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Being honest with your own life
Ultimate Guitar has a new interview with Roger Glover. He talks about If Life Was Easy, the state of music, his influences, his producer work, Purple history and present day, and many other things.
Episode Six came out of the English music scene in the late 1960s when everyone from Led Zeppelin to the Jeff Beck Group were around. That must have been a truly spectacular time.
It was although at the time it just seemed like a time. It’s only looking back that you realize how important or magical it was. It was the end of the ‘60s or probably even in the middle of the ‘60s, it was when the artists took over and it wasn’t the music business anymore—it was the music. And the music generated everything and all of a sudden you could sing about anything; you could play in any style; there was a great deal of freedom going on.
The music business today is completely different—bands don’t seem to have that same sort of unlimited expression.
It’s not quite the same now although it’s changing; it changes all the time. But for the great deal over the last 20 years or so, it’s been very, very business-driven. I don’t know how I feel about that—actually I do know how I feel about that and I’m just trying to be polite.
No need to be polite here.
Musicians shouldn’t be pawns in the money trade. Of course that’s gonna go on but a good musician is not gonna allow himself to do that. Not necessarily a good musician but a good artist is gonna follow his own bent and if it goes against the grain actually that’s probably a better thing. Because if you seem to be chasing money, success and fame, that’s got no credibility to it whatsoever. I think you have to be true to your roots and your instincts.
Read more on Ultimate Guitar.
Thanks to BraveWords for the info.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
The contribution of Roger Glover to Purple cannot be understated. From writing riffs and doing artwork to ultimately producing the band, Glover was and is more than “just” a bass player in a rock and roll band.
In fact, Glover’s departure in 1973 is one of the biggest question marks in the history of Purple. It’s not like Glover was not pulling his weight–artistically or musically. Certainly his contribution to Rainbow beginning only six years later more than vindicated Glover’s departure from Purple–a departure that was at Blackmore’s insistence. A Glover version of Mark III likely would have lasted longer than it actually did and would have avoided a lot of the drug problems and funk influences that induced Blackmore’s departure and the ultimate destruction of the band.
It is a lack of Glover’s influence that has plagued Purple in recent years. Getting an outside producer was a mistake. If Purple “knew what they were doing” in 1970, certainly they know what they are doing now. The logic and motivation in getting an outside producer is another mystery to me, and suggests political motivations.
Apparently, Glover is one of the few current members pushing for a new recording. If this should happen, it is Glover who should be in the control room twiddling the knobs. Just as Purple were never very good at making attempts at commercial songs, they are not very good at going outside of their own circle in production matters.
October 14th, 2011 at 03:25Rog has a good writing style.
October 14th, 2011 at 10:59Nice interview.
Off topic question: Has anybody heard how Jon (Lord) is doing? I hope he’s alright – whatever that means under such circumstances … My best wishes go out to him!
Cheers
October 14th, 2011 at 11:16@1: Roger has said several times that he doesn’t want to produce the band anymore.
October 14th, 2011 at 14:47Hi .. I also know is off topic but i repeat the question Tommy H did a few comments ago : : “Has anybody heard how Jon (Lord) is doing? I hope he’s alright – whatever that means under such circumstances …”
I am worry about all this silence…
Does anybody know what is happening? . there is no info in his website either…..
Cheers
October 14th, 2011 at 17:50@1 I agree, it´s not fair to under estimate Roger´s probably very big part in the band… Quoting: “Getting an outside producer was a mistake”
I agree, but I gave it another thought and I realise that Roger was probably also the driving force behind this, he needed to be more involved in the creative process as a writer and wanted the production to be handled by someone else.
I’m guessing here, the band realized that the whole business had changed.. who’s on the ball? Who’s had succes in producing things in the US lately. Bradford turned up through some connections.. (still guessing..) I don´t think Bradford has done the band any favours production-wise though, quite the contrary. All in all, the sounds he got wasn’t even near of capturing the bands real and exciting live sound, cause we know they still sound amazing.. And unfortunately, they even gave him a second chance on “Rapture” (is “Rapture a mono album?..sounds like it headphones…) It’s a shame that the band accepted those mixes to be released….
October 14th, 2011 at 19:32One of the best interviews I’ve read . He can do no wrong .
October 16th, 2011 at 16:54@6 I totally agree about Bradford and I can’t understand why “the band accepted those mixes to be released”…they are consumate musicians…incredible…
October 17th, 2011 at 12:40Yeah, Roger does a fine job in the production room, but he has stated over and over (to me personally also) that he has no interest in that at the present. But, with all due respect, he didn’t get involved in that area until “Perfect Strangers”. All the albums prior were produced by ‘outside’ personnel. Martin Birtch ring any bells? I’d have to say most of the records prior were done pretty well, especially with the equipment available back then. There are plenty of talented producers out there whom along with a good promotion crew, could breathe new and full life into Purple’s next recording effort. I do agree about Bradford being the ‘Wrong Man’. Roger also alluded to that upon our last conversation. He also made it clear he wasn’t interested in taking over the reins. He did however state that he would gladly sit in and be involved to some degree. I’d much rather have him and Paicey taking the helm as the cheer leaders pushing for a new record and driving home that solid rhythm section responsible for that well noted Purple sound and Steve and Don pour in their talent laying down the further groundwork toward their present sound influence and Gillan takes the songs and puts down vocals that fit his present range (which is still a force to be reckoned with) while a proper hand-picked production team puts it all together and it is properly packaged and promoted. I do believe Steve and Don are ready to take a more aggressive and upfront roll in the direction of the next record. I believe there has been a large amount of intimidation and lack of pressure from these two toward recording. Their passiveness along with the ‘old guys’ backing off is responsible for the lack of albums and seeming lack luster results in the last few. It’s time for Steve and Don to re-energize this amazing band as Steve did alone with Purendicular. Don just seemed to come in and fill in. Steve came in and Took over. I want to see that attitude again from them Both. For too long, they have All had a ‘Bad Attitude’ regarding their album approach. Yeah, the production is important, but the songs are the important thing. No songs Nothing to produce. Just get these 5 guys in the studio and let them go. The rest will fall together. Steve and Don should stand-up and demand a new album. Take the bull by the horns. That is the one thing missing since TMIB left. The recording band became the touring band. Time to compromise and do a little less of one, and more of the other. Obviously based on each one’s present individual effort with recording albums outside Purple, they are full of creativity. It’s time somebody in the band becomes the driving force toward recording some Purple Albums. Mainly so that they can continue their stamp as The Deep Purple that is and will go all the way to the finish line in a blaze and with no doubt as to “Who We Think They Are”.
Cheers
October 17th, 2011 at 14:28#7#
October 17th, 2011 at 18:26Yes – Roger can’t do anything wrong. I have been so lucky, that I have known Roger since his first days in Rainbow. He might not agree with me in this, but to me he IS the gentleman in rock. In all the most positive ways. Add to that: a great bass player, a great songwriter and very fine story tellrer with an edge AND much much more.
One day he must write at least 2 books. One with novels and one – yes – about his life. Cant wait to read them (when or if they will written)
@ # 9:
I have no closer insight in the band’s decision making process. I’m glad that they finally “planned” to work on a new record. But it’s kinda strange, no matter from what perspective you look at things, that there’re are a lot of mixed reactions when they were asked individually about their ambitions to do something new. Using the exclusion principle regarding the interviews from the last two years it’s obvious that Gillan has a big say in, well, anything regarding the band. The number of questions about a new album exploded while Gillan turned nearly all of them down leaving the impression that he’s speaking for the band. As it turns out here and there his band mates thought differently and, most important, a lot more positive than him. It’s no surprise to me that there is no direction when everybody is so casual about that. Just don’t mess with that beloved harmony … where are their cojones, their buzz?! Sometimes it needs a guy who screams: “COME ON, LET’S DO THIS!!!”
October 18th, 2011 at 01:12the next recording should be mixed and engineerd by Nick Blagona, he is the man!
October 18th, 2011 at 13:04@11
Yes, it is evident that Big Ian seems to be holding the cards regarding the album issue. I for one wish the other 4 would step up and just hit the studio whenever possible. They should be laying down some Purple Tracks, vocals or not. Hell, if I’m not mistaken, the last album was delayed due to waiting for Gillan to come in and due the vocal tracks. The BAND of instrumentalists should just do it and put pressure on him to finish up with his end. Sometimes you just have to go for it. I do believe there has been some tension within the band regarding this over the last few years which is evident from all the solo efforts taking place. All of this could possibly be the catalyst for a really good aggressive album I’m hoping. There may be a charge of energy released from all the frustration of these individuals and I believe there will be quite a showcasing of expression from each.
Cheers
October 18th, 2011 at 20:27Re: #9
I understand your point of view and agree with it.
In the old days, Purple were self-produced with Martin Birch twisting the knobs and not getting a producer credit until later. He had worked with Purple for a long time and was not so much an “outsider” as Bradford was–the latter being someone who really wasn’t into music that is in the Purple vein and seemed to me a very odd choice.
One example of that is the song “Bananas,” which just ran short. The song should have been a much longer jam. If the song was about going all out (going bananas) then the band should have been allowed to do just that. Another minute or two would have been fine.
In addition, the pop element in songs like “Haunted”–with background singers–just didn’t need to be there. That’s not Purple.
My point was that Purple really do not need a producer per se. Roger and Paice need to take the leadership roles on the production side of things. These guys are experienced enough to do these things on their own without artistic interference.
I do not see another album happening without full support and enthusiasm on the part of the band. This is one time I sincerely hope I am wrong–but I do believe news of anything upcoming is nothing more than another carrot.
October 19th, 2011 at 03:12Make it sound like “In Rock” C’mon guys; one last time, let it rip for a whole album, just for the hell of it. Be remembered for the power, not for plodding on to the finish line, whenever that will happen…
October 19th, 2011 at 03:12Hi everyone, I’m glad others feel the same way about the poor production on both “Bananas” and “Rapture”. I’d go as far as to say that they are worst sounding albums I have heard since……….I can’t honestly remember!! The fundemental flaws were: the lack of stereo seperation, a hideous “boxy” drum sound and a limp wristed approach. Bradford made one of the worlds most powerful bands sound like they were making a 4 track demo…No mean feat!! Nick Blagona is a good shout. How about Michael Wagener or Ted Templeman? Ted certainly new how to get a great live sounding record with plenty of seperation :o)
October 19th, 2011 at 12:36Add me to the list of long time DP fans that cannot stand the production on ROTD. I have a hard time listening to it. (makes Slaves and Masters sound good!) As a matter of fact, i recently tried to listen to blackmores night’s latest and took it out of the player after 3 tracks!
October 19th, 2011 at 22:00Seems both bands albums get Progressively worse as ‘Perpendicular’ and ‘Shadow of the moon’ were great in my opinion.
I have to agree with Scott @ 17 re; both bands albums lose it after their first initial releases! The Man In Black was the spark who ignited the fire in Purple, this is why they haven’t had someone doing this since he left the band back in 1993, Purpendicular a brief exception to some degree! Without him there isn’t anyone who can step up to the plate with riffs & ideas for quality songs, period! As I have stated before, Purpendicular had a freshness to it, Morse added a spark to ignite a fire for that first album, but alas, the fire dies quickly.
October 21st, 2011 at 07:58Blackmore’s first album is good as it is the first album, fresh with a new direction & ideas. The second album wasn’t bad, but you could hear the same melodies & ideas etc being repeated too quickly! By the third album, you could hear it was all starting to sound the same. But at least he is doing something different to his past, kudos to him! They have released too many albums IMHO & that in itself, escalates the running out of ideas thing, that I have mentioned many times before before, in regards to so many artists, who have contributed to so much music over the past 4 decades!
@ 18:
Albums after “Purpendicular”:
“Abandon” was quite weak as an album to me because it just had “Watching The Sky” and “69”, apart from the remake “Bludsucker”. And as a follow up to the great “Purpendicular” it was rather disappointing.
“Bananas” was a lot better than “Abandon”. “House Of Pain” is a cool song I would love to see in their live set again, same goes for “Silver Tongue”. The title track is fantastic and the album closes with “Contact Lost”, which is touching. The thing I don’t like about “Bananas” is the poppy edge on all the other songs.
I’ve been liking “Rapture Of The Deep” quite from the start. It has “Money Talks”, “Wrong Man”, the title track and “Before Time Began” which I really enjoyed. The other tracks aren’t bad either. It just has a jazzy edge to it a Purple fan shouldn’t be all too unfamiliar with as the band always had a jazzy touch. With Don Airey this element just comes more to the forefront.
The Morse era to my taste has two very good albums, a fearly good one and one weak songwritingwise. Production is something different but doesn’t matter to me as much as the songs themselves. Put me to the list of people who don’t like the work of Bradford. To some point Kevin Shirley would be a very interesting adress.
October 21st, 2011 at 17:09@Tracy, that is not the case concerning Ian and Rapture. As far as I know he just didn’t want to do any overdubbs. What actually happened was they whipped out a quick demo of the entire album, and Bradford went ahead and said he could do plenty with it. Then he proceeded to spit shine produce it, which resulted in what many say was a ‘backyard recording’ -I agree it sounds like pure garbage over some very good songs, and things concerning Ian went left out, things like turning off his mike and Bradford leaving it in, you can hear it more than once. It’s a quick recorded, quick produced demo. Bananas only benefitted from Bradford getting more involved and actually throwing in some writing ideas, but otherwise, it too sounds bunk as far as I am concerned. Plus whatever their motivation was to get an outside producer did nothing but backfire in the same way replacing the gunuine article with a pompus performer did. Check Bradord now, anyone? He has not surfaced anywehre on the net since he performed with them and Ian Gillan in 2006. Try finding anything whatsoever on his activities in the music business since then… go ahead, run a check… goose eggs! What’s up with that? ROTD started wearing off on the fans within less than a year from release, and he disappears… pretty fascinating!
When the buying public remembers what albums are, they might start becoming more inspired to make really good ones. I think since the CD age it’s not really possible to chrun out well over 10 songs time after time, when only two or three move any mountains anyway, it’s all become old hat. Something new has to happen concerning the album market, period.
October 24th, 2011 at 22:40Must correct, ‘churn’ is the term.
October 24th, 2011 at 22:42yes, Bananas and ROTD had a bad production so as everyone here I hope they will change producer but don’t forget that most part of a great album depends on the songwriting…
October 25th, 2011 at 11:43Actually Larry, I personally recollect conversing with Roger and Steve personally back stage regarding the long awaited ROTD and Both advised they were waiting on Ian Gillan to lay down the vocal tracks. Their words were quote…”Whenever Ian Gillan gets around to it”. They (especially Steve) showed to be quite dismayed with Ian’s lack of effort toward contributing his part which was the main reason for the delayed release of ROTD, just as is now regarding the present effort. Too much lenience is being awarded to all this complacency.
Cheers
October 26th, 2011 at 16:07I never thought I d say it but…….
Maybe it’s about time getting in a new and hungry singer?
Put in Ritchie and JLT and there’ll be an album within months.
I know that will not happen.
It will be an awkward sight to see Ian Gillan still being around at his 70th birthday.
October 27th, 2011 at 15:47Sorry Tracy, but even this interview is major evidence that they will often say whatever sounds good at the time. If you watch the vh-1 ‘hangin’ with’ episode they did, they explained the process… title track Rapture took an afternoon to write and record, including vocals. No longer than 7 weeks and it was all done, which likely included a couple of weeks of fun they didn’t have in the five weeks they recorded Bananas. I don’t recall anything about it being delayed… it followed Bananas swiftly compared to the other releases. It’s cut and paste galore, dude, admit it! Albeit very good for cut and paste. We all know Purple still make others look poor on their worst days, but I’m telling ya the album format has passed it’s sell-by date, and not even Led Zeppelin can bring it back. It started with too much space on CD’s, and it has all mushed to the point where it’s finally evident that it’s overkill. Even if it’s a short CD, it contains too many songs for it’s length proper. I don’t know… put out singles or something, it worked for the Pet Shop Boys, to the tune of competing with Purple’s all time record sales. Let’s face it, they please Purple first… trying to please the public at our pace is for athletes. If they’re still competing…. huh, with who? Slim pickens there anyway… chill for a while, but keep your ears pealed enough for the sucker punch! They’re obviously just all talked out about things that haven’t happened yet. This is an interview with someone who has a fresh new album out, yet everyone is sweating him about a Purple album. I see something a bit cracked there, but whatever.
November 3rd, 2011 at 15:28@ 25
“We all know Purple still make others look worse on their bad days.”???!!!
You must be kidding.
I know you are : )
I m so happy there is so much great NEW music released, albeit the stupid arguments “there’s no money in it”(….)
People are still buying SOME products by OTHER artists, so they bloody well must love it!
Which fresh album?
Did I miss one?
Are you refferring to “Morocco”?
Is there another , one I did suppress perhaps ? : (
Oh my God, you are talking about the Live @ Montreux!!!!
November 4th, 2011 at 11:47Hey …..it’s not like they released Made In Japan after MachineHead or something!
@24 Never thought id say it?????
Youve been wittering on about it for years
JLT & RB – an album in months – god forbid
November 4th, 2011 at 16:59Larry my boy,
Yes Purple do have a long history of making statements that contradict themselves, but in the case of what I witnessed first-hand, I do believe this time the remarks were sincere. Yes Rapture did come out in a matter of just 3 years after Bananas, but due to how long it took for Bananas to come out after Abandon (over 5 years),the fans were already feeling the time lapse and wanted a quicker release. I remember also back then that even though Bananas was the first MK8 album (officially), the ghost of Jon Lord still loomed over it due to actually having some input and involvement on it and there was a strong desire to quickly follow up with a record from just the MK8 line-up. Plus they were still slobbering over ‘Bradford’ and were themselves pushing out that they wanted to ride on the high note they were feeling about Bananas with a quick return to the studio. Then after the second year of nothing and the fans beginning to grumble because it was beginning to look like a delay was in store, they started fumbling around with sneak previews of some Artwork for the album which Roger was involve with and working on. Remember that first peak at the ‘Porthole’ version that was being kicked around. This was all part of the diversion from the fact that there was procrastination and some sort of delayed activity on its release. I remember how Roger, Steve and Paicey all 3, but separately had the same strong sense of discontent with Gillan’s no show with his piece of the puzzle to the album. The vocal tracks. The record was virtually finished for many months except for the vocal tracks and of course then the final production and mixing. The frustration witnessed from these 3, and separate collaboration of the same story confirmed it. It all culminated from how after Bananas, they so Up on it and statements made by them about how they had recorded tons of material and the creative juices were flowing so well with the addition of Don Airey, there would be an album to follow very quick. Then 3 years passed. Gillan finally did his part and the record was released. Unfortunately his lack-luster desire to return to the studio with Purple after Rapture has bled over into the whole band and here we are today with 6 years of nothing and Maybe an album in 2012. As much as I love Gillan in this band, I am truly disappointed in his lack of concern towards keeping the band current. They would be smart to do a double album in retribution. I doubt there will be another one after this next possible release, and they really should make an effort to Wow the masses with a true epic sayonara, finishing out with a typical long tour, but mainly on the Newer stuff, Mk7/8. That would be classy and proper.
Cheers
November 4th, 2011 at 20:05I did not know about Gillan’s lack of motivation way back.
Interesting.
For me Ian Gillan ALWAYS will be THE singer for the band.
Whatever happens(…)
But since the 80’s he has shown many times he can’t handle his voice professionally.
I KNOW he puts tons of energy in his performances, no doubt there.
I completely agree that he still owns that special Gillan voice inbetween the “wastelands”.
When he skips the emberassing parts he appearantly insists on doing he is still a AUTHENTIC force no one can deny.
Personally I dont feel enthusiasm for the Bob Dylan route : keep on going and doing performances untill you drop.
It’s a bad comparison because Dylan never really could sing at all and Gillan was a GOD amongst his peers.
But still…..
Some defend the quality of his live performances with : “Hey, he’s growing old, that’s just the way. And it isn’t it cool he still soldiers on?”
Many others suggests that aging people are beautiful and gain an certyain extra.
Well, maybe that counts for afew among us but most of us will always grasp the possibility to regain qualities we still had when we were younger.
I think it shows no integrity and a lack of respect for what he once was.
Ofcourse, like I said so many times before, I can totally understand why someone behaves like that.
The alternative of earning way less to nothing doing it it without the “brandname”of DP, it must be a cold and logical decision on his behalve to continue this way.
But that ‘s still very saddening.
Maybe not to countless others, I know.
He gets away with it.
Part of it is the still magical old songs he keeps on delivering.
It’s a dead end route, but he gave up that he can change that.
It is what it is.To use that expression of a cynical way of thinking.
In the studio there’s the possibility to record great vocals and even keep that certain “Gillan-tone”.
But without good material it fells flat.
Oh man, I wish he and Iommi would have done some more STUDIO efforts.
Iommi has shown over the years that even without Dio and Osbourne he could create CLASSIC albums.
Tony Martin anyone?
I m not sure about Martin’s capacities today and a bald tattoed head does not appeal much to me but hey…..would he not have been a great singer for DP?
Tony or another replacement, why not after so many marks?
Personally I dont care much for a DP without the original TRIO.
First time that happened was with Tommy Bolin but how often can they make an album that good?.
Jon Lord time and time again suggests that was not a real DP album.
How does he think about out the output after that?
Come Taste The Band is a great album without RB and maybe only is followed by PURPENDICULAR as a gem amongst DP albums.
I don’t think many will be convinced the trio after that album should be held as an Desert Island Disc.
Again, DP without Gillan anyone?
Why not reshuffle some more?
DP as an ongoing concept probably wont happen.
Gillan will try to pursue untill he dies and when that happens Paicey and Glover will be worn out as well.
DP with just Morse and Airey searching new additive members?
I m often scrutinised because of my on going criticisms.
But I am totally honest when I say I stayed on board not only because I like to vent my frustration but also hoped for something to happen on a positive level.
What I feared all those years has become a brutal reality but still…..
I hope Tracy’s wish for a Grand Double CD Finale would become true.
Tony Martin could have been a great RAINBOW singer as well.
All those dreams and fantasies and still everything stagnates beyond the imaginable.
It’s a bit like the European Uniopn.
A great concept but now more and more corrupted.
No real chemistry but the shows must go and and elections must be won.
Power because of the power and no dominace of content.
What is the content behind Deep Purple?
It always was a commercial thinking organisation but in the last decade the content has been lost.
And Who Cares? : (
November 5th, 2011 at 11:53Tracy, we obviously account things differently, from differnt sources, including the one I mentioned which is what it is, a documented account from Roger and Steve. Plus it was late 2003 when Bananas was released and late 2005 when Rapture was released. Two years, ‘my boy’ -whether it really matters or not, you seem to be approaching a question with a ready made answer to fit it’s purpose, or it looks that way… not that nobody else ever does it. 🙂 🙂
Priest, I really do wonder about you… read back your last post and tell me how you earn your living, and why a career in music constitutes a lack of respect for anyone who earns one. What the hell are people suposed to do, become something they never were, just because they chose to keep doing what they’re best at? Jumping Jesus Christ on a Pogo Stick!
November 6th, 2011 at 01:07“What the hell are people suposed to do, become something they never were, just because they chose to keep doing what they’re best at?”
???????
I probably don’t understand what you’re saying.
1. Something they never were?
Who is “they”?
DP with Morse?
DP with aging members, espescially in the vocal department?
DP in the 70’s?
2 .What were they not ever?
People with integrity?
Gods that maintain the same level all their life?
Musicians who don’t do it mainly for the earnings?
3. What are they(???)best at?
Performing?
Friend or foe, everyone knows the level is on a cale downwards.
“They” is the DP of today? A DP with limited abilities?
Earning money is normal.
I(….) always thought there was a difference between professions.
When you ‘re working as a musician vs working at an assembly line means you aim higher than “just making money.”
Well, just my idealistic point of view?
November 6th, 2011 at 12:52Actually Larry it was early 2003 for Bananas. Maybe even late 2002 in the US. Not that it matters. I have my sources….(THEM). You have yours. Again, it doesn’t really matter. Nothing really matters…..to meeeeeeeeeee. The music does. I just hope they make more.
Cheers
November 8th, 2011 at 04:06Bananas, our Sergeant Pepper(Ian Gillan).
November 11th, 2011 at 00:14