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NEC, Birmingham, UK
June 22, 2003

by Keith Thompson

Back in White

So then Deep Purple 2003. Who would have believed it, eh? As a 13 year old I was bought the 1973 NME Year Book for Christmas. In it Ritchie Blackmore stated that the average age of Purple’s audience was then 19. Presumably those 19 year olds are now bringing their nephews nieces and aunties. There was a lovely touch for example when Ian Gillan discovered a shy yet awestruck little toddler standing in the aisle just behind us in Row E.

So there's the audience sorted so what about the bands?

The Darkness and Lynyrd Skynyrd had already given us two contrasting perspectives on our genre. Look out for the unusual falsetto vocal on the single Get Your Hands off My Woman. Skynyrd’s ancestors boogied on down immaculately culminating in the Freebird anthem, now a tribute to band members since departed for rock and roll heaven. But why do people get so hung up making comparisons - yes Skynyrd played the three chord boogie well but the point is the whole three band package works because of the contrasts in styles. I think we are surely beyond the tiresome Battle of the Bands thing aren’t we? And so back to Purple. Last time I saw the band live it was at Liverpool in 2002 and they had been struck down with flu. Just like he did at Birmingham Odeon in 1980, Ian battled on against illness without a single complaint or excuse. I am pleased to report that the band is in fine fettle on this tour.

The set list doesn’t seem to have altered since earlier reviews. I was pleasantly surprised by Haunted and I Got Your Number. Why should I by surprised? Steve Morse is an excellent innovator and both songs bear his signature. For this reason, I would like to have seen Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming too but that’s purely a subjective view.

My own personal fave this time around was Perfect Strangers. Dare I say that this is the ultimate tribute to Ritchie Blackmore? It had his stamp all over it and I got the impression that Steve was happy more than happy to avoid re-inventing the wheel.

Speed King, the b-side to Black Night got me hooked back 1971. In 2003 it still makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck. Sure we miss Jon Lord, but Don Airey has the ability both to combine Lordy’s signatures and supply his individual take on the old classics. Speaking to him back stage, he declared that Jon’s trademark instrument was “very difficult to control on stage.” To me there’s the secret to Deep Purple’s music revealed. As my friend said, the keyboard drives songs like Space Truckin, Speed King and Highway Star. Its previous owner should be knighted and invited to the Queen’s Garden Party.

Anyway yeah we had these back stage passes. Thanks Shell! Coming down from Liverpool in the car, we were asking ourselves “What do we say to Ian Gillan?” So many musical moments. Playing immaculately to 200 people with Gillan in Birkenhead in 79, Jesus Christ Superstar, the multi million magic of Made in Japan, the 80s reunion, the tears of a teenager when I read the front of Melody Maker, “Deep Purple Split.” On 22 June 2003 it just came out like this. “ I wonder if you would do me the honour, Ian of signing for me a large chunk of my youth” as I handed over my vinyl cut of Made in Japan. I meant every word of it although, with hindsight, I might have substituted the word “youth” with “life.”

Paicey didn’t make it to the hospitality lounge. Who could blame him? This guy is the best drummer in the world. He needs the shut-eye if he is going to keep on top of the game. Like Bonzo used to, he shoots right from the hip. Roger punctuates his crucial tempo and together they create the impact. Am I saying Deep Purple are a formula? Sure a successful one. E=mc2 with smiles.

So whether you are 9 or 90, catch them where you can. See you in Liverpool at the Kings Dock where I guess they will be playing a longer set.
As we say in Scouseland Yisssssssss!

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