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The most consistent institution of rock music, ever
Metal Talk reviews the Deep Purple’s appearance at Hellfest from June 18, 2026:
Is Gillan’s voice what it used to be? Of course it is not. But the man is 80 and still sounds very good. Also, new recruit Simon McBride (well, not that new) shows why they got him. He slots in impeccably and also has a beautiful solo moment at one point. He goes from feeling-driven to technical and shows you why he has the job.
Yes, Deep Purple extend the instrumental sections, maybe more than they should, to allow their singer to breathe, but that phenomenal rhythm section of Glover on bass and Paice on drums is a thing to behold. And so is that oh-so-characteristic for Purple Hammond organ tone, where Don Airey excels like the Jon Lord days.
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Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Heartwarming. And you know what counts at this point in their career more than anything? Their ability to still elicit emotions.
June 20th, 2026 at 01:24“Is Gillan’s voice what it used to be? Of course it is not. But the man is 80 and still sounds very good”
– indeed he does 💜
And I descend from a long line of singers in the shower. And none of the masculine members have ever sounded that good! Not even during the splashing water 🚿
The writer is right about SMcB! He is brilliant 😃
And RG, IP and DA are indispensable.
How I enjoy this band 🥂🍾
June 20th, 2026 at 03:58“And I descend from a long line of singers in the shower.”
You Randers siren!
June 20th, 2026 at 13:04Hellfest 2026 wins for Purple and Wacken is left empty-handed????….maybe they’ll play there in 2027 if God is good!
These reviews are coming in by the ton and July 17th is still a long way off for me!!!
June 20th, 2026 at 22:20Prolific technicians of their craft ! 👏🏼
June 22nd, 2026 at 12:03And so productive! Lately releasing albums as quick in succession as the Brits change their Prime Ministers and that’s saying something!
June 22nd, 2026 at 22:54Uwe Hornung says:
June 23rd, 2026 at 12:19And so productive! Lately releasing albums as quick in succession as the Brits change their Prime Ministers and that’s saying something! 🤣