit and complain.
On when we can expect a new DP album:
IG: We have tours booked up until November. Then we go on a vacation, and after that maybe we’ll go into the studio. So, maybe there’s a new album in 18 months.
Thanks to Daniel Bengtsson for the info.
Ian Gillan will be signing copies of ‘Smoke This’ at the following Borders bookstores during the UK tour:
- Bournemouth – Friday 27th April @ 5 pm – 6 pm
- Brighton – Sunday 29th April @ 2.30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thanks to Caramba! for the info.
The Modern Guitars magazine have reprinted an interview with Ritchie Blackmore that originally was published in 1975, just after he left Deep Purple. At this point the Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow album was already released and Rainbow was on it’s Mk.2 lineup (Blackmore / Dio / Powell / Carey / Bain). He talks about the transition, the reasons for leaving Deep Purple and how he enjoyed a fresh start with a new band.
Read the interview here.
Many thanks to Jim Collins for spotting this goodie. A very extended live version of Demon’s Eye from Berlin 1971: Continue Reading »
I guess this settles it. Glenn Hughes issued this update regarding Mk.3 reunion rumours:
I am in Russia, and wanted to give you all the news about the rumour of a Deep Purple MKIII re-union.
As I have been the one that is consistantly being bombarded with the same question over and over again. My answer has always been that there a 5 members, and that at no time have we had a band discussion about a re-union. Yes, David and I flirted with the idea 18 months ago, and since then my brother has fully comitted himself to his love and nurturing of his beloved Whitesnake.
For all GH followers, you can all see that my solo career has gone to another level, playing to more people around the world – the popularity and the demand for my activity has risen….David’s recent statement has finally put this rumour to bed….Although I would have loved to have seen it happen under the right circumstances, I’m just as happy to let the increbible legacy of the Mighty MKIII remain intact…..
See you somewhere in concert on the Planet this year………
Glenn Hughes
April 8th, 2007
Thanks to Daniel Bengtsson for the info.
Here is David Coverdale’s response to the recent Glenn Hughes interview in which Glenn suggested that he had spoken to Coverdale, Lord and Blackmore through “third parties” and implied they all showed interest in a Mk.3 reunion.
Coverdale denied he has any interest in any lasting reunion, but he would participate in a one-off show featuring all surviving members of the band:
As disappointed as some may be, I am disappointed to have to keep repeating this, I have not agreed in any way, shape or form, to a reformation of Deep Purple Mark III, and my soul brother should be aware of that after our repeated conversations. Those of you who have followed and supported my for many years know how I feel about ‘going back.’ The only consideration, as I have said repeatedly in interviews, would be by willingness to be involved in a ‘one-off’ charity show which would feature all surviving members of Deep Purple.
As you all know who co-habit this little oasis of ours, I am entirely devoted to my band Whitesnake and have plans and ideas for the band that will take me as far as my rapidly maturing legs will allow and then some. I have nothing but the fondest and totally appreciative memories of my time spent with Purple and all the incredible adventures that continue to this day, related entirely to the opportunities I was given by the band. But, now it’s Whitesnake time, as far as I am concerned, and I am dedicated to fulfilling all my hopes, wishes and dreams to ensuring quality work for all involved in the Snake, and, along with the time I need to be with my family at home. That pretty much fills my years in the most satisfying way. If indeed there is a reformation, then I wish them every success, and perhaps Whitesnake could ‘special guest’ them somewhere!
Thanks to Blabbermouth.net for the info.
And once we’re on the subject of Mandrake Root, here is a collection of clips from the early Purple in all their glory: Continue Reading »
This is from a circa 1996-97 Japanese interview which long time ago I had on tape (that is, until I borrowed it to a friend and his kids taped it over). Considering how rarely Ritchie grants interviews, let alone on video, it’s a real treat. Continue Reading »
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Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing