New Hughes band live premiere
The band formerly known as Black Country got together at a Joe Bonamassa show in Riverside, CA, March 17, to make their first live appearance.
Glenn Hughes has promsied an announcement of the new band name “soon”.
![[hand]](/hs-pics/portraits/hands/morse1.jpg)
![[face]](/hs-pics/portraits/faces/mcbride1.jpg)
The band formerly known as Black Country got together at a Joe Bonamassa show in Riverside, CA, March 17, to make their first live appearance.
Glenn Hughes has promsied an announcement of the new band name “soon”.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
I’ll say it– I like OTR better. I do not like the lead vocalist being a big part of playing an instrument. Although GH is one of the best bass players around— I think playing while singing takes something away–I cannot put my finger on it other than a visual effect. Same goes with bands with two guitarists–makes me think both are sub-par. My only guess is DP set a standard I go by. That said–GH still has “the voice.”
March 19th, 2010 at 17:22Riverside is lovely, I used to ive thre. The first song here is obviously original material and its very good to my ears.
March 19th, 2010 at 17:32Bonamassa doesn’t know how to play Mistreated, or this is supposed to be his version of the riff? I mean it’s not so hard to play Mistreated.
March 19th, 2010 at 17:45Bonamassa is playing his version. any one can do a straight cover (and its no longer 1973 the world has changed). it takes style and talent to make it something the same but also new.Bonham sounds great no (no one has moaned about his drumming not being the as Ian Paice.as for singing and playing the bass it is a talent and if you are a glenn hughes fan that is the way its nearly always been get used to it.
as for the comment about twin lead guitar most of those bands dont have a world class keyboard player covering what one guitarist cant.
March 19th, 2010 at 19:22@ 4 You hit the spot, Michael…maybe it’s not so hard to play Mistreated’s riff, BUT it’s their version of the song & they’re doing a DAMN GOOD JOB so let’s just enjoy it, the band’ll be a killer!! Really looking forward to their album!
March 19th, 2010 at 20:19Yes, Sami, and yes, Michael! I like the version, because it`s performed and arranged in another way… HZ, I don`t understand your point? Joe plays the riff very similar to the original! It`s Derek`s organ, which isn`t played Lord-like! Jon didn`t play major chords but only fifth, so this new version sounds more bluesy.
When do they tour Germany? I`ll be there! Joe is great!
March 19th, 2010 at 21:39I’m supprised by Mistreated, thought it was quite good, not so much with the first song. More to come I hope.
March 19th, 2010 at 22:46grandiosa la bandototototototototototototota de hughes excelente grupo, nos merecemos sonidos nuevos porq DEEP PURPLE ya no saca nada bueno 5 años de espera desde “RAPTURE” VENGA MR. HUGHESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2010 at 23:05The first song is highly reminiscent of The Way It Is in style and feel, making The Band Formerly Known as Black Country an extension of a Glenn Hughes band line-up–and that’s not a bad thing. This is a return of crystal kharma after going all-out funky with First Underground Nuclear Kitchen.
“Mistreated” sounds a little different for two reasons, the first of which is that no two guitarists are going to sound alike. Everyone has a style that is as distinctive as a fingerprint. I never cared for Morse’s “Smoke on the Water” riff, but his contribution to the bridge in “Woman From Tokyo” is classic. Any guitarist will put his mark on a covered song.
The second reason “Mistreated” sounds different is due to the choice of equipment. The sound of MkIII had a lot to due with single coils. I have many nice double-humbucker equipped guitars–EMGs, Duncans, Valcos, Alnicos, etc.–but I always find myself gravitating toward the single coilers, be they Fender style or lipstick tube, and it’s that “ching” at crunchy levels that gives that charactersitic Blackmore bite. The above is a more refined, smoother sound, while the original was raw–particularly when played live.
Another contributing factor is that from the camera’s vantage point, the organ sounded very low in the mix. I’m sure this sounded much better in ‘real life’.
That said, it is very early on for this band. The first song was typically Glenn, and any Purple material is going to be an interpretation and that is perfectly fine. I’m all for “Burn,” “Stormbringer,” “Lady Double Dealer” and other classics that Deep Purple has abandoned–songs with which Glenn’s band did so well on Burning Japan Live.
I’m looking forward to that studio album–and hope a live one will be in the works as well. Knowing Glenn, we will get both–soon.
March 20th, 2010 at 03:32I just didn’t like this version, no power, and there is some confusion in the riff, I mean imagine changing riff in Burn or Stormbringer. It has to be really good, not confused.. I think this was bad improvisation. My opinion.
March 20th, 2010 at 11:26The camera was standing in the middle it seems IMO, so I m afraid the keys were not loud enough in the mix.
This new number does not do much for me.
Referring to the great albums
The way it is
Return of Crystal Karma
Songs in the key of rock
Like T does……
I dont know yet if that will be the direction.
I love those albums, they contain tons of gems.
I m not sure why but I could really enjoy the 90 s with Glenn ON STAGE and STUDIO, but since the turn of the millennium something changed.
Well, we ll see.
March 20th, 2010 at 13:48Its nice to see the younger and older generations of music proving to us that indeed music is timeless and knows no boundaries as no matter what their take or interpretation of a song or style, thay can pay respect to those who blazed a trail for them.
March 20th, 2010 at 15:40@4–you made my point. DP has a world class keyboard player and world class band members–current and retired. They made music fuller with Jon’s and now Don’s keyboards. I saw DP with Bad Co. and the difference was the playing. DP sounded like the pros and Bad Co. a bar band. As for GH playing and singing—with DP he was the second voice to Coverdale and not the main focus. As said before—he is a fantastic player/singer.Plus the drummer has the good genes–powerful drummer–not a skilled technician like Ian P. thanks.
March 20th, 2010 at 15:49I’ve changed the videos to better quality ones. Note that Bonamassa is playing a Music Man Steve Morse Signature guitar…
March 20th, 2010 at 16:05Re: #14
Look again. In “Mistreated,” that is not a Music Man–it’s a Les Paul.
The solo has a sort of jazzy feel to it. There’s nothing wrong with the tone of a Les Paul–it just gives a different sound to the riff as some above noted.
The Music Man is one of my criticisms of the current Purple–great for the “new” songs but not so good for the classics.
I am digging that Fender bass though.
March 20th, 2010 at 17:58@9, as pointed out, Glenn had an album between Krystal and FUNK. It was a good one and should not be counted out of the picture, its similarities are evident here too.
March 20th, 2010 at 19:10Svante, this cunning new Glenn Hughes Band is just a mocking and mimicking version of Old Deep Purple MKIII, which, by the way, is what Glenn Hughes (the chaaracter, not the person) really is all about. Either DP MKIII reunites again or I’m afraid I won’t be paying my hard earned money to see this undercover Deep Purple dummies.
March 20th, 2010 at 20:02I was surpised that Joe Bonamassa didn’t ‘shine’ on Mistreated considering what an amzing blues guitarist he is and such a great song for him to show the world what he can do. Mayby next time.
Great line up; the future’s looking bright.
March 21st, 2010 at 09:51like most folks, I guess, I think mistreated sounds “more itself” with a slightly rougher/harder edged guitar sound, but this is still an excellent version … GH has done a lot of “one-offs” that turned into nothing over the last little while … I wasn’t disappointed that HTP got hit on the head, but I really hope they keep this going
March 21st, 2010 at 16:48@15 Look again. In the first video he’s playing a Music Man…
March 21st, 2010 at 16:48Mistreated is nowhere near representitive of Joe, and I do think he could do it better but for some reason is lobbing it a bit. This band will rise or fall on its merit, simple as that.
March 21st, 2010 at 19:08@ 20 and he’s wearing shoes that have a colour reminding me of a particular singer 😉
March 21st, 2010 at 22:09Larry
I thought Glenn made at least more than 1 album inbetween.
Building the machine, SOULMOVER and the one after it …..
Music for the divine
Maybe I should count FUSED by him and Iommi as well.
And what about that Voodoo Hill album?
And not to forget the amazing HTP albums?
Maybe you are referring to a SOULFUL X MAS????
For example
Btw, Svante
Is it really stepping on someones toes saying that your suggestion about thye MUSICMAN is asking fror trouble?
March 22nd, 2010 at 01:05Is it me? When is Hughes going to stop his unnecessary screaming – it ruins the songs. It was bad enough when he was with Purple – he’s got a great voice, but he unnecessarily wails like a wounded hyena.
March 22nd, 2010 at 01:43mistreated…
March 22nd, 2010 at 03:09not bad at all .new blood for an old song. suppose we forget that we also had new blood when steve and don joined DP. about steve lets not forget that he have more concerts and more years in DP …NOW… than mr ritchie.
good version, becoming a bit boring to see coverdale singing the song in california jam…..more classic please mr hughes…
long live DP family.
Joe Bonamassa is playing the “new” Steve Morse signature guitar I´m sure. Cool!
March 22nd, 2010 at 13:52@1,
Oh, but there are exceptions. Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, John Wetton, and Greg Lake to name but a few…..
Peace,
Ted
March 22nd, 2010 at 15:11Not bad. I think they need to re-work the guitar riffs on the first tune, but otherwise its a great tune. Mistreated is alright but its not DP (and shouldnt be). Overall I’ll give ’em 7 out of 10.
March 22nd, 2010 at 16:45Like I said before “the excessive screaming” is something I do not expect to go away anymore……
Such a shame.
@26
Getting bored with THE WORST NEW MEMBER IN DP thread at the Rainbow FanClan site?
@25
I d say there have been loads of Mistreated verssions inbetween The California Jam and this one.
Did you miss out on them?
The RAINBOW version with Ronnie James Dio still remains my favourite.
I could appreciate Whitesnakes version as nwell.
I saw Glenn do this song since 2005 0r 2006, I think.
Like with You Keep On Moving interpolating a big amount of vocal gymnastics.
Somewhere inbetween excellent and terrible to listen to.
There are lots more versions, but I l keep calm now…..
March 22nd, 2010 at 19:48Tom @ 24, its not just you, I think GH gets so into it, he possibly doesn’t realise the “extra” noises he is making. The extra screaming and other things were an embarrassment to DP, this is not near as bad IMO. I don’t think he is going to change so we have to take it or leave it. For now I’ll take it…………..Cheers
March 22nd, 2010 at 22:25@23, take your pick, if I failed to mention there was certainly more than one, hence the undetected sarcasm.
@24, easy question of the day… answer is when someone else develops the CHOPS to top him. If you can’t tell thats where his strenghts lie, get some help. It certainly has never and likely will never lie in his songwriting ability, so take out the dynamic chops and good luck with your ears, he has to fall back on something.
March 22nd, 2010 at 23:04Re: #26 & #20
NOT in “Mistreated”–which was the topic of conversation. Once again, it’s a Gibson…
March 22nd, 2010 at 23:40When are we going to talk about the elephant in the room…Glenn has created far more music snd excitement (not to mention internet buzz) over the past five years than Deep Purple themselves. When are we going to hear new material from the band this website is supposed to be dedicated to? And when we do will it be as good as Glenn’s band? I hope so, but I fear it won’t be.
March 23rd, 2010 at 03:44We all know that Mistreated is a classic song from Burn,
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:55there was no one like Ritchie Blackmore, it’s one of the finest songs on “Burn”, Now i am a huge Joe Bonamassa
fan, and from all the negativity on Joe not performing to
it’s or close to the original so what? As i suggested above
nothing will ever outdo the original without Ritchie. Now
if this is any indication of where Glenn/Joe/Jason and Derek are heading well they have won me. As bands over the
years have gone through countless line up changes especially D.P. is the band ever the same no way! It also
depends on what era you enjoyed during Deep Purple’s reign, but with some i guess upcoming concerts with
the new band i am sure if there are some Purple songs included in the set one thing is for certain the concert will go down a storm!!! But if Joe can’t quite nail a
Purple song verbatim, will everybody start complaining.
We shall wait and see.
First song is great…Wonderful groove and very powerful!! Hope the new Purple album is as good:)
March 23rd, 2010 at 20:19Mistreated is fantastic! Jason Bonham does Paicey proud and Joe’s delivery is one of someone who respects the band that originally performed this. this performance is phenominal…Glenn Who? 😉
March 23rd, 2010 at 20:29#29 Mistreated might be your topic, we who point out the Music Man are of course talking about the song featuring the Music Man. Duh.
March 23rd, 2010 at 21:48OK Glenn, we know you can scream your way through Mistreated, and it’s bloody awful. Now, can you actually try to sing the song for once??? Jeeeezzzz….
March 23rd, 2010 at 21:57Larry
Sarcastic?
It might have a bit on the edge, I m not perfect
On the other hand, I learnt from the best I guess.
Ok, lets be glad, that WE at least know Glenn made loads of great stuff while most others make a one dimensional figure of him.
So much for snobbery
Cheers, Mark
March 23rd, 2010 at 23:56Crimson Ghost: Let me get this straight. He’ll stop screaming like a hyena when somebody tops his chops?? And I need help?
March 24th, 2010 at 01:39Re: #37
Svante… At the time, the topic was how the riff to “Mistreated” sounded a little weak. My point was that part of the problem was the equipment involved. Since I have some expertise in that area, I gave my opinion. When you offered the observation about the Music Man, the exchanges were STILL ABOUT “Mistreated”–not the first song.
If you were referring to the first song, you should have been clear in your post and said so.
As an administrator, it is unbecoming of you–not to mention unprofessional and unethical–to be sarcastic at a guest to your web site, particularly in light of the fact that it was your error.
I will resist the temptation to retaliate in kind, even if under the circumstances it would be appropriate for me to do so.
Cheers
T
March 24th, 2010 at 02:24I like this version of ‘Mistreated’, its different. I guess they could do a version closer to the original………….but why would they want to? This isnt a tribute act………….is it?
Talking of tribute acts I notice British TV (BBC?)are doing a show called ‘Over The Raibow’. Andrew Lloyd is looking for a ‘Dorothy’ to play in his latest musical…………Ive emailed in to say I thought they already had one………….
Glenn should tone down the screams a tad, he’s still the man with an awesome voice. Im liking it!
March 24th, 2010 at 09:06about THE VOICE….
March 24th, 2010 at 10:00I find that his best perfomance,his best voice appears on THE7thSTAR…then on FACE THE TRUTH with J.Norum.
after these years I see a man lost into a lot of ideas,cold projects surely with his passion for the music,but with not the same feeling….he has become a machine for producing…this is not a band,I guess that since now we have to wait just one year for a next disabbanding…
then..why playing MISTREATED and other DP’s pieces when they could start as a real new band with only new pieces?
this is just a project to spend just a few time..
sorry for my grammatic..it is long time I miss training for it..
If you do not want to play the riff properly , do not have a bluesy coverdelism singing and do not have intention to solo ‘exactly as it is’ melodically just after the guitar solo break, then play anything else than that – what about ‘Hold On’ ?.
March 24th, 2010 at 18:07IMHO you even do not need to ‘know’ how to play it, but you have to ‘feel’ what you play – unless – maybe its the case – is its been so long long time that the one who had mistreated you, you ve found fat, old and with financial problems.
The riff screams for itself.
Hi Svante
MISTREATED was not really “my topic” at all.
I responded to someone else.
Apart from that, MISTREATED is one of the 2 clips provided, so why should WE not talk about it?
Inevitable action, IMO.
To be honest, I did not really listen to THIS clip because I expected something like the version we have heard before from the couple Hughes and Bonamassa.
Its like with SOTW, how many versions does one want to listen to?
MUSICMAN appears to be YOUR “topic”, not what others seem to experience in the same way as you do.
After all, MUSICMAN is the wrong instrument for this kinda music and one should know that by now.
Cheers, Mark
March 25th, 2010 at 13:39Not good ! No matter what it s been said.
March 25th, 2010 at 17:27Notthing new, except the riff –
*sigh* I give up.
March 26th, 2010 at 12:22The wrong This, the wrong That……
Is there no end to how far the criticism can go? This whole debate goes all the way back to the same old thing. Tributizing and the difference from it. This is a Real Band who had a Real Name until it was discovered the name was already being used. The name will change and the Band will continue on. They are producing a Real Album. They are going to go on Tour in support of their NEW ALBUM. While on Tour, they will obviously cover a few tunes from their Past Library. The songs they cover will be done in THEIR FASHION. This is No Tribute Act. They don’t need to Emulate the Original due to being a Single Dimensional Tribute Act. They are doing THEIR take on whatever song they decide to play.
The Mistreated issue is absolutely simpleminded. Bitching about the Wrong Riff, or Guitar is insane. Hell, Glenn Hughes didn’t even sing Mistreated originally, so in that regard, I guess he is the Wrong man for the Singing job also…..
I will say what I have said over and over again, to the same BS that the Complainers keep saying over and over again. “If you only can appreciate the song being played in it’s Original Way, just grab the Original Album and PUSH PLAY”.
A few constructive criticisms such as Hughes squealing too much is appropriate and makes sense. But to make no leeway for one’s own influence in a song that has been played since 1974 and not be thrilled with it being played in a different fashion is about as narrow minded as it comes.
Mistreated was probably the least played song from Burn on my sound system. I found it boring and lethargic. But that’s just My taste. When ever I saw it being played or covered by Other Bands, I became interested in seeing it played a different way for variety sake. The Rainbow (Dio) version was OK, but followed the Same exact format…..Dio made it a little different, and that was good.
I remember when Gillan took the role fronting Sabbath. I was ecstatic. Loved ‘Born Again’. Couldn’t wait to hear it LIVE. But mainly I looked forward to him ‘covering’ the Old Standards. Not because I preferred Old Standards. But because I wanted and longed for the ‘Change he would bring to them’. Nothing like the originals and That was Awesome. Many hated it. The Sabbath/Ozzy Hardcores couldn’t accept it. I, as a semi-professional musician and fan looked at the event totally different.
Which brings me to a close here…..
Tribute Band…(Should try to achieve note for note duplication of the band they are tributizing)
Covers Band….(plays cover versions of others songs, but aren’t held to exact duplication. Covers bands cover a wide variety of Bands and therefore obviously aren’t tied to any single sound)
Real Original Band…(Plays Their Own Songs Their Way, and when covering other bands tunes have the liberty to do it Their Way).
Cheers
March 26th, 2010 at 15:22Re: #48
Tracy, as usual, you pretty much summed it all up in a common-sensical way. They’re playing DP songs because they like to–and because they CAN.
“Mistreated” is one of my all-time favorite DP songs. Blackmore playing the blues–need I say more?
The Made in Europe mix is my preferred version despite the edits and changes done at the board. The Rainbow On Stage version is also quite powerful. I never liked the Whitesnake interpretation–despite the contribution of the original singer! It’s all a matter of taste.
The version above is an interpretation from a non-original guitarist. That is HIS take on it. One can take it or leave it. I get the impression that it may have been under-rehearsed. Bonamassa seems to be playing way too carefully, and the result is similar to early bootlegs of Joe Satriani playing Purple material. It’s as if he’s thinking, Do I dare mess with this sacred scroll?
These numbers will improve with time. In the meanwhile, you are correct: The band is concentrating on original material, and the DP stuff is just a bonus.
As far as guitars… Maybe a Variax would do the trick… Is that cheating?
March 26th, 2010 at 21:19I like very much Glenn’s screams.
March 26th, 2010 at 23:40He screams because he can, and he does it better than any other rock singer in the world.
There were some singers, which also used to scream many years ago – when they could do it. At that time screams in hard rock weren’t such a big problem. But now, when these singers cannot scream, it turns out that it isn’t cool rock singers to scream.
I don’t agree.
@ 48
You go the bar during the long improvisational parts of a DP show….
You dont like Jon Lord and his classical music……
You feel the compulsory need to insult JLT, saying he s a poof and whatever……
And now you say that you dont like MISTREATED!!!!!
Whats next?
Do you have some more to confess, Mister Bubbles?
April 3rd, 2010 at 21:40As Joe Bonamassa pointed out at the Riverside show,” This is the last California show. It’s close to home (he lives in L.A.) so I thought I’d ask the guys if they wanted to come out here and play a couple songs”. I don’t think they work endlessly on these songs before they went on stage…they just wanted to take the opportunity to present the band…warts & all to the fans and probably hoped it would continue the buzz….I’d say it worked and nit-picking this type of performance is rediculous IMHO! Go find a hobby! Yes, I was at the show and heard first hand and I will be first in line for the cd and tickets! If you’d like to see the photos I shot at the show go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/haveigotapicture4u/sets/72157623667023172/
April 5th, 2010 at 17:11http://www.flickr.com/photos/haveigotapicture4u/sets/72157623667023172/ Oh schucks…..now everyone will know that Bonamassa wasn’t dressed all in black when he played “Mistreated”….damn him to hell for that… 😉 GET IT? GOOD!
April 5th, 2010 at 21:08Priest @51,
I didn’t know you took notes on each of our statements. You need a Job.
As for your misquoting me and as usual, making your own judgment about ones statements beyond what was actually stated, let me clear up your mistaken interpretation of my expression:
You state…
“You go the bar during the long improvisational parts of a DP show….”
That was a remark taken out of context regarding the band today and how the music was enjoyed back in the 70’s. I stated that in today’s audience, most folks would rather have a Purple contain at least 2 hours of music and at least 20 songs. In the Old days they would play around 8 songs with very long improvs during each. That was great then. Today, most music goers don’t get off on long solos all night long. I stated that even I grow weary of it. One or Two long improvs is OK, but that gets old to most listeners these days. I have seen both genres of style and these days, I’d rather get more songs than a few super long ones…..
You State:
“You don’t like Jon Lord and his classical music……”
I never said I don’t like Jon Lord. I love the man. I also never said I don’t like his classical music. On the contrary. Do I crave it? No. I have my moments whereby I have insomnia and can’t sleep. That’s when I play it. Very Soothing, but can I make a day out of listening to it? Not really. I kind of like it, but then again, I kind of like watching paint dry…..
You stated:
“You feel the compulsory need to insult JLT, saying he’s a poof and whatever……”
I don’t feel the need to insult JLT. I do have a desire to state things as I see fit depending on the topic at the moment. When it comes to JLT…..well, yeah, you know how I feel about that.
You Stated:
“And now you say that you don’t like MISTREATED!!!!!”
Never said I didn’t like it….please, please read things at least 3 times before you try and interpret what is stated. You have a major problem misunderstanding ones points. All I said was that it was my least preferred track on the album. One of the songs has to be one of your least preferred on the album. Which one is it? For me it was Mistreated. Does that mean I totally didn’t like it? No. But as I stated in my opinion “I found it boring and lethargic”. There a lot of things that are boring and lethargic that I don’t dislike. I just don’t find the need to continue listening to the whole song after a while due to it becoming quite monotonous after a while so when that happens, I ‘push NEXT’.
Take better notes in the future….
Cheers
April 6th, 2010 at 02:53